Crowns

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped covering that restores the shape, strength, size, and aesthetic appearance of a decaying or damaged tooth. Once cemented in place, a dental crown covers the entire portion of your tooth above the gumline. 

Dental crowns are made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, and gold. The type of crown you’ll most benefit from depends on the severity of damage to your tooth and your aesthetic goals for treatment. 

Why would I need a dental crown?

The team at Margaret Culotta-Norton, DDS, PC regularly uses dental crowns to address a variety of oral problems, including: 

• Weak teeth
  
• Damaged teeth
  
• Discolored teeth
  
• Decaying teeth
  

Your provider might also recommend a dental crown to hold a bridge in place or to cover a dental implant. 

Am I a good candidate for a dental crown?

The only way to determine if you’re a good candidate for a dental crown is to schedule an appointment at Margaret Culotta-Norton, DDS, PC. 

Following an oral exam and review of your medical history, your provider develops a treatment plan that aligns with your individual needs. 

Your provider might also recommend a series of digital X-rays to get a better look at the structural integrity of your damaged teeth. 

Does it take more than one appointment to get a dental crown?

Getting a dental crown requires at least two separate appointments. 

At your first appointment, your provider uses a local anesthetic to numb your teeth and gums, ensuring you feel no pain. Once the anesthesia sets in, your dentist files down your tooth that’s receiving the crown. 

After reshaping your tooth, your Margaret Culotta-Norton, DDS, PC provider takes a series of molds, which are sent to a dental laboratory. Lastly, your dentist applies a temporary crown to protect your tooth for the time being. 

You return one to two weeks later for your second appointment. At your second appointment, your dentist administers a local anesthetic and aligns your permanent dental crown. Finally, your dentist uses a special cement to affix it to the top of your permanent tooth. 

Dental crowns are incredibly durable. If you practice good oral hygiene, yours can last for anywhere between 10-15 years. 

A cracked, chipped, or otherwise damaged tooth is a serious problem. Left untreated, a root canal or extraction might be necessary. To see if you’re a candidate for a dental crown, make an appointment at Margaret Culotta-Norton, DDS, PC today by calling the office or clicking the online booking tool.