A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that completely covers a damaged or decayed tooth. By covering the tooth in this way, Dr. Nguyen can restore the appearance and functionality of your tooth while protecting the existing structure.
There are many reasons people need crowns to protect their teeth. No matter what the underlying cause is, if you need to protect the tooth structure from further damage and restore the appearance and functionality of your smile, you need a crown.
Getting a crown typically takes two office visits. Dr. Nguyen will prepare your tooth for the crown during your first visit. The preparation process involves shaving down some of the chewing surface and the sides of your teeth to accommodate the crown. Once your tooth is prepared, she will take an impression of your tooth and the surrounding teeth to send to the lab where your custom crown will be made. You will then be fitted with a temporary crown while your crown is being made.
It usually takes less than two weeks to make your crown. Once Dr. Nguyen receives your crown, you will come back into the office, and she will cement the crown into place. You may go through an adjustment period before your crown feels normal in your mouth. However, once your adjustment period is over, your crown will look, feel, and function just like your natural tooth!
With proper care, your crown should last anywhere between 5 and 15 years. The longevity of your crown will depend on where the tooth is in your mouth, how much stress the crown takes, and your oral hygiene habits.
If you think a crown is the right choice for you, call Dr. Nguyen at The Tooth Inc. today at (512) 593-1874 or request your appointment online.