Did you hear that you needed a dental crown and immediately panic? Unfortunately, even patients with good dental hygiene can still need a crown. Fortunately, at Gentle Dentistry Sparta, we offer natural-looking, 100 percent porcelain restorations that neatly blend in with your smile and are incredibly durable. That way, you won’t have to worry about people focusing on your damaged teeth while you’re speaking with them. To learn more about getting a dental crown in Sparta, contact our office to schedule a consultation today!
Dental Crowns – Sparta, NJ
Preserving Natural Teeth With High-Quality Crowns
Why Choose Gentle Dentistry Sparta For Dental Crowns?
- High-Quality Dental Care
- Relaxing Spa-Like Amenities
- Caring Dental Team
What are Dental Crowns?
Crowns are dental caps that are designed to fit over the portion of teeth that lies above the gum line. They can be made from a variety of materials including metals, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or resin. However, patients commonly opt for more natural-looking materials like porcelain because they’re able to mimic the properties of natural enamel by reflecting light.
Dental crowns act to restore the shape, size, and structure of damaged teeth, which allows you to continue chewing and speaking without experiencing discomfort and sensitivity. Each crown is customized to blend in with your natural teeth, so you won’t have to worry about people pointing it out when you speak.
What Problems Can Dental Crowns Address?
Dental crowns can help solve a variety of issues that can lead to severe discomfort and additional damage when they’re left unaddressed. Some reasons we may suggest getting a dental crown include:
- Decay that can’t be treated with a dental filling can be addressed with a dental crown.
- Dental trauma, including a cracked, fractured, or broken tooth in Sparta can cause discomfort and increase your risk of developing an infection. Crowns help restore the function, strength, and lifespan of damaged teeth.
- Root canal therapy involves removing the infected inner pulp of a tooth to preserve it. After the procedure, Dr. Zelia Cannon often recommends placing a crown over top of the tooth to restore your bite, function, and protect it from harmful oral bacteria.
- Fixed bridges act to replace missing teeth. On either side of the bridge is a dental crown that will be attached to your natural teeth to act as a strong support for the artificial teeth.
The Process of Getting a Crown
Getting a dental crown in Sparta typically takes place over the course of two appointments to our office. The procedure can be broken down into a few major parts:
- Preparing your damaged tooth so it can comfortably and securely hold the crown.
- Taking an impression of your tooth to send to our dental laboratory to make your permanent crown.
- Applying a temporary crown to protect your prepared tooth until your permanent restoration arrives at our office.
- Placing your permanent dental crown and making any necessary adjustments.
Once we’ve finished repairing your damaged tooth, you’ll be able to rest assured that you won’t experience any discomfort while completing daily tasks anymore. If you’d like to learn more about our dental crown procedure, you can always contact our office.
Dental Crown FAQs
At Gentle Dentistry Sparta, we’re dedicated to preserving natural teeth with high-quality crowns. These versatile restorations are a great way to restore the look and function of your pearly whites while preventing future issues. For your convenience, we’ve gathered a few common dental crown FAQs in Sparta below. If you don’t see the answers you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to call us today!
Will My Dental Crown Be Noticeable?
In the past, dental crowns were always made from metal. While these classic restorations are reliably strong, they leave a noticeable silver tooth amidst your pearly whites. Thankfully, metal crowns aren’t your only option anymore! In many cases, dental crowns can be crafted from porcelain fused to metal or all ceramic. These materials are very durable and remarkably natural-looking. In fact, once your dental crown has been placed, it will be practically indistinguishable from the rest of your smile!
Does Getting a Dental Crown Hurt?
We’ll need to remove a thin layer of enamel from your tooth to make room for your dental crown. While this may sound daunting at first, you can rest assured that this step is quick and virtually pain-free. Before reshaping your tooth, we’ll completely numb the area to ensure your comfort all throughout your treatment. You may feel some slight tooth sensitivity for a few days after getting your dental crown, but it should be short-lived and easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Can A Crowned Tooth Get a Cavity?
A dental crown encapsulates the entire part of a tooth above the gumline. This helps strengthen the tooth while also protecting it from further damage or decay. However, a crowned tooth is not impervious to cavities. If plaque and bacteria build up on your gums and around the base of your dental crown, they may slip under the edge and attack the vulnerable tooth underneath. Thankfully, you can easily prevent this by practicing great oral hygiene. Remember to brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day, floss between all your teeth daily, and rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash regularly to keep your smile strong and sparkling.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Thanks to advanced dental technology and high-quality materials, a dental crown typically lasts about 15 years. However, bad habits like smoking, poor dental care, and chewing on hard objects can shorten its lifespan. Make the most of your dental crown by:
- Brushing and flossing all your teeth (and dental crown) every day.
- Wearing a custom-made nightguard if you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding).
- Refraining from chewing on hard objects like ice, pen caps, or your fingernails.
- Not using your teeth as tools to open packages, containers, or bottles.
- Visiting your dentist twice a year for regular checkups and cleanings.
To see if the appearance and function of your pearly whites could benefit from a custom-made dental crown, give us a call and schedule your next appointment!