Our patient Sebastian with Dr. Ali
Dental Crowns in Stouffville
In Stouffville, Dr. Waseema Ali feels that it is important that you understand exactly what a crown is and how important it is in saving of your teeth. Crowns are made of esthetic porcelain which is placed on the top of your tooth just like a cap to protect it.
Crowns are typically used to restore a tooth’s function and appearance following a restorative procedure such as a root canal. When decay in a tooth has become so advanced that large portions of the tooth must be removed, crowns are the best option to restore and then protect your tooth.
Crowns are also used to attach bridges, cover implants, prevent a cracked tooth from becoming worse, or when an existing filling is in jeopardy of becoming loose or dislocated. Crowns also have an aesthetic use when a discoloured or stained tooth needs to be restored to its natural appearance.
The Procedure
Your tooth must usually be reduced in size to accommodate a crown. A digital scan is made of the existing tooth and sent electronically to a special lab, which manufactures your custom-designed crown. A temporary crown is applied until your permanent crown is ready. Permanent crowns are then secured into place by Dr. Ali.
Crowns are sometimes confused with veneers, but they are quite different as veneers are typically applied only to the front surfaces of your front teeth.
Caring For Your Crowns
With proper care, a good quality crown could last up to eight years or longer. It is very important to floss around the crown to avoid excess plaque or collection of debris in that area.
Certain behaviours such as jaw clenching or bruxism (teeth grinding) can significantly shorten the life of a crown. Dr. Ali and the Stouffville Family Dentistry team suggest considering a night guard to protect both your crowns and natural teeth for those that clench and grind during sleep. Moreover, eating brittle foods, ice or hard candy can compromise the adhesion of your crown, or even damage the crown. It is best to stay away from anything such as this to make sure your crown is not damaged.
