Dental Crowns

Worn-Down Teeth: Years of grinding, clenching, or even acidic foods can wear down tooth enamel. This can lead to sensitivity, pain, and even difficulty chewing. Crowns can restore the tooth’s proper shape and function. [1] 

Root Canal-Treated Teeth: After a root canal, the tooth becomes brittle and more susceptible to breaking. Crowns provide additional support and protection for these teeth. [1] 

Dental Implant Restoration: Dental implants are small screws surgically placed in the jawbone to act as tooth roots. Crowns are then attached to the implants to create a natural-looking, fully functional tooth replacement.

Cosmetic Improvement: Let’s face it, sometimes our teeth just aren’t perfect. Chipped, discolored, or misshapen teeth can affect your confidence. Crowns can be crafted to match the color and shape of your surrounding teeth, giving you a beautiful, uniform smile.

Types of Dental Crowns: Choosing the Right Material for Your Smile

Dental crowns come in a variety of materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a breakdown of the most common crown types to help you and your dentist choose the best option for your needs:

Metal Crowns

Metal crowns, traditionally made of gold alloys, are renowned for their unmatched durability. [4]  They can withstand years of wear and tear, making them a good choice for molars that take on the brunt of chewing. However, the metallic color can be quite noticeable, especially near the gumline, and may not be the most aesthetically pleasing choice for front teeth 

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns (PFM)

PFM crowns offer a balance between aesthetics and strength. They have a metal inner layer for durability and a porcelain outer layer that mimics the natural color and translucence of teeth. [2] This makes them a popular choice for both front and back teeth. However, the metal base can sometimes show through as a dark line at the gumline, and there’s a slightly higher risk of chipping in the porcelain compared to other materials. 

All-Porcelain Crowns

For the most natural-looking crown, all-porcelain is a great option. Made entirely from porcelain, these crowns offer excellent aesthetics, mimicking the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth. They are a good choice for front teeth or for patients with metal allergies. However, all-porcelain crowns may not be as strong as other materials and are more susceptible to chipping, especially with heavy chewing.

Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia crowns are quickly becoming a popular choice due to their unique combination of strength and aesthetics. Zirconia is a biocompatible ceramic material that offers excellent durability, comparable to metal crowns. Additionally, it can be color-matched to blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth. This makes zirconia crowns a versatile option for any tooth and a good choice for patients seeking a strong, natural-looking restoration 

The Dental Crown Procedure: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting a dental crown may seem daunting, but the process is typically straightforward and involves several key steps:

Initial Consultation and Examination

The journey towards your new crown begins with a consultation with your dentist. They will discuss your concerns, examine the tooth in question, and take X-rays to assess its health and the surrounding bone structure. This helps determine if a crown is the right treatment for you and plan the procedure accordingly.

Tooth Preparation

Once a crown is deemed necessary, your dentist will numb the area around the tooth using local anesthesia. Then, they will carefully remove a small amount of enamel from the tooth structure to create space for the crown to fit securely. This ensures a proper fit and prevents the crown from feeling bulky when placed.

Taking Impressions for a Custom Crown

With the tooth prepared, the dentist will take an impression of the tooth and surrounding teeth. Traditionally, this involved using a putty-like material that is pressed onto the tooth. [1] However, many dental practices now utilize digital scanners for a more comfortable and accurate impression process. [5]  These scanners take high-resolution digital images of your teeth, which are then used to create a precise 3D model of the crown.

Temporary Crown Placement

Since creating a permanent crown takes time in a dental lab, your dentist will place a temporary crown on the prepared tooth [2].  This temporary crown is typically made of acrylic and protects the tooth while you wait for your permanent restoration [2].

Permanent Crown Placement and Bonding

Once your permanent crown arrives from the lab, you’ll return for a second appointment. Your dentist will carefully remove the temporary crown and ensure the fit and color of the permanent crown is perfect. If everything looks good, they will then permanently bond the crown to your tooth using dental cement. This creates a strong and secure connection that allows the crown to function just like a natural tooth.

Caring for Your Dental Crown: Ensuring a Long-Lasting Smile

Dental crowns are a significant investment in your oral health. With proper care, they can last for many years, restoring your smile and function. Here are some key practices to ensure the longevity of your crown:

Brushing and Flossing Twice Daily

Maintaining a meticulous oral hygiene routine is important for both your natural teeth and your crown. Brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste removes plaque and food particles that can contribute to decay and gum disease. Flossing once a day helps clean between the teeth and around the crown’s base, preventing plaque buildup in these hard-to-reach areas.

Regular Dental Checkups and Cleanings

Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings with your dentist, typically every six months. During these visits, your dentist can examine the crown for any signs of wear, damage, or loose fitting. They can also perform a professional cleaning to remove any stubborn plaque buildup that brushing and flossing alone may miss. Early detection and intervention can help prevent problems and extend the lifespan of your crown.

Avoiding Hard or Sticky Foods 

While dental crowns are quite durable, they can still chip or crack under excessive pressure. To protect your crown, avoid chewing on hard foods like nuts, candy, or ice cubes. Similarly, be cautious with sticky candies or chewy foods that can pull on the crown or become lodged around it.

If you follow these easy steps, your dental crown will stay strong, beautiful, and useful for many years. 

Englewood Dental NJ: A Brighter, Healthier Smile with Dental Crowns

Dental crowns offer a valuable solution for restoring damaged, weak, or unsightly teeth. They not only improve the aesthetics of your smile but also provide essential protection and functionality. With a crown, you can regain the confidence to smile brightly and chew comfortably once again.

If you have a cracked, chipped, worn, or decayed tooth, dental crowns may be the answer you’ve been looking for. To discuss your specific situation and determine if crowns are right for you, schedule a consultation with our experienced dental team here at Englewood Dental NJ today! We look forward to helping you restore your smile and oral health.