If your dentist has recommended that you get a dental crown placed on a tooth, you might be wondering why one is necessary and the process for getting one placed. Below, Dr. Scott Siemen, dentist at Paxton Dental Care in Paxton, MA, explains what you need to know about dental crowns.
~ Katerina R.★★★★★
As always my experience was wonderful. The staff and Dr. Siemen are just wonderful. There is never any wait, everyone is nice and professional and every time I have any dental work done I am very happy with the results. Going to a dentist can be actually quite a nice experience. I would highly recommend this office to everyone!
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown, also commonly referred to as a tooth cap, is a dental restoration that is designed to restore the natural shape and function of a tooth that is decayed or has been damaged. It is a tooth-shaped piece of material (typically a durable dental porcelain for a natural appearance) that covers the entire surface of a tooth.
Dental Crowns: Facts & Benefits
Dental crowns
What is a dental crown? Dental crown treatment is used to restore a broken tooth or fix misshapen ones. Your dentist will recommend this treatment if your tooth is weak and requires protection or if the tooth is worn down, broken, discolored, or decayed too far to benefit from fillings. While there are several types of dental crowns, you can decide which type works for you based on your dentist’s recommendation.
Dental crown benefits
The dental crown procedure offers many benefits to patients. Its restorative capabilities include its ability to:
- Support a tooth that has been badly damaged by tooth decay
- Restore a tooth after a root canal
- Hold together a severely cracked or broken tooth
- Protect a worn tooth
- Anchor a dental bridge
Dental crowns can also be used to improve the appearance of the teeth. They can:
- Add length or width to misshapen teeth
- Mask tooth discolorations
- Cover a dental implant
Call us for more details.
Paxton Dental Care
New Patients: (508) 557-2400 Existing Patients: (508) 791-6140
672 Pleasant Street, Paxton, MA 01612
Why a dental crown may be recommended
Dental crowns are a good way to save and protect your natural tooth and can also be used to change the aesthetic appearance of your tooth. They are a good option when a larger portion of a tooth needs to be repaired or modified than other restorations such as fillings or dental bonding allow. Dr. Siemen may recommend a dental crown in the following circumstances:
- To fix a cracked tooth
- For large chips and breaks
- To cosmetically enhance your tooth
- To repair fillings or other old dental work that has broken or worn down
- As a replacement tooth on top of a dental implant
Dental crowns and bridges explained
Crowns and bridges that help you to smile
What are dental crowns and tooth bridges?
A dental crown, sometimes known as a dental cap, is a type of dental restoration that completely caps or encircles a tooth or dental implant. A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by joining an artificial tooth to adjacent teeth or dental implants.
How are crowns and bridges made?
Dental crowns and bridges can be made of a variety of different materials, including ceramics, porcelain, and metal, gold, or resin. A tooth must be reduced in size so that the crown or bridge will fit over it properly. The dentist will take an impression to provide an exact mold for the crown or bridge. Using this impression, a dental lab then makes the crown or bridge in the material the dentist specifies. When the crown or bridge is ready, it is cemented over the prepared tooth or teeth.
How long do crowns and bridges last?
In most cases, dental crowns and bridges on the front teeth will last up to 15 years. However, some crowns have stayed for almost 30 years. Many patients will be pleased to find out that these can last a lifetime if cared for well. Keep your gums and teeth healthy by brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing daily. Also, see your dentist and hygienist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings.
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Paxton Dental Care
New Patients: (508) 557-2400 Existing Patients: (508) 791-6140
672 Pleasant Street, Paxton, MA 01612
How a dental crown is placed
Depending on your needs and preferences, there are two ways to have a dental crown placed.
Traditional crowns are placed over the course of two visits. In the first visit, Dr. Siemen prepares your tooth for the dental crown, takes impressions, and places a temporary crown on your tooth while the permanent crown is being made. A couple of weeks later, when your crown is ready, you come back in and Dr. Siemen will place the crown on your tooth.
Same day crowns, also called CEREC® crowns, are designed, created, and placed all in the same visit using advanced 3D computer technology. After preparing your tooth and taking digital impressions, the crown is milled from a block of durable ceramic while you wait and then placed on your tooth the same day – saving you the time and hassle of multiple appointments.
To learn more about dental crowns and how they can be used to fix a chipped tooth and restore other issues with your teeth, call our Paxton, MA office today at (508) 557-2400.
