You know that back molar cannot be filled again. Frankly, it's mostly filling, and you're concerned it will break. At Crescent Lake Dental in Waterford, MI, your dentist may recommend a tooth-colored porcelain crown. Dr. Glen Marsack has placed many of these realistic and durable caps. They strengthen weak teeth and help patients have beautiful, long-lasting smiles.

Normal size and shape

That's what a crown can give you. Made of high-quality porcelain, modern crowns faithfully mimic natural teeth, replacing enamel damaged by:

• Oral trauma (cracks, chips, fractures)
• Excessive wear and tear
• Numerous fillings
• Deep decay
• Odd contours, size or color
• Dental abscess (infection)

Also, crowns support fixed bridgework, a prosthetic which replaces two or more missing teeth. Obviously, then, a dental crown is very versatile, improving smile aesthetics, function, health and longevity.

The procedure

Your dentist does the whole procedure right in his Waterford, MI, office. First, he examines and X-rays the tooth to see if a crown is the right restoration. If it is, he numbs the tooth and removes the damaged portions. Oral impressions detail how the dental lab should craft the crown.

When you're waiting for your new crown (typically a week or so), you may wear a temporary cap or filling. Dr. Marsack will remove it when he bonds the permanent restoration in place. Upon completion, you'll see a tooth which looks great, blends in with its neighbors and bites and chews efficiently.

Caring for your dental crown

The American Dental Association (ADA) says care is easy:

• Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss in between teeth to remove plaque and avoid tartar.
• Get six-month cleanings and check-ups with your dentist in Crescent Lake Dental in Waterford, MI.
• Refrain from chewing on hard foods, such as ice and peanut brittle, and of course, your fingernails or pencil top.

Modern crowns are durable, lasting up to 10 years or beyond.

Smile improvement

It's what we do at Crescent Lake Dental in Waterford, MI. To learn more about dental crowns and the other preventive, restorative and cosmetic services Dr. Marsack offers, please contact the office team for an appointment. We want you to have a wonderful, healthy smile for life. Phone (248) 682-9331.