Your tooth enamel is composed of a densely packed structure of microscopic mineral crystals. This is what makes your teeth hard enough to bite things off and chew tough foods. As strong as your teeth are, there are times when a blow to the face or other accident can impart enough force to damage or fracture a tooth.
As long as the damage is limited to the enamel layer of the tooth, our dentist, Dr. Tao Sun, might recommend restoring the integrity of the tooth with a crown. First, Dr. Tao Sun will examine the tooth and take some X-rays to make sure the decay hasn’t penetrated the sensitive internal structures of the tooth. If so, he might need to perform a root canal first.
If the interior of the tooth is healthy, Dr. Tao Sun will remove the enamel layer of the tooth to create an abutment. This abutment will later serve to anchor the crown in place. Next, he will make an impression of the abutment and surrounding teeth. The abutment is then covered by a temporary crown and the impression is sent off to a dental lab where your crown will be made.
When your crown is completed, someone from our office will call you back in for a short second appointment. Dr. Tao Sun will then remove the temporary crown and cement your new permanent crown in place over the abutment.
If you have a chipped or fractured tooth, please call our team in Costa Mesa and Apple Valley, California, at our location nearest you to explore your treatment and restoration options. We are always ready to help you reach your healthy smile goals!