Crowns and Implants

Crowns

A crown or cap is used cover and protect a tooth. Crowns are fabricated from porcelain, high noble metal, or a combination of both. If a tooth has a large worn filling without a lot of supporting tooth structure, it is best to cover it up with a crown to prevent the tooth from breaking. A crown also helps hold a tooth together if there is a fracture or crack. If there is a crack in a tooth, over time it can travel, causing pain while chewing and can lead to loss fo the tooth.

Crown procedures usually take two appointments. The first appointment is when the tooth is prepared for the crown. The tooth is modified to make enough room for the new restoration. An impression is taken and sent to our dental technician where the crown is fabricated. It takes about three weeks for the crown to be made so the patient leaves with a temporary crown in place that covers and protects the tooth. The crown is then delivered at the next visit.

Temporary Crowns

Temporary crowns play a very important role in the crown and bridge process. Temporary crowns not only cover the prepared teeth to help with sensitivity but they also keep the adjacent teeth from shifting. Crowns and bridges are custom made for each individual and if a temporary is lost it can affect the fit of the final restoration. We use a temporary cement to hold the temp crown in place while the final restoration is being made. This is so that it is easily removed when the new crown or bridge is placed. Avoid sticky foods such as gum and caramels that can pull temps off. Also when flossing pop the floss down and pull to the side, not up, because the floss can catch an edge of the crown and dislodge the temporary. If a temporary becomes loose, breaks, or is lost it is very important to give us a call so that it can be remade or recemented. In the mean time, if the temp is not broken, you can use items like denture adhesive, Chap Stick or Vaseline to create suction to help hold the temporary in place until you can get into our office to have it recemented. DO NOT USE SUPER GLUE!

Implants

Dental implants are an excellent way of replacing a single tooth or multiple teeth. A dental implant is a small titanium cylinder that is surgically placed into the jaw bone and replaces the missing root. Once the implant is integrated into the bone, a crown is placed on top of the implant. Implants are a great alternative to bridges and partials. Implants can also be used to help secure dentures and partials.

All information © Heim & Johnson DDS 2425 So. Grand Ave. Glenwood Springs CO 81601