The enamel layer on each of your teeth is composed of a densely packed structure of microscopic mineral crystals. This is what makes your teeth hard enough to bite and chew tough foods. As strong as your teeth are, there are times when a blow to the face, or another accident, can impart enough force to damage or crack a tooth. This is even more likely if you participate in contact sports without the protection of a quality mouth guard.
So long as the damage is limited to the enamel layer of the tooth, Dr. Scott Healey may be able to simply restore the tooth by installing a dental crown in Lindon, Utah.
The first step involves our dentist examining the tooth to assess the extent of the damage. If the crack has penetrated down into the internal structures of the tooth, a root canal may be necessary to restore sufficient structure to mount a crown.
Once any issues with the internal structure have been addressed, our dentist will then prepare the tooth by shaping the enamel layer.
An impression of the tooth, the surrounding teeth, and your bite pattern will then be made. This will be sent to a dental lab, where your new crown is prepared. A temporary crown is placed over the tooth to keep it safe, while you wait for the dental lab to complete your new crown.
Once the dental lab has finished your new crown, our office will call you in for a brief follow-up appointment. The temporary crown is removed and your new permanent crown is cemented in place.
If you have a damaged or cracked tooth, it needs to be restored as soon as possible. Call our office to schedule an appointment.
