A dental crown is used to replace a chipped, broken, decayed, misaligned, or badly discolored tooth. This is a great tool to greatly improve the appearance of an otherwise disfigured tooth. It is referred to as a dental “cap” and looks like a tooth-shaped cap (hence “crown”). The crown fits on top of the damaged tooth.
Dental crowns can be made from many kinds of metal including gold and other metals, ceramics like porcelain, or a combination of both of these. A porcelain ceramic has a very life like appearance. Think of the translucency of a beautiful piece of ceramics and the colors you can see, they appear to have substance and not just lie on the surface. This is what makes porcelain crowns the most cosmetically appealing material.
Is it time to get a replacement dental crown? Signs that you may need a new one…
Here is an interesting video about how dental crowns are constructed
First, we will examine the tooth and surrounding bone, checking the roots and taking x-rays of the affected area. We will also make sure that the surrounding gums are healthy and whether or not there is any risk of infection.
Next, we will anesthetize your tooth/teeth and the gum tissue. The tooth receiving the dental crown and the teeth on either side of it are prepared by either filing down or building up the tooth. Some teeth require making room to acquire the crown because (depending upon which type of crown is used) the material a crown made of can be thinner, like the metal crowns that we use, or a bit larger when a porcelain crown is used.
Then a putty is put on the area to take an impression of the teeth and area where your new crown will fit. This impression is used in our in-house lab to create the final dental crown. A temporary crown may be used to protect the area while the porcelain or metal crown is being made.
On your next visit, you’ll receive your new and permanent dental crown. We will make sure that the arrangementand colors are acceptable and then we will give a local anesthetic and affix the crown in place.
Drs. Eidelson will be happy to answer any questions you may have about dental crowns and if you could benefit from one. Feel free to contact our top cosmetic dentist office. If you have any questions, please use the form below.
We have convenient online scheduling or feel free to call one of our friendly staff: 215-557-6668
A new crown may last up to ten years or longer. This all depends on how well you take care of it and if it’s exposed to any excessive chewing, biting, accidental trauma or tooth grinding. There are a few signs that you may need a new dental crownsuch as breaking or chips.
Have you had a dental crown placed at our Philadelphia Cosmetic Dental Office? Let us know how you like your new smile. Click the button below to submit your review!