A dental crown replaces tooth structure which is missing or failing because of injury, decay, wear, teeth clenching or infection. At Caring Family Dentistry Inc. in Lincoln, NE, your dentist, Dr. Thomas Blankenau, and his team save and beautify smiles with these realistic restorations. Here's what a crown can do for you.

Crown characteristics

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped jacket of superior-grade porcelain. Customized to fit over your damaged tooth and to bite properly with the opposite arch of teeth, a crown can help avoid dental extraction. It dramatically improves the appearance, durability, lifespan and function of a tooth which:

• Is oddly shaped
• Has deep stains
• Was cracked or fractured in a car accident, sporting event or fall
• Is abscessed and requires root canal therapy

Also, a crown is the final step in tooth replacement with a dental implant, or it may anchor a fixed bridge composed of one or more artificial teeth. As you can see, a dental crown is a highly adaptable restoration in the hands of your dentist in his Lincoln office.

Receiving a crown

It takes two appointments at Caring Family Dentistry. Here's how the procedure goes:

1. Your dentist removes the worn, cracked enamel and any filling material.
2. He shapes the tooth into a sturdy core structure, adding a post or composite resin as needed.
3. He takes an impression (imprint) to help the lab technician fabricate the restoration with the exact shape, fit and bite.
4. You wear a temporary crown as needed to protect your tooth until the permanent restoration comes from the lab.
5. Dr. Blankenau removes the temporary and places the new crown, adjusting it if needed.

Caring for your new crown

To avoid stains, decay at crown margins and gum disease, brush and floss carefully every day. Use a soft brush, fluoride toothpaste and a flossing product you like, recommends the American Dental Association (ADA).

Also, if you grind your teeth, please use a bite guard consistently to avoid excessive wear and fracture. See your Lincoln dentist Dr. Blankenau twice a year for a cleaning and exam.

At Caring Family Dentistry...

Your dentist enjoys seeing his patients smile. For a crown consultation, contact Dr. Thomas Blankenau in his Lincoln office: (402) 423-9344.