Full Mouth Reconstruction: Dental Crowns To Improve Functionality

Dental crowns are one of the restorations that might be used during a full mouth reconstruction. A dental crown is a cover that goes over a damaged, deformed or discolored tooth. The crown restores the function of the tooth it covers, as well as its shape, color and size.

There are a few reasons why a dentist may recommend a dental crown for a full mouth reconstruction. They are as follows:

• A cavity that is too big to be fixed with a filling
• A weakened, cracked or worn down tooth
• To hide a discolored or deformed tooth
• A tooth that has been repaired with a root canal

What to expect

The process of full mouth reconstruction starts with a consultation. The dentist will talk to the patient about their biggest concerns and evaluate their teeth. A visual inspection and x-rays will be used to paint a clear picture of the problems affecting the patient's teeth.

If the dentist decides dental crowns are recommended, they will educate the patient about how the process works and what their other options are. In many cases, teeth that can be repaired with crowns can also be repaired with other treatments like composite bonding or veneers. However, crowns have more longevity than either of these options. They can last up to 25 years if the patient takes good care of their teeth.

When crowns are used for a full mouth reconstruction, they can be made from a variety of materials like ceramics, porcelain fused to metal, porcelain, composite resins and metal alloys that contain gold, silver or other metals. Porcelain crowns provide the most natural-looking appearance, while metal crowns are the most durable. Dentists worry more about aesthetics when restoring front teeth, while less aesthetic options like metals can be explored for out of sight molars. Other factors the dentist considers when deciding on what type of crown include the following:

• How much gum tissue the tooth has surrounding it
• How much of the tooth is exposed when the patient smiles
• The tooth's function and location
• The patient's preference
• The color, size and shape of the patient's real teeth

Installing the crown

The installation of a crown during a full mouth reconstruction requires the removal of enamel so the crown fits better. A shot of anesthetic is used to numb the area before starting the process. Once the tooth has been prepared, digital images are used to make a 3-D model of the tooth or the dentist asks the patient to bite down on mold, creating an impression of the tooth. The impression/data is sent to a lab that makes crowns. It gets back to the dentist in about two weeks.

The patient's tooth will be covered with a temporary crown for the time being. Once their customized crowns are ready, the dentist takes the temporary crown off and replaces it with the customized crown. The patient's tooth should be fully restored at this point, allowing for a completed full mouth reconstruction. 

A crown can fix a damaged tooth

Reach out today to learn more about how we can restore teeth with dental crowns during a full mouth reconstruction.

Request an appointment here: https://hemetdentalcenter.com or call Hemet Dental Center: Brian Stiewel DDS, INC. at (951) 707-4366 for an appointment in our Hemet office.

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