Ladera Ranch dental questions: What are crowns?
When a tooth is broken off, badly decayed, or otherwise damaged, you may worry that extraction is the only option. Although that is true in severe situations, most teeth can be saved with prompt dental treatment. There is more to a tooth than meets the eye. The visible part, which protrudes above the gum line, is called a clinical crown. The part we don’t see, which extends down into the jawbone, is called the root.
If the root of a tooth is still strong and healthy, the missing or damaged portion of the clinical crown can be replaced with porcelain. This restoration is known as a dental crown. It covers the compromised tooth with a sturdy layer of porcelain on all sides, restoring its health, appearance, and functionality.
How crowns are made
In the past, all porcelain restorations had to be fabricated in a dental laboratory. The process usually takes two or three weeks, during which time the patient is provided with a temporary crown. A follow up appointment is scheduled when the crown is completed and has been delivered to the dental office. Although that method is still in use at some dental offices, today’s technology has provided us with a better way.
We use the CEREC in office milling machine to create dental crowns and other porcelain restorations, right here in our Mission Viejo dental office. CEREC is a high tech solution to dental restorations. The process begins with digital impressions, which means no gagging and no uncomfortable trays.
The crown is designed using specialized software, and the data is sent to the CEREC milling machine. It carves the crown with digital precision, from a solid block of high strength porcelain. The entire process can be completed within your appointment, so there is no need to wear a temporary restoration, and no follow up appointment.
Drs. Alex and Nina Basti are proud to provide quality, convenient dentistry for residents of Mission Viejo, Ladera Ranch, and other area communities. Call us at 949-427-2096 to schedule your appointment.