Dental Crowns in Colorado Springs
As we get a little older, our teeth start to change. There are many possible reasons for this which can include bruxism (teeth grinding), general decay, cracked fillings, root canals, and many others. If using a filling is not an option, Dr. Guerra may recommend that the best viable option to save the tooth is a full crown. The reasons for this type of restoration in a badly damaged tooth are durability, cosmetic appearance, and overall support of the chewing function.
Types of Crowns
There are a few different options for the repair of your tooth. These options include:
- A full porcelain crown.
- A porcelain fused to metal or gold crown.
- A full gold crown.
The process takes 2 sessions. Although the majority of crowns are completed in two visits, there is sometimes a need for a third visit to ensure a proper fit.
Dr. Guerra will first remove all of the decay in the tooth and then take an impression of the tooth. This impression will be sent to our local dental laboratory where your new restoration will be crafted. While this new tooth is created, we will provide you with a temporary restoration that will resemble your natural teeth so that you can continue with your daily life.
During your second session, we will proceed with the placement of your final restoration. This crown will be fitted comfortably into the mouth. We will make every effort to ensure that the new tooth feels exactly like one of your natural teeth.
The final step in the process is to cement the crown into your mouth restoring your fantastic smile.
Restorative Crown Lengthening
Sometimes, not enough natural tooth sticks out above the gum to support a filling or crown. Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that is performed to correct this deficiency and complete your restoration and save your remaining tooth.
This tooth structure loss can happen when a tooth breaks off at the gum line. It also can happen when a crown or filling falls out of a tooth or if there is decay into the tooth root.
Cosmetic Crown Lengthening
Cosmetic crown lengthening also called gingivoplasty and/or gum contouring. Cosmetic crown lengthening is a smile enhancing surgical procedure for removing and reshaping the gum tissues of front teeth.
Sometimes crown lengthening is done to improve a shortened smile due to the appearance of the gum line. The teeth may actually be the proper length but excess gum tissue may be covering these teeth. During this procedure, excess gum and bone tissue is reshaped to expose more of the natural tooth.
