Dental treatment in Centerville, Ohio – when are crowns a good choice?
Your smile is the physical expression of your greatest inner beauty, happiest moments, and most cherished memories. Yet, if you have untreated tooth damage, that smile can quickly become a source of pain and unhappiness. When that happens, you can count on Dr. Cobb and the team at Alex Bell Dental in Centerville, Ohio, for healthy, beautiful solutions.
Dr. Cobb is a proud member of IAOMT (International Association of Oral Medicine and Toxicology) who practices biocompatible, conservative dentistry. Our dental crowns are made of porcelain, which is inert and metal-free. Porcelain has virtually identical aesthetic properties to tooth enamel, making it the ideal material for a natural-looking solution.
Types of dental restorations
Unlike skin and many other tissues in the human body, teeth do not regenerate. A broken or decayed tooth will not get better without a dental restoration. Instead, any damage to enamel allows harmful bacteria to reach the softer dentin layer, where decay spreads more rapidly.
The importance of restorative dentistry goes beyond repairing damage that has already occurred. Crowns, fillings, and other restorations also serve the purpose of sealing and protecting the tooth, preventing further damage. Ideally, a restoration should be strong enough to accomplish this goal, but conservative enough to preserve the maximum amount of healthy tooth material.
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During the initial consultation, your dentist will discuss available options and recommend the most conservative, effective solution. Depending on the nature and severity of the damage, that may be:
- Fillings – Our biocompatible filling material can conform to the shape of the cavity, requiring very little tooth preparation beyond the removal of damaged tissue. After the filling is placed, it is cured and hardened, creating a strong bond with the tooth. This is a great solution for small cavities, chips, and other minor damage.
- Inlays and onlays—These are similar to fillings in that they can be used for smaller areas, but they are made of high-strength porcelain. They may be used for larger cavities or those encompassing part of the tooth cusp (tip).
- Crowns – Also called caps, crowns shield the entire surface of teeth with a sturdy layer of premium porcelain material. A crown can restore the size, shape, appearance, and functionality of a severely damaged tooth, such as one that has been broken off. Additionally, the crown effectively protects the underlying tooth from wear or impact. That is why crowns are used following root canal procedures.
- Implants — Extraction is considered the least desirable option and is only recommended if it is not possible to save your natural tooth. If that is deemed necessary, we offer dental implants with porcelain restorations, which are designed to replicate the appearance and function of natural teeth. Our patients can choose between traditional titanium posts or metal-free zirconia.
What to expect – the dental crown procedure
Like all dental treatments, the first step is an examination and consultation. If you and your dentist decide that a crown is the best option, the process will be completed in just a few steps.
- Preparation—We will gather diagnostic data, including X-rays. Then, the tooth is prepared by removing all damaged or diseased material and sculpted into the optimal shape for the crown’s retention.
- Planning – Impressions are taken, and the crown is designed for a natural appearance and maximum functionality. The new crown is matched to the color of your other teeth.
- Temporary crown – Your dentist will place a temporary restoration to be worn while the laboratory creates your permanent crown.
- Fabrication – We will send your records and crown design to a premier dental laboratory, where the restoration is created by skilled ceramists. It is designed to replicate a natural tooth, not only in size and shape but also translucency, subtle variations of color gradient, and luminescence.
- Adjustments – When we receive your crown from the lab, we will arrange your next appointment. The dentist removes any temporary restorations and checks the new crown or crowns. If the fit or appearance is less than ideal, appropriate adjustments are made.
- Placement – Once the crown has been refined and perfected, the final step is to cement it in place. A curing light may be used to harden the adhesive.
- Maintenance – Your porcelain crown will not corrode or decay. However, plaque and tartar buildup can lead to cavities in the underlying tooth. Brush and floss regularly, paying special attention to the margin (edge) of the crown.
Give us a call at (937) 435 7311 to schedule an appointment.
Back to Home PageDr. Daniel Cobb
A graduate from the Loma Linda University with degrees in Dentistry and Public Health, Dr. Daniel Cobb has 6 years of experience in international dental work and over 30 years of experience in private practice.
Whilst being a skilled and talented professional, Dr. Cobb firmly believes in providing the very best care to his clients so that they are at ease. He values dedication and strives to provide a genuine service to his community.
As a driven and focused expert, Dr. Cobb is certified in restorative and cosmetic dentistry and continues to educate himself on the positive impact of improving dental health.