Dental Crowns – What You Need to Know

A crown can repair damaged or broken teeth and can help prevent future dental problems. They can also improve the look of a misshapen or discolored tooth.

The crown procedure usually requires 2 visits to our office. During the first visit, our dentists prepare your tooth and take images and impressions to create a model for the crown. A temporary crown may be placed until the custom crown is ready.

Porcelain Crowns

Although dental fillings are an excellent way to repair minor tooth decay or damaged teeth, they do not provide enough structure to re-establish strong and functioning teeth in all cases. For more severely damaged teeth, or for patients with habits like clenching and grinding that put excessive strain on the jaw joints and the teeth, dental crowns – sometimes called caps – are an excellent treatment option.

Crowns encase the entire affected tooth to add strength and support, and can be made out of either porcelain or metal. During the first appointment, the tooth receiving the crown will be numbed and reshaped along the chewing surface and sides to make room for the cap. Dental impressions will be taken and used to create a design model for the crown in the lab.

After the crown is fabricated, it will be attached to the tooth using dental cement and the bite will be checked to ensure that it accurately matches your natural bite and chewing movements. You will be given care instructions and encouraged to keep up with regular oral hygiene and dental appointments.

Metal Crowns

In some cases a tooth may need to be rebuilt with a metal crown. These crowns are made with a core of metal alloys and then porcelain is layered over the top to give it the appearance of a natural tooth. Also known as PFM or VMK crowns, they are a good option for teeth that receive a lot of chewing pressure such as premolars and molars. Metal dental crowns Oakhurst NJ are very durable and last longer than other types of crowns. They also resist fractures and can withstand chewing forces. However, their metallic color and sensitivity to bite misalignment can cause problems in the long run.

Zirconia crowns are a modern alternative to metal crowns. They are fabricated in the same way as other crowns but use different shades of ceramic to match the look of the natural tooth, which gives the most lifelike aesthetics. However, they are not as strong as porcelain dental crowns Oakhurst NJ and are more susceptible to chipping.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are strong, thin shells that dentists can cover the front of your teeth to fix a variety of cosmetic concerns. They can hide severe tooth discoloration that doesn’t respond to dental whitening, teeth that are too small or misshapen; close a gap in your smile; or repair cracked, chipped, or misaligned teeth.

The translucent properties of porcelain allow veneers to catch light and look like your natural teeth. They also resist stains better than composite resin, although they are not reversible like a dental filling.

The process of getting veneers typically involves a little downtime, but not extensive discomfort. Your dentist will likely advise you to avoid eating or drinking anything too hot or cold while your teeth adjust. You should also use toothpastes and rinses designed to reduce sensitivity. Most patients find their sensitivity subsides within weeks after treatment. The veneers themselves should last for years with proper care. However, they may wear down over time, especially if you grind your teeth or chew on hard objects.

Dental Implants

When extensive decay, cracked fillings, root canals, or clenching and grinding have damaged the structure of your tooth beyond repair, a dental filling just isn’t enough. In these cases, a crown, more commonly referred to as a “cap,” can restore the lost tooth’s strength, function and cosmetic appearance.

Dental implants are metal titanium anchors that act as tooth root substitutes. They are placed into the jaw bone where teeth are missing. An abutment is then attached to hold a dental prosthetic, such as a crown.

A full evaluation is required to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. You must have healthy gums and adequate bone structure to support an implant. Certain health conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes or a history of blood clotting disorders, may affect your ability to undergo this treatment. A successful outcome requires careful follow-up care to ensure proper oral health and the longevity of your implant. A good example of this is brushing and flossing twice a day, as well as regular dental visits.