Dental Crowns and Fillings

What does getting a dental crown involve?

A crown procedure usually requires two appointments. Your first appointment will include taking several highly accurate impressions that will be used to create your custom crown. An impression will also be used to create a temporary crown, which will stay on your tooth until your permanent crown is made.  You may not need a temporary crown if your crown is made same-day (see below).

While the tooth is numb, our dentists will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the surface to properly fit the crown. Once these details are accomplished, your temporary crown will be placed with temporary cement and your bite will be checked to ensure you are biting properly.

At your second appointment your temporary crown will be removed, the tooth will be cleaned, and your new crown will be carefully placed to ensure the spacing and bite are accurate.

You will be given care instructions and encouraged to have regular dental visits to check your new dental crown.

Same-Day Crowns –

No more impressions, no more temporary crowns, and no more waiting! Our office uses some of the most advanced technology to provide efficiency and convenience for our patients. This includes our new same day porcelain crowns.  We use a special camera and scan the teeth.  This is extremely sensitive technology to scan the tooth/teeth to create the most lifelike crown. This is all done digitally, so no more messy             impressions!

Our computer software allows the dentist to view and adjust the crown for the best fit, comfort, and function. The milling machine mills or creates the crown right in the office, using the information collected by the dentist and the software. The dentist can then seat and bond the crown securely, completing the entire procedure in a single appointment.

Composite Fillings –

A composite (tooth colored) filling is used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks, fractures, etc. The decayed or affected portion of the tooth will be removed and then filled with a composite filling. Composite fillings are the most widely used today. Because composite fillings are tooth colored, they can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth. They are very durable, and will last many years, giving you a long lasting, beautiful smile.

Reasons for composite fillings:

• Chipped teeth
• Closing space between two teeth
• Cracked or broken teeth
• Decayed teeth
• Worn teeth

How are composite fillings placed?

Composite fillings are usually placed in one appointment. While the tooth is numb, our dentists will remove decay as necessary. The space will then be thoroughly cleaned and carefully prepared before the new filling is placed. If the decay was near the nerve of the tooth, a special medication will be applied for added protection. The composite filling will then be precisely placed, shaped, and polished, restoring your tooth to its original shape and function.

It is normal to experience sensitivity to hot and cold when composite fillings are first placed, however this will subside shortly after your tooth acclimates to the new filling.

You will be given care instructions at the conclusion of your treatment. Good oral hygiene practices, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new fillings.

Servicing patients and families from Cincinnati, Columbus, Northern Kentucky, and Indiana.