A dental crown, also called a tooth cap, is a restorative dentistry treatment that will restore a tooth that has been damaged or weakened. Dr. Ira Goldberg can provide you with a custom dental crown in Succasunna, NJ that will look and feel like your natural tooth. Morris County Dental Associates offers various types of dental crowns. Dr. Goldberg will examine your tooth and make the appropriate recommendation for your oral health needs and cosmetic goals.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom made dental restoration that your dentist will place over top of your natural tooth, completely encasing it. It will resemble a real tooth and will go all the way to the gum line. The purpose of a tooth crown is to provide protection for the tooth and restore its shape. It will also give the tooth strength to prevent it from further damage. When more than 50% to 75% of the tooth is damaged, a crown is needed to restore the tooth. Your dentist will suggest a dental crown in the following circumstances:
- Damaged tooth
- Misshapen tooth
- Worn down tooth
- Cracked tooth
- Broken tooth
- Large filling
- Extensive decay
- After root canal therapy
What Are Dental Crowns Made Of?
A dental crown can be made of many different materials. This includes porcelain, metal, a combination of porcelain and metal, or plastic material. Porcelain is the strongest and most durable of the three materials. It can last up to 15 years with proper care. The metal dental crowns are typically made of stainless steel or gold alloys, which are more expensive but can last up to 10 years with proper care. Plastic-based dental crowns are the least expensive option but they may only last one year without damage if not cared for properly.
The Dental Crown Procedure
- Tooth Preparation: At your first crown appointment, we will begin by preparing your tooth. We will numb the area around your tooth first. The goal is to create room for the new restoration. We will remove decay, remove any damage, shape your tooth, or remove the old crown in preparation.
- Impressions: Once your tooth is ready, we will take several impressions of your teeth. These are used to create the temporary dental crown. We will also send a mold to a dental lab where they will fabricate your custom dental crown.
- Temporary Crown: It takes about 2-3 weeks for the dental lab to create your permanent crown. During this time you will wear a temporary crown which we will place over the prepared tooth. This protects the tooth and maintains aesthetics for those few weeks.
- Crown Fabrication: Dr. Goldberg only uses the very best dental labs to create dental restorations for his patients. Once the lab has created your crown, they will ship it back to our dental office.
- Trying on the New Crown: At your last appointment, we will remove the temporary crown and try on your permanent dental crown. Your dentist will ensure that the fit, color, appearance, and bite are correct.
- Bonding: If the dental crown fits and looks natural, your dentist will bond it to the tooth using dental cement.
- Final Adjustments: The dentist makes any necessary adjustments to the crown’s shape and bite alignment. The goal is to achieve both optimal function and aesthetics.
- Final Polishing: Once the crown is securely bonded, the dentist polishes it to match the natural teeth’s sheen, ensuring a seamless blend with the patient’s smile.
Dental Crown FAQs
To learn more about dental crowns, read through the answers to frequently asked questions. They cover a variety of topics and can help you better understand this type of dental restoration. If you still have questions or concerns, please contact us for further help.
How long do dental crowns last?
With proper dental care, dental crowns can last up to 30 years. Be sure to keep a good daily routine oral hygiene and schedule regular dental care to guarantee long-lasting crowns.
Am I a candidate for dental crowns?
Patients that still have the tooth root intact can receive dental crowns. If you have missing teeth you may also receive dental implants, dentures, or dental bridges that can be capped off with dental crowns. Treatment may be needed for patients with tooth decay, but they can receive dental crowns after the infection is removed.
Is it painful to receive dental crowns?
No. Dr. Ahlbrecht uses a local anesthetic to numb the treated area, so the procedure should not be painful. You may feel some soreness after the procedure, but this should subside and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
Can dental crowns fall out?
Dental crowns can come loose as a result of tooth damage or decay. If you notice any changes in the fit or comfort of your crown, contact our Indianapolis dentist office right away. We will schedule an appointment for you to be seen by one of our dentists.
How long does it take for a dental crown to settle in?
For most patients, it takes a couple of days to a week to adjust to having a new crown. It is normal for your crown to feel uncomfortable or out of place for the first few days after it is placed.
How soon can I eat after a crown is placed?
After a crown is placed patients must wait at least one hour before eating or drinking. This ensures that the cement used to place the crown has hardened fully. Patients should avoid hard and sticky foods at first, to give themselves time to adjust to their new crown.
Can I replace an old crown?
Yes! It is common for patients to have dental crowns replaced if they are worn down, damaged, or unsightly. Book a consultation with your dentist and they can evaluate your tooth to recommend the appropriate treatment.
Are dental crowns noticeable?
Thanks to advances in dental technology, dental crowns are more realistic than ever. We will take accurate impressions of your teeth to begin the fabrication process. Then we choose the exact shade of your natural teeth. A skilled lab technician can create a dental crown that matches the color of your surrounding teeth. They will also ensure that the tooth fits naturally in your smile. With this level of modern materials and expert craftsmanship, dental crowns are often indistinguishable from your surrounding teeth.
Request an Appointment for a Dental Crown in Succasunna, NJ
Dental crowns are great restorative dental solution that Dr. Goldberg uses for many reasons. If you are having issues with a tooth, schedule an appointment by calling 973-298-5893. You can also schedule an appointment with Dr. Goldberg online. We can provide you with a dental crown in Succasunna, NJ to help restore health, function, and appearance to your smile.