Restorative dentistry is just one of the specialized branches of cosmetic dentistry which focuses on repairing and/or replacing damaged or decayed teeth. One very common way that a cosmetic dentist can restore a damaged tooth is by making and placing a crown. The improvements crowns can provide to damaged teeth are astonishing. If you are living in Andover, crowns are a possibility as there are several good cosmetic dentists.

If your teeth are damaged to a degree where it cannot hold a filling in Andover, crowns insertion may be necessary. A crown is a tooth-shaped cover placed over a tooth that is damaged or decayed. Crowns, also called caps, are made to look just like your teeth. Patients needing crowns generally have a tooth that is damaged quite extensively, and filling material cannot replace the missing tooth structure. Crowns can hold together parts of a broken tooth and can also be used to hold a bridge in place. Misshapen and badly discolored teeth can also be covered by crowns.

In most cases, and in Andover, crowns are prefabricated and are made of plastic or stainless steel; prefabricated crowns can be used as a temporary restoration until a permanent crown is manufactured. Crowns can be all metal, porcelain fused to metal or all ceramic. The metals used in making crowns are gold alloy, other alloys such as palladium or a base-metal alloy such as nickel or chromium. Crowns can last anywhere from approximately 7 to 40 years depending on how well they're taken care of.

Since the teeth that need crowns are often decayed and damaged, endodontic treatment is sometimes necessary before the crown is placed. However, not everyone who needs a crown will also need a root canal. To put a crown in place, your dentist must file down the tooth to make room for it. After filing down the tooth, he will use a piece of thread or cord to push the gum down around the tooth and then make an impression of the tooth. The impression material is removed after several minutes. The impressions are sent to the lab and the crown is made. In Andover, crowns being inserted are a common procedure performed by the cosmetic dentists.

While your permanent crown is being made, you will receive a temporary usually made of plastic and made right in the office on the day of your visit. At your next visit to your cosmetic dentist in Andover, crowns that are temporary will be removed and the permanent crown will be tested to check size and fit. Once the crown is ready, it is cemented to your tooth.

Placing a crown is a fairly simple procedure that typically does not cause any post-procedure discomfort or sensitivity. If you do notice pain or sensitivity when you bite down, you should call your dentist in Andover; crowns can be too high on the tooth and can be easily fixed. If your crown becomes loose or chipped, you should call your dentist. If the crown comes completely out of your mouth, clean the crown and the tooth and call your dentist to get an appointment the next day to have this repaired.