There are many different reasons why Dr. Kenneth Kirk might recommend that a crown be installed on one of your teeth. A crown basically replaces or restores the enamel layer of a tooth with an artificial material like gold, base metals, or porcelain.
A crown is most often called for to restore a tooth that has been compromised by advanced tooth decay and lacks enough healthy enamel to support a filling. Deep fractures and shallow cracks can compromise a tooth or increase the risk of significant tooth decay. In yet other instances a tooth in your smile might be chipped or deeply stained, and Dr. Kenneth Kirk can restore its appearance with a porcelain or porcelain fused to metal crown.
Having a tooth restored by a crown requires two separate procedures.
During the first procedure, Dr. Kenneth Kirk will conduct a thorough examination of the tooth to assess its overall health. This often includes taking an X-ray to inspect the integrity of the internal structures of the tooth. If he finds that any damage or decay penetrates deeper than the enamel layer, he might need to first perform a root canal.
Dr. Kenneth Kirk will then use a drill to remove the majority of the enamel layer, leaving behind a small stub called an abutment. Later, this abutment will anchor your new crown. Then he will form an impression of the area, which is sent to a dental lab, where your crown is made. In the meantime, the abutment will be covered with a temporary crown to protect it.
Dr. Kenneth Kirk will call you in for a brief second appointment, once the dental lab has completed your permanent crown. The temporary crown is removed and your new permanent crown is cemented in place.
If you have a severely damaged or decayed tooth, or one that you would like cosmetically restored, you should call Houston Cosmetic & Family Dental Associates at 281-826-0025 to schedule an appointment.