Dental crowns are the aesthetic dental solution for teeth that have suffered too much damage to be repaired with fillings, inlays, or onlays. Dr. Weinstock provides this dental service to his patients that need it. Occasionally, a tooth cracks or breaks because of tooth decay, teeth grinding, an accident, or other reasons. If the damage cannot be repaired using alternate methods, a crown may be recommended.
When this occurs, Dr. Weinstock can repair the damaged tooth with a natural looking porcelain crown that will be virtually indistinguishable from surrounding teeth. Crowns are color matched to that of your natural tooth enamel to provide a very natural appearance. A crown covers the entire tooth and is permanently bonded into place. It adds strength, aesthetics, and protection to teeth damaged. Our Philadelphia dentist office will use a crown to:
- Restore damaged, chipped, or cracked teeth
- Disguise discolored teeth
- Correct misshapen teeth
- Reinforce a tooth with a root canal
- Strengthen anchor teeth for dental bridge
- As a dental restoration with dental implants
Types of Dental Crowns
With traditional crowns, your dentist will place a porcelain “tooth” that covers a metal cap on top of a tooth remnant. While this method is excellent for restoring strength and structure to damaged teeth, the edge of the metal cap can show at the gum line. This is not preferable for many of our patients who want their smile to appear natural.
For this reason, Dr. Weinstock typically uses traditional porcelain-on-metal crowns only to repair back teeth that will not be seen when you mile. This way, patients can benefit from the added strength of the porcelain fused to the metal without having to worry about metal showing.
When front teeth become damaged, all-ceramic crowns provide the ultimate option in an aesthetically pleasing tooth restoration. All-ceramic crowns not only accurately recreate the shape of the tooth but also have a superbly translucent appearance that makes them virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.
Dr. Weinstock will customize your all-ceramic crown to compliment the color, size, shape, and texture of your surrounding teeth. His precision and attention to detail ensure such natural-looking results that you may forget which of your teeth was repaired.
About Dental Crowns Process
Examination – Dr. Weinstock will conduct an examination of your teeth and overall dental health to determine if a dental crown is right for you. He will look for signs of decay, stress, and instability that could compromise the results. If he finds that a dental crown would be the best course of action for your restoration, he will review with you your dental crown options and design a custom treatment plan to restore the tooth.
Tooth Preparation – The dental crown procedure will begin with Dr. Weinstock using local anesthesia to numb the tooth for your comfort. He will then prepare the tooth by removing a small amount of the natural tooth structure to accommodate the dental crown. If you are anxious about this part of the procedure, we offer dental sedation options to calm nerves and make it as comfortable and pain-free of an experience as possible.
Dental Impressions – Next, he will take impressions of the prepared tooth that that dental lab will use to fabricate a comfortable, beautiful, and natural functioning crown. Dr. Weinstock will place a temporary cap on the tooth to protect it from outside contaimination until the final restoration is ready. A dental laboratory will create your crown using the impressions and the chosen shade that will best match the rest of your teeth.
Placement of Final Restoration – After impressions are sent to a dental lab, your custom-made dental crown will be ready in about two to three weeks. We will let you know that it is ready, and you will return to our Philadelphia dentist office for the final placement of your crown. Dr. Weinstock will remove the temporary cap and will then place your new crown. Once you and Dr. Weinstock are happy with the fit, look, and position of the crown, he will bond it to the tooth and polish it.
After Care – After this, you will leave our office with a newly restored smile, that functions and looks like the rest of your natural teeth. Patients often experience increased self confidence after getting a dental crown, because they are newly restored confidence in their smile and the function of their bite. You may experience slight sensitivity for the first few weeks after getting your crown, but you will adjust. With dental crowns patients can resume their regular diet and oral care routine shortly after placement.
Dental Crown FAQs
Do you have further questions about dental crowns and how they can benefit and restore your smile? Continue reading to learn more and to find answers to frequently asked questions in our office.
Is it painful when the dentist prepares the tooth for a crown?
No, there is little discomfort during the procedure. Your dentist will give you a local anesthetic in preparation for your dental crown, so you should not experience anything different than receiving a dental filling.
Can dental crowns be replaced?
Yes, dental crowns can be replaced if they become worn, damaged, or if there are changes in the surrounding teeth or gums. Your dentist will evaluate the condition of the crown and determine the best course of action.
Does a dental crown feel any different from a normal tooth?
Initially, you may notice some slight difference that will start to feel normal and less noticeable after a few days. If there are any problems with your bite due to receiving a dental crown, an adjustment can be made in a subsequent appointment.
How long do dental crowns last?
The lifespan of a dental crown depends on several factors, including the material used, oral hygiene practices, and regular dental care. On average, dental crowns can last between 10 and 15 years or even longer with proper care. It is important to care for your crown to ensure its longevity.
How long does it take to get a dental crown?
The process typically requires two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, we will prepare the tooth, take impressions, and place a temporary crown. The impressions are sent to a dental laboratory where the permanent crown is custom-made. At the second visit, the temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is bonded to the tooth.
Are there any special things that I need to do to care for my crown?
Your dental crown should last longer if you take care of it properly. Although the material that your crown is constructed from will not decay, you can still experience decay where the crown meets your tooth. So be sure to keep up with your normal oral hygiene routine and regularly brush and floss your teeth and crown just like it is a normal tooth.