By Michael J Morris, DDS
February 22, 2018
Category: Dental Procedures

Once you lose a natural tooth, you lose something very valuable--a complete smile. Each tooth plays an important role in your oral health dental crownsand function and in your personal appearance. As such, Dr. Michael Morris in Spring, TX, endeavors to give a damaged tooth a second chance. Through a well-known restoration called a dental crown, you probably can keep--and strengthen-- your tooth that's sick or weak. Here's what you should know about dental crowns.

What is a dental crown?

Some people call it a cap, but whatever name you use, the dental crown is one of the most reliable and versatile restorations modern dentistry offers. These days, dentists, such as Dr. Morris, usually use true to life porcelain to custom-make a crown to completely cover healthy portions of the tooth. As a patient's unique needs warrant, he may recommend porcelain fused to metal (PFM) or precious metal.

Typically, crowns remake teeth damaged by:

  • Extensive tooth decay
  • Dental abscess (root canal therapy may precede the crown treatment)
  • Oral injury (large chip, deep crack or denatured enamel which darkens a tooth)
  • Odd shape (such as a peg-shaped lateral incisor)
  • Deep stains from fluorosis (exposure to too much fluoride in childhood), tobacco, or prescription medications such as tetracycline

Also, Dr. Morris uses dental crowns to affix bridgework to adjoining natural teeth and to complete dental implants.

The crown process

Through oral examination and X-ray imaging, Dr. Ross determines a tooth's suitability for restoration with a crown. He'll look at how much enamel is left above the gum line and make sure that the interior pulp and supporting root and bone are healthy.

If a crown is appropriate, Dr. Ross takes an impression of the tooth and creates specific instructions for the dental lab. Additionally, he'll remove the unhealthy tooth structure with a dental drill (usually numbing the tooth first) and then shape it to accept the restoration. While the lab makes the new crown, the patient wears a temporary cap.

To place the permanent crown, Dr. Ross removes the temporary and then uses a strong adhesive to bond the new one in place. A dental crown extends the lifespan of a compromised tooth, allowing you to have a completely natural-looking and well-functioning smile.

Plus, crowns are easy to care for: just brush, floss and get routine cleanings and exams with Dr. Morris. Avoid hard foods, and if you're a tooth-grinder, wear a night time mouth guard.

Learn more in Spring, TX

Find out if a dental crown could restore your smile. For a consultation with Dr. Morris, call his office in Spring, TX, at (281) 379-6939.

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Louetta and Spring, TX Family Dentist
Michael J Morris, DDS
9318 Louetta Road Suite 600
Spring, TX 77379
(281) 379-6939
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