What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a protective cap for a damaged, weak, broken, or cosmetically displeasing tooth. Crowns can be made of different materials, including metal, zirconia, porcelain, ceramic, and porcelain-fused-to-metal, which vary in appearance and durability.
A crown is fabricated to perfectly fit over your tooth and act as a protective barrier between the chewing forces you encounter when you eat to prevent worsening damage. Crowns also offer cosmetic properties, however, and can be used to cover aesthetic imperfections in your smile.
While veneers are tooth-colored covers bonded to teeth to hide their cosmetic flaws, crowns can perform the same job while acting as a much sturdier and stronger cap that will prevent future breakage.
Finally, crowns are also attached to tooth restorations like bridges and dental implants to replace missing teeth. The crown portion of the tooth is what shows when you smile and is what is used for functions like chewing.
Why You May Need a Dental Crown
Most commonly, dental crowns are a restorative procedure that is necessary to protect vulnerable teeth when they have been significantly damaged or have been weakened. Some situations that would require a dental crown include:
- Chips or cracks
- Having a broken tooth
- Having a large cavity
- Getting a root canal
- Enamel erosion
This prevents the need for more costly and invasive treatment and prevents tooth loss by preventing worsening damage and strengthening the existing tooth. A crown can hold a broken tooth together so it doesn’t fall apart.
If your teeth are perfectly healthy but you’re unhappy with the appearance of a single tooth, crowns can correct these aesthetic irregularities by covering up the appearance of the tooth with an aesthetic crown that is fabricated to look like a natural crown. This way, you can cover up aesthetic problems such as:
- Discoloration
- Misshapen tooth
- Teeth that are too small
- Teeth that are too sharp
The Dental Crown Placement Process
If she detects any active oral health problems like tooth decay or gum disease, these need to be treated first. Any existing decay needs to be removed before placing a crown over your tooth. To prepare a tooth for a dental crown, we need to reshape it by filing it down with a dental drill.
This is under anesthetic so you don’t feel any discomfort. We will remove some of your natural enamel on all sides and shape it in a way that is ideal to fit inside of a crown. After shaping and trimming are done, we will take impressions of your tooth.
These serve as a model for your custom-made crown and are sent to the dental lab in charge of creating them. We can use a shade guide to match your natural teeth to the crown material. While you wait for your crowns to be fabricated, we will bond a temporary crown to protect your filed-down tooth and restore your smile.
You will wear this temporary crown for a few weeks until your official crown is finished. Once we have received your official crown at our office, we will call you back in so we can bond the official crown to your tooth.
This entire process can be completed in two appointments. If you need a dental crown, contact us at Dental Wellness in Bergen County today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Allison Moses.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Crowns in NYC
How long does the dental crown procedure typically take to complete?
The dental crown procedure involves two appointments at our Bergen County office. During the first visit, Dr. Moses prepares your weak tooth by reshaping it and takes impressions for your custom crown. A temporary crown protects your tooth while the permanent crown is fabricated. Once your zirconia crowns or ceramic crowns are ready from the lab, you’ll return for the final placement. This entire process usually takes about two to three weeks from start to finish.
What types of dental crowns are available and which is best for me?
There are several types of dental crowns available to restore your damaged tooth structure. Options include metal crowns for maximum durability, ceramic crowns for natural appearance, zirconia crowns for strength and aesthetics, and porcelain-fused-to-metal combinations. Dr. Moses will evaluate your specific needs, considering factors like the location of your weak tooth, surrounding teeth alignment, and aesthetic preferences to recommend the most appropriate dental cap for optimal function and appearance.
Can dental crowns be used with other treatments like dental bridges?
Yes, dental crowns work excellently with dental bridges and other restorative treatments. When replacing missing teeth with dental bridges, crowns are placed on the surrounding teeth to anchor the bridge securely. This combination restores both function and appearance while protecting the tooth structure of adjacent teeth. Dr. Moses can also integrate crowns with dental implants, creating a comprehensive solution for damaged or missing teeth in your smile.
How do I know if I need a dental crown instead of other treatments?
You may need a dental crown if you have a cracked tooth, extensive decay, or weakened tooth structure following a root canal. Unlike fillings or veneers, a dental cap completely covers and protects the entire visible portion of your tooth. Dr. Moses will examine your tooth structure during consultation to determine if a crown is necessary. Signs include large cavities, significant chips or cracks, or teeth that are too damaged for less extensive treatments.
What should I expect after getting my permanent crown placed?
After receiving your permanent crown, you may experience slight sensitivity or adjustment period as you get used to the new dental cap. The crown will feel similar to your natural tooth once you adapt to it. Dr. Moses ensures proper fit and bite alignment during placement to minimize discomfort. Your restored tooth structure will function normally, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile confidently while protecting the underlying weak tooth from further damage or breakage.
