If you experience tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, visible damage or decay, and discomfort while chewing. These symptoms indicate that your tooth structure is compromised and requires reinforcement.
Causes: You might need a dental crown if your tooth is severely damaged or decayed. Common causes include extensive tooth decay, fractures, large fillings that weaken the tooth, or after a root canal treatment. Crowns also improve the appearance of misshapen or discolored teeth.
Procedure by Our Dentist: Our dentist typically completes the dental crown procedure in two visits. During the first visit, we examine and prepare your tooth by removing decay and shaping it to fit the crown. We then take an impression of your tooth to create a custom crown. We place a temporary crown to protect your tooth until the permanent crown is ready. On the second visit, we remove the temporary crown and cement the permanent crown in place, ensuring a perfect fit and proper bite alignment.
Duration of Procedure: The initial appointment for tooth preparation and impression taking usually takes about 60 to 90 minutes. The second appointment, where we place the permanent crown, typically lasts around 30 to 60 minutes.
Recovery Time: You can expect a quick recovery from a dental crown procedure. You may experience some sensitivity or discomfort for a few days, which you can manage with over-the-counter pain relievers. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until we place the permanent crown and the cement has fully set.
Benefits: Dental crowns offer numerous benefits, including restoring your tooth’s function and appearance, protecting weakened teeth from further damage, and providing a durable, long-lasting solution. Crowns can also improve the alignment and overall aesthetics of your smile.
How to Avoid Needing a Crown: To minimize the need for dental crowns, maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily, and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. Avoid chewing on hard objects, such as ice or pens, and wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night. Addressing dental issues promptly can prevent the need for more extensive treatments like crowns.
You can maintain a healthy, beautiful smile by following these guidelines and seeking timely dental care. If you need a dental crown or have any concerns about your dental health, don’t hesitate to contact our office at 978-694-9300 for a consultation.
A crown is a tooth shaped cap that covers the natural tooth in order to strengthen it so that the tooth does not fracture, or make the tooth more cosmetically pleasing. This is commonly done when the tooth has been weakened due to root canal treatment, tooth fracture, when there is not enough healthy tooth structure to hold in a larger filling, or to cover staining. Crown materials include gold, ceramics, porcelain, or a combination of metal and porcelain. The office may use an outside dental lab in fabricating the crown restoration.