Dental Crowns
What is a Dental Crown?
A crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that fits over the remaining natural tooth structure and protects the tooth. While crowns may be all metal, those we place are usually all ceramic or, in some instances, porcelain fused to metal. Crowns placed at Brooklyn Dental Studio are matched exactly to your smiles shape and color. Also, both types of crowns are extremely durable and enable you to chew and bite without fear of chipping or breaking the tooth.
When is a crown required?
A crown is an indicated treatment:
- When large dental decay is present and the decay is too extensive to repair with a composite (filling).
- After root canal treatment on a tooth. Crowns are used to support the remaining tooth structure after root canal.
- For cosmetics to correct misshapen teeth.
Procedure Overview
Typically, a crown involves two appointments. During the first appointment, the tooth is numbed and all decay is removed. The remaining tooth structure is prepared, enabling the crown to fit precisely on top of the natural tooth. A temporary crown will be placed and the patient will return for a second appointment in which the permanent crown, which was fabricated in a laboratory, will be placed. The crown will fit snugly over the remaining natural tooth. Your dentist will check to insure the crown fits exactly over the tooth, and that the bite is correct and comfortable.
Benefits of Early Treatment
If a crown is required to correct dental decay, early treatment is important. Dental decay (cavities) can grow, causing further disruption of natural tooth structure. Furthermore, if decay reaches the pulp of a tooth, sensitivity or pain may develop and a root canal may be required to adequately treat the tooth. In some cases, extensive decay may require the tooth to be extracted.
Hence early treatment is important because:
- The more natural tooth structure that can be left intact, the better the future prognosis of the tooth.
- Delaying treatment may lead to additional procedures, increasing the financial investment required to save a tooth
If a tooth has had a root canal, it is important the crown is placed soon after. A tooth with root canal will be easier to fracture or break without a crown.
I hate going to the dentist and have had many experiences where I felt uncomfortable or felt I was getting ripped off on quality/price. This was not the case at all with Dr. Wolfe at Brooklyn Dental Studio! She and her staff were professional, patient, and made me feel like a valued customer. Plus, my crown looks natural and my smile straight/aligned. Price was fair, and the quality of the crown/service was top-notch. Shout out to Dr. Wolfe for keeping my first temp. crown appointment – even during the earlier stages of a blizzard. She and her staff are very dedicated, professional and organized – 100% recommend her.
L. N.