Where damage to a person's teeth is extreme, and apparently beyond repair, we can use porcelain crowns to make the smile appear "as new". This is an extremely reliable technique for repairing the most severe of dental problems, even permanently replacing missing teeth to offer a complete smile and a functional bite. We are renowned for the quality of our work and the fantastic changes we make for people using this technology. These treatments are used for a long lasting correction of major dental problems. It is usual for these treatments to last for 10 to 20 years, which is as close to permanent as dental treatment can get.

How long does it take?

Fitting a crown requires at least two visits to our office. Initially, we will remove decay, replace decayed tooth structure with a filling, then shape the tooth, and fit it with a temporary crown of either plastic or metal.

On the subsequent visit we will remove the temporary crown, and then fit and adjust the final crown. Finally, we will cement the crown into place and you have a new beautiful looking tooth.

What types of crowns are available?

Porcelain is almost always used where the tooth shows. There are many types of porcelain and combinations of porcelain fused to metal substructures that can be selected for your situation. The development of newer materials over the past several years has given us the ability to provide metal free dentistry to those who desire it. Dr. Chunn loves to research these materials and will be happy to discuss them with you if you desire.

Gold and silver materials are available as well. Dr. Chunn particularly believes that gold is still the best material to use in the back of the mouth but realizes that no one wants it to show.

Key Benefits

• Prevents teeth from fracture and the patient from pain
• Restores shape and function to misshapen teeth or badly broken down teeth
• Restores natural appearance

What are the capabilities of crowns?

Crown and bridgework is a very reliable solution for major dental problems caused through accidents, diseases or wear and tear. Major problems can usually be corrected using these techniques. Material used in these repairs is either high-grade porcelain, or porcelain bonded to gold. A higher strength of the porcelain and gold materials is recommended to treat the most serious of dental problems. Where accidental damage has occurred, resulting in lost teeth, or where teeth have broken away through excessive wear, or as the result of old fillings breaking, crowns and/or bridges can be used as a long-term solution.

Many people have unexplained pain from filled back teeth, which is usually due to hairline cracks in the chewing part of the tooth. Placing crowns on these teeth relieves the pain 96% of the time and allows a return of full dental function for these teeth. In front teeth, older fillings can both weaken the teeth and cause "appearance" problems due to staining or chipping. Porcelain crowns and bridges are suitable in cases where porcelain veneers are not. In teeth with root canal fillings, crowns can prevent breakage.