Do you have worn or weakened teeth? Does your tooth need extra support after your root canal treatment?
A dental crown may be the solution for your needs. Dental crowns are porcelain ceramic or metal caps that completely cover a tooth or dental implant. Dental crowns may also be used for cosmetic dental work if your teeth are not strong enough for thinner veneers.
The dentists at Williamsburg Dental offer restorative dental care to patients with dental crown treatment in Broomall, PA. We also provide dental crowns to patients in Havertown, PA. Our team uses porcelain ceramic crowns because they look and feel natural. These crowns also provide strength and improved aesthetics to broken, worn, and stained teeth.
Dental Crown Treatment in Havertown, PA
It only takes two visits to our office for you to receive your new custom dental crowns. First, we will prepare your tooth or teeth for the crowns by reshaping them. Then, we will take a dental impression of the teeth.
We use iTero scans for the most precise treatment possible. We send these scans to a dental laboratory. There, technicians will custom-make your crowns to blend naturally with your other teeth.
In the meantime, we place temporary crowns on the teeth. Once the permanent crowns are complete, we remove the temporary tooth crown and apply the new restoration. We will adjust the crown fit and make sure that it is the correct color. Finally, we permanently secure the crown to the tooth and polish the crown for a natural shine.
The Uses of Dental Crowns
Crowns are commonly used in restorative dentistry to fix problems caused by decay, injury, or wear and tear. They help improve the tooth’s function, prevent further damage, and give you back a beautiful smile.
1. Protecting a Weakened Tooth
One of the most common reasons people get dental crowns is to protect a tooth that has become weakened. Teeth can weaken for several reasons, such as large cavities or a root canal treatment. When a tooth is severely decayed, there may not be enough healthy tooth structure left to support a filling. In these cases, a dental crown covers the tooth and restores its strength. The crown acts like a shield, preventing the tooth from breaking or cracking.
2. Restoring a Tooth After a Root Canal
A root canal is a treatment used to save a tooth infected or damaged in the pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth). After a root canal, the tooth can become brittle and may need a dental crown for extra protection. The crown helps the tooth withstand the pressure from chewing and ensures it doesn’t break. Without a crown, the tooth might become so weak that it could be lost.
3. Covering a Tooth with a Large Filling
Sometimes, a tooth has so much decay that it cannot be repaired with a regular filling. When this happens, a crown is often used to restore the tooth’s shape and function. Crowns are also used when a tooth has a large filling that is starting to wear down or crack. The crown provides extra strength to the tooth, preventing further damage and restoring its appearance.
4. Improving the Appearance of a Tooth
Crowns are also used for cosmetic purposes. If you have a tooth that is discolored, misshapen, or unusually small, a crown can help improve its appearance. Porcelain crowns are especially popular because they can be color-matched to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Crowns can also be used to cover a tooth that is chipped or cracked, giving you a smooth, beautiful smile again.
5. Supporting a Dental Bridge
A dental bridge is a type of restoration used to replace missing teeth. It consists of one or more artificial teeth held in place by crowns on either side. The crowns anchor the bridge to the natural teeth or dental implants, providing stability and function. A bridge can help restore your ability to chew and speak properly and improve your smile’s appearance.
6. Replacing a Missing Tooth with an Implant
Dental implants are another way to replace missing teeth. An implant is a small titanium post placed in the jawbone to act as a tooth root. Once the implant has integrated with the bone, a crown is placed on top to complete the restoration. The crown attached to the implant looks and functions like a natural tooth, helping restore your smile and improve your chewing ability.
7. Preventing Further Damage to a Cracked Tooth
Teeth can crack due to trauma, grinding, or other reasons. If a tooth is cracked but still salvageable, a crown can help hold the tooth together and prevent the crack from spreading. Without a crown, the crack might worsen, leading to pain or the need for extraction. A crown stabilizes the tooth and prevents additional damage.
8. Restoring a Tooth After Trauma
Injuries to the mouth can cause teeth to break or become severely damaged. If a tooth is cracked or fractured, a dental crown can be used to restore its appearance and function. Crowns are a great way to save a tooth after trauma, especially when the damage affects a tooth’s structure and strength. With a crown, the tooth can look as good as new and function properly.
Inlays and Onlays
Similar to tooth crowns, inlays and onlays are used to cover damaged or worn teeth. However, they only cover the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Inlays cover the area between the edges of the tooth, or cusps. Onlays cover the biting surface and the tooth corners. Both inlays and onlays are made of composite resin or porcelain material. Like crowns, inlays and onlays easily blend in with the shade of natural teeth.
Dental Crown FAQs
Discover more about tooth crowns with answers to these frequently asked questions:
How long do dental crowns last?
With the right dental care, crowns can last for many years. Remember to brush, floss, and schedule routine dental appointments to keep your crowns and the rest of your smile healthy. It is important to continue to care for your smile to prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and other dental problems.
Can you replace old dental crowns?
Yes, if you have a missing, broken, or unaesthetic dental crown, we can help. We can replace your crown to improve the look and strength of your smile.
How much do dental crowns cost?
Each patient has unique cosmetic dental needs, which means that the cost of their crowns will differ. The type and amount of crowns you choose will impact the cost of treatment. During a consultation, we will review your oral health needs and budget with you to determine the cost of your crowns.
What to avoid after getting a dental crown?
Stay away from chewy or sticky foods like gum, taffy, and caramel. These are able to cling to and remove your crown. Do not chew items like ice, hard candies, and cereal that are hard to chew as your crown could be dislodged or broken off by them.
How long does it take crown cement to fully harden?
You must wait 24 hours after your permanent crown has been put in place for the cement to fully harden. As a result, we recommend that you refrain from chewing any hard or sticky foods for the first 24 hours. We also recommend avoiding using a rotating toothbrush or flossing near your permanent crown until the cement has fully cured.
How much tooth do I need for a crown?
A significant portion of the tooth structure must remain for a dental crown to ensure a secure fit and good support. Ideally, enough of the tooth’s core should be intact to anchor the crown. If the tooth is severely damaged, a dentist might use filling material to build it up before placing the crown. The goal is to have enough tooth left to create a stable base for the crown. This will ensure its longevity and functionality.
Request a Dental Consultation
Do you want to strengthen your smile? Ask us about tooth crown treatment today. In addition to providing tooth crowns in Springfield, PA, we offer them to patients in and around Newtown Square, PA. Contact us at (610) 347-8302 or schedule a dental appointment with our dentists online.