At Sebastian River Dentistry in Sebastian, FL, Dr. Mark Peterson is the dentist who works hard to preserve as much natural tooth structure 
as possible. Why? Well, nothing looks, acts or feels like a real tooth, and your appearance and oral function depend on keeping every tooth you were created to have. What can you do when a tooth becomes so compromised it faces extraction? Learn here about dental crowns, a reliable restoration which allows you to retain that troubled tooth and your complete smile.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap which fits over the remaining healthy portion of a decayed, cracked or abscessed tooth. Made from porcelain or porcelain fused to metal, a dental crown strengthens your tooth, protects if from bacterial invasion and beautifies it, too.
Dr. Peterson also uses dental crowns to cover teeth restored by root canal therapy, to support fixed bridgework (for people missing one, two or more teeth in a row) or to complete the remarkably realistic tooth replacement called the dental implant. In the hands of your Sebastian dentist, the dental crown is remarkably versatile.
The crown process
Whatever your situation, count on Dr. Peterson to carefully examine your mouth to determine if a crown is your best restorative option. If it is, Dr. Peterson will begin treatment by taking oral impressions so the dental lab may accurately craft your crown with just the right color, shape and bite. Then, he removes the damaged portions of the tooth--decay, filling material and more. He finishes this first appointment with the placement of a temporary crown which you'll wear while the new one is made.
At the next visit to Sebastian River Dentistry, Dr. Peterson will remove the temporary crown and permanently bond the new one onto the prepared tooth. He'll also check the bite so top and bottom arch occlude, or close, properly.
The life of a crowned tooth
As a crown patient, you can expect your restored tooth to behave normally and to look great. Be sure to brush twice a day and floss around your tooth daily to remove plaque and its harmful bacteria. See Dr. Peterson every six months for your cleanings and routine exams, too, and your crown should last for ten years or more, says the American College of Prosthodontists.
Support your smile
State-of-the-art restorations such as porcelain crowns avoid smile gaps, bone recession and loss of gum tissue because they help you retain your natural teeth. When you come to Sebastian River Dentistry, rest assured that Dr. Peterson employs the finest in diagnostic techniques, treatments and materials so your smile looks, feels and performs at its very best. To book your routine appointment, or to find out more about dental crowns, contact your Sebastian, FL, dentist at (772) 388-3119.