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(205) 991-5343

Crowns

A crown is a cover that is placed over a discolored or badly shaped tooth to restore it to its ideal shape, size and color. In addition to improving your tooth’s appearance, a crown can make a tooth stronger. Crowns strengthen teeth with large fillings, keep weak teeth from breaking, restore broken teeth or attach bridges.

There are several types of crowns available, including ceramic, porcelain, resin and stainless steel. Dr. Lee or Dr. Melazzo will assess your situation for the best solution.

Are crowns for me?

If you are looking to keep your smile looking bright and full, a crown might be for you. Consult Dr. Lee or Dr. Melazzo about a crown if you have a tooth that is:

  • Discolored
  • Misshaped
  • Weak
  • Broken

What is the procedure like?

Installing a crown generally takes two visits to our office.

First Visit

One of our dentists will examine your tooth to see if you are a candidate for a crown. After concluding that your tooth needs a crown, Dr. Lee or Dr. Melazzo will prepare your tooth by filing it down. We might need to fill in your tooth if it is severely damaged so the crown can fit properly.

After priming the tooth, we will take an impression of the tooth and surrounding teeth for your permanent crown. We will send off this information and provide you with a temporary crown to wear until your final crown is placed.

Second Visit

When you arrive for your second visit, you’ll have your temporary crown removed first. Then, our dentist will place and fasten your new crown with an adhesive.

How long will it take me to heal?

When wearing your temporary crown, please avoid chewy foods that can pull at the crown or hard foods that can break the crown. Also, attempt to chew food on the opposite side of your mouth. You might feel a sensitivity in the area the crown was placed in, so it might be helpful to eat a softer diet for a few days.

Once the permanent crown is placed, you might feel that it is out of place in your mouth. However, your crown will begin functioning normally after a little time. To make sure that your crown is secured properly, avoid sticky foods for the first 24 hours after placement.

Crown FAQs

  • How long will I be numb?
    Your lips, teeth, cheek and/or tongue may be numb for several hours after the procedure. To avoid injury, you should avoid any chewing and hot beverage until the numbness has completely worn off. It is very easy to bite or burn your tongue, cheek or lip while you are numb.
  • Is it normal for my gums or jaw to be sore?
    Irritation to the gum tissue can occur from dental work. Rinsing your mouth 2-3 times per day with ½ tsp of warm saltwater can help to alleviate discomfort. Injection sites can be sore for several days after your appointment. Over the counter pain medications works well to alleviate the tenderness.
  • My bite feels off, is this normal?
    If your bite feels uneven, please call our office so we can make a quick adjustment to the temporary or final restoration. Do not assume your bite will get better after time. The tooth may become irritated and a toothache may occur, if this is not done. It may also cause an increase in temperature sensitivity with the tooth.
  • Is it normal for my tooth to be sensitive?
    It is normal to experience some sensitivity to heat, cold, sweets and pressure after your appointment. It is common for this sensitivity to last several months after treatment. Usually, deeper cavities will be more sensitive. Again, make sure your bite feels even.
  • What foods should I avoid with the temporary?
    Avoid eating chewy and sticky foods, such as gum, taffy, licorice, etc. Also, try not to eat hard foods directly on the temporary as it may fracture. It is best, if possible, to chew on the opposite side from the tooth that was worked on to avoid dislodging the temporary.
  • Why do I need the temporary to stay on?
    While the custom restoration is being made, temporaries serve to protect the teeth and to help minimize temperature sensitivity. In addition, they help to prevent movement of the adjacent and opposing teeth so that the final crown will fit properly.
  • What should I do if my temporary comes off?
    Occasionally, a temporary crown may come off or fracture. Call us if this occurs and bring your temporary to the office so that we may recement or repair it. If the temporary comes off during off hours or if you are our-of-town, you can purchase recementing products from the drug store and attempt to do it yourself by following the instructions.
  • Can I brush and floss around my temporary?
    You may brush your teeth and temporary crown as usual using a soft toothbrush. Floss your temporary crown carefully. Do not pull up on the floss as this may dislodge or loosen the temporary. Instead, pull the floss out from the side of the temporary. If a temporary bridge was placed, use a floss threader to clean underneath the bridge and pull the floss our through the side or front of the temporary.

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