Today's dental crowns are attractive, functional, and long-lasting. You can expect a new dental crown to last up to 15 years, although in some cases, a crown can last as long as 30 years.
About Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are caps that protect prepared natural teeth. We can use these dental appliances for restorative as well as cosmetic purposes.
Dental crowns protect teeth that have suffered damage due to breakage and severe decay, as well as those that have received root canals. These appliances look and feel very much like natural teeth.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Restore Chewing Ability
Dental crowns allow you to bite, chew, and enjoy your normal diet with few exceptions. You may want to avoid chewing overly hard or sticky foods on the crown to avoid damage and having the crown pulled off your prepared tooth. If the crown does fall out, please contact the office as soon as possible in most cases it can be easily reinstalled.
Improve Appearance
Broken, discolored teeth look youthful and attractive again when capped with a dental crown. Crowns can help people who have suffered dental trauma and those whose teeth have become discolored due to medication or a root canal.
Save Natural Teeth from Extraction
A crown preserves a tooth from extraction while protecting the natural root structure. A crown is far less expensive than a bridge or implant, giving patients viable options for restoring their teeth.
The Process of Getting a Dental Crown
Typically, the dental crown process takes two appointments: one to take impressions and prepare your tooth and another to fine-tune the fit and cement the permanent crown into place.
During your first appointment, we will first take impressions of your tooth. This step will enable us to recreate your tooth's natural shape to provide the most seamless look possible. We will then prepare the tooth by removing all decayed areas and installing a post, if necessary, to support the crown. We will take a second set of impressions of the prepared tooth to provide a guide for the crown's eventual fit.
The next appointment involves seating the crown in your mouth and fine-tuning your dental bite until the crown feels like a natural tooth. The dentist will cement it permanently into your mouth at this time.
Preserving Your Dental Crown for Years to Come
To preserve your dental crown and maintain the longest possible lifespan, you should consider following these easy guidelines:
- Avoid chewing non-food items like pens, ice, and popcorn kernels
- Use caution with sticky foods like caramel and taffy
- Do not use your teeth as tools, as when opening packages
- Maintain excellent oral care habits, including brushing, flossing, and making all recommended dental visits
Call Agnieska Jamrozek, DMD
We can help you restore the health and function of your smile with a dental crown. The simple process will provide you with a lifelike restoration and help you bite, chew, and smile as you did before. Call our office at 973-728-3779 to make an appointment for a consultation.