Dental Crowns in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island

Restore a Damaged Smile with Dental Crowns

As we age, so do our teeth. Problems like decay, cracks, and discoloration may begin to affect your smile and oral health. Your smile may not be what it once was. Crowns, sometimes called tooth caps, are one solution that can help you regain your youthful smile.

If a tooth is decayed or cracked, we may suggest a tooth crown to protect the damaged teeth from additional, more expensive problems. Sometimes a filling or bonding is just not enough to restore your smile the way a dental crown is capable of doing.

What is a dental crown?

Dental crowns are prosthetic teeth that are custom-designed to blend perfectly with your natural smile. A crown can be used to fill gaps in your smile or to encase and protect a tooth that has been damaged by injury or decay. Our high quality dental laboratories can craft your crown from aesthetically pleasing materials like zirconia or porcelain.

Is there a difference between a cap and a crown?

The terms “cap” and “crown” mean the same thing. Crowns were once commonly referred to as caps because this is what they did; they capped a natural tooth that had been damaged.

Do crowns look like real teeth?

Crowns are made using a model of the tooth that is being covered. The final restoration will look just like the natural tooth before it was reduced. The chewing surface of the crown will also fit well against the opposing tooth so, when chewing, no unnecessary stress is placed on teeth or the jaw.

What is the best dental crown material?

There is no singular material that is best for dental crowns. This varies based on the unique aspects of each case. Some may prefer all-porcelain crowns for front teeth because these restorations most closely resemble enamel. For back teeth, some may prefer porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns or even gold crowns, which are very durable and hardly visible when placed at the back of the mouth. Ask your dentist to discuss several options with you, and to include the pros and cons of each.

What do dental crowns involve?

Inserting dental caps usually takes two-three office visits, which consist of the following steps:

Step 1:

First, you will be given a local anesthetic so you will not feel any discomfort. Then tooth will be reshaped. The enamel of the tooth will be prepped to insure a proper fit when the permanent crown is seated over the tooth.

Step 2:

After the tooth has been properly shaped, we will take a mold of the tooth we are treating and the surrounding teeth. This mold is the guide the dental lab uses to create your new crown, guaranteeing a perfect, natural fit. Because this is a personalized, original crown created especially for you, there are certain details and processes that require about two weeks. Before leaving, our dentists will fit you with a temporary crown that will protect your tooth until the permanent crown is finished.

Step 3:

For the permanent placement of your crown, you will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area and reduce discomfort. We will then place the tooth with cement. And when you look in the mirror, you’ll see a beautifully restored, natural looking tooth.

Is it painful to have a crown put on your tooth?

Dental crown treatment is performed with local anesthesia. Before reducing the affected tooth, the dentist administers medication into the gums around that tooth. This desensitizes nerve endings so they cannot feel pain.

Are dental crowns permanent?

Dental crowns are not permanent restorations. Like natural teeth, they are affected by wear and tear.

How long do dental crowns last?

A dental crown can last up to 15 years or as few as 5 years. The lifespan of a crown is determined by daily habits, foods that are eaten, general wear and tear, and oral care.

Can a permanent crown be removed and put back?

Crowns may eventually need to be removed and replaced as daily stress wears them down. Usually, crowns are not reused in these instances because they do not provide the degree of durability that is needed for biting and chewing. In some instances, such as a crown falling off, a dentist may reuse the same restoration. This choice is carefully made after a thorough evaluation of the crown and examination of the tooth.

What do you do when a crown falls off?

If a crown falls off, it is necessary to take measures to protect the tooth. If left untouched, the exposed tooth may collect food debris and bacteria. Because the tooth has already suffered damage, this exposure can quickly lead to further injury. Regardless of the condition of the tooth under the crown, prompt care is needed to avoid a potentially difficult and uncomfortable situation.
Steps to take if a crown has fallen off:

• Remove the crown if it is loose. Do not attempt to set it back into place right away. Keep the crown in a safe place.
• Contact the dentist. Dental365 offers same-day appointments and have appointments on nights and weekends to handle situations such as loose or failed crowns.
• If a dental appointment is not immediately available, it may be necessary to put the crown back over the tooth for a short time. This is a temporary solution that should only be used when absolutely necessary. Before setting the crown, clean the inside area carefully. A temporary adhesive may be purchased from a pharmacy to hold the crown in place until you can see the dentist, which should be no longer than a day or two.
• Keep the area clean while you wait for your appointment. Brush gently to keep debris from accumulating. Rinse the mouth after eating.
• If the tooth is sensitive or painful, take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed. Warm salt water may be rinsed through the mouth to reduce inflammation.
• Avoid foods that may damage the tooth or cause sensitivity. Examples include sugary foods and beverages, hard or chewy foods, and hot or cold items.

What can you not eat with a crown?

There are very few dietary restrictions for people with dental crowns. It is important to keep in mind that certain foods are harder on these restorations and could cause breaks or other damage. Consider avoiding or limiting the following:

• Crunchy, hard foods like pretzels, popcorn, and nuts.
• Sticky, chewy foods like caramel. Chewy foods may cause the crown to dislodge or fall off.
• Ice, which is hard and can cause the crown to break.

Contact Dental365 to see if crowns for your teeth is the right solution to restore and protect your smile. Call us today at 844.365.DENTAL or request an appointment through our website at any time.