If you have a severely damaged or decaying tooth, dental crowns can prevent further harm, restoring your smile to its near-original condition. At Russell Family Dentistry in Tomball, Texas, Louis Russell Jr., DDS, makes dental crowns on-site using CEREC® technology. CEREC provides same-day dental crowns, saving you time while preventing the need for several appointments. To schedule a consultation, book online or call the office to speak with a caring staff member today.
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped coverings used to protect a weak, damaged, or decaying tooth. Once bonded in place, a crown envelopes the entire portion of your enamel above the gums.
Crowns restore the appearance of your tooth and make activities like biting and chewing much easier. In addition, crowns preserve your tooth, preventing the need for an extraction.
Dr. Russell uses dental crowns to:
Crowns can also be used to make cosmetic modifications to your smile.
Dr. Russell has a CEREC milling machine on-site, allowing you to get a dental crown in just one appointment.
At the beginning of your consultation, Dr. Russell reviews your oral health history and conducts a thorough exam. He also takes X-rays to observe your jaw, tooth roots, and alveolar bone.
Next, Dr. Russell prepares your tooth to receive a crown. He carefully shaves a layer of enamel off the top and sides of your tooth and uses an intraoral scanner to take digital impressions. Then, he selects a shade of restoration that matches your tooth enamel.
After completing the design process, Dr. Russell uploads your impressions to the CEREC milling machine. The machine carves your custom crown from a block of ceramic. The milling process takes about an hour. Once the machine finishes, Dr. Russell lines up your crown with your tooth and carefully bonds it in place.
Dental crowns typically last 12-15 years, but with proper care, they may last even longer. To keep your dental crowns pristine, Dr. Russell recommends brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and quitting smoking. If possible, avoid bad habits like opening objects with your teeth, nail-biting, or chewing on ice.
If you play contact sports or enjoy activities like mountain biking or snowboarding, wear a mouthguard. These simple preventive measures can keep your crowns in great shape for years to come.
To see if you can benefit from dental crowns, schedule a consultation at Russell Family Dentistry. Book an appointment online, or call the office to speak with a caring team member today.
