North Vancouver Crowns (Caps) Procedure
If you have a tooth that is severely damaged or decayed, your dentist may recommend a crown. A crown is also known as a cap and it serves as a covering for an entire tooth surface. A crown protects and strengthens a tooth that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations.
Crowns may be used for broken or fractured teeth. They can be used for decayed teeth or large fillings. They can also be used for cosmetic enhancements or on a tooth that has a root canal.
Crowns are just one of the many excellent dental services we offer at Blue Sky Dental. While exams and preventative care can help reduce the need for a crown, sometimes injuries and chronic conditions can cause extensive damage to a tooth.
Blue Sky Dental can help you with crowns and other dental needs. Contact us today to learn more about your options.
Types of Dental Crowns
Crowns are made from various materials. Some common types include:
- Metal crowns. These crowns are typically made from gold alloy, palladium, or base metal alloys (such as nickel or chromium). Metal crowns are highly durable and resistant to wear. They require minimal removal of the tooth structure and are less likely to cause wear on opposing teeth. However, their metallic color makes them more visible, which may be a concern for some patients.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. These crowns have a metal substructure covered with a layer of tooth-colored porcelain. The metal provides strength and stability, while the porcelain layer gives a natural appearance. These crowns are a popular choice because they combine the strength of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain.
- All-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns. These crowns are made entirely from ceramic materials like zirconia or lithium disilicate. They offer excellent aesthetics, as they can be color-matched to the surrounding teeth. All-ceramic crowns are a good choice for patients who have metal allergies or prefer a more natural-looking restoration. They are suitable for front and back teeth.
- Zirconia crowns. Zirconia is a type of ceramic material known for its strength and durability. Zirconia crowns are metal-free and offer excellent aesthetics. They are highly resistant to chipping and fractures, making them suitable for both front and back teeth.
Dental Crown Procedure
Placing a dental crown often takes a couple dental appointments. Here’s a look at the steps involved:
- Examination and preparation. The dentist will first examine the affected tooth and determine if a crown is necessary. X-rays may be taken to assess the condition of the tooth and surrounding structures. If the tooth is decayed or has a large filling, the dentist may need to perform a root canal treatment before placing the crown.
- Crown numbing and reshaping. The dentist will numb the tooth by administering a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding area, ensuring that you don’t feel any pain during the procedure. To accommodate the crown, the tooth may need to be reshaped. This involves removing a small portion of the tooth’s outer structure from all sides. After the tooth is reshaped, an impression of the tooth and adjacent teeth is taken to help create a custom crown that fits your tooth precisely.
- Temporary crown placement. While the permanent crown is being fabricated, a temporary crown is placed over the tooth to protect it. The temporary crown is usually made of acrylic or stainless steel.
- Permanent crown placement. Once the permanent crown is ready, you will return to the dental office for its placement. The dentist will remove the temporary crown and clean the underlying tooth. The permanent crown is then carefully placed over the tooth, ensuring a proper fit and alignment. The dentist will check your bite and make any necessary adjustments to ensure proper fit. Once the crown fits correctly and both you and the dentist are satisfied with its appearance, it is permanently cemented into place using dental adhesive or bonding cement.
After the crown has been placed and bonded, it’s important to take care of it. Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day. You should also floss and use mouthwash daily. Visit your dentist every six months for check-ups and cleanings to ensure the longevity of the crown.
About Our Team
The team at Blue Sky Dental is ready and willing to help you achieve the best smile possible. We opened our practice in 2016. Our main dentist, Dr. Negar Nazemi, obtained her Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD) degree from UBC in 2010. Our team also consists of dental assistants who work alongside Dr. Nazemi to provide our patients with high-quality care in a comfortable environment.
Our practice focuses on the following:
- High standards. At Blue Sky Dental, we try to meet the standards of excellence in everything we do. Personalized dental care enables us to provide the quality dental services our patients need and deserve. We use various services to help you achieve your optimal dental health.
- Education and prevention. We believe that preventative care and education are the keys to optimal dental health. We provide dental health care vs. disease care. That’s why we focus on thorough exams and disease prevention. We will do things like check the overall health of your teeth and gums, take X-rays, and perform oral cancer exams. We also believe in the power of routine cleanings, flossing, and fluoride. We’re focused on the health and beauty of your smile.
- Uncompromising safety. Infection control is very important to us. To protect our patients, we maintain sterilization and cross contamination processes.
- Training and expertise. We are a team of highly trained and skilled clinicians. We pride ourselves in providing the care you need to keep your smile healthy. We do this through education and learning. We are also members of various professional dental associations.
Contact Us Today
Crowns are a good way to restore damaged teeth. If you want to preserve your teeth, the team at Blue Sky Dental can help you understand your options.
We offer convenient hours, so we have the availability to meet your busy lifestyle. Request an appointment today by filling out the online form or calling (604) 330-1605.