Dental crowns, also called tooth crowns, are restorations which surround and protect the remaining portion of a tooth which has broken or suffered extensive damage. Crowns are also used to cover dental implant restorations and create a natural-looking false tooth.
Dental crowns are sometimes offered in a variety of materials, including metal amalgam, all-porcelain, or porcelain fused to metal (PFM). At Oradell Family Dental , we primarily recommend all-porcelain or PFM crowns, which can be made to look more like natural teeth.
What Can Dental Crowns Correct?
Dental crowns are used to repair teeth with damage that is too extensive to be repaired with other types of restorations. Smaller chips and cracks can often be repaired with tooth bonding, but if your tooth has lost too much of its mass, a crown can be used to protect the base and root of the tooth, which would otherwise be left exposed to the damaging effects of bacteria and moisture. A dental crown can only be used on a tooth with a healthy root and gums, as a tooth which has too much decay cannot support the crown.
How Are Dental Crowns Made?
Dental crowns are made from impressions taken of your prepared tooth. The impression is sent to a dental laboratory where the tooth crown is made based on Dr. Perlmutter’s specifications. Porcelain dental crowns can be tinted to match your surrounding teeth, and when skillfully made, are virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
How Long Will My Dental Crowns Last?
If properly cared for, your dental crown should last as long as the tooth it protects. A dental crown protects the part of your tooth that is exposed above the gum line, but if your gums become weak or unhealthy, they may no longer be able to support the root of the crowned tooth. Proper oral hygiene is crucial to keeping your tooth and dental crown healthy.
How Should I Care for My Dental Crowns?
You should care for your dental crowns with good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing twice daily and having regular dental cleanings.
Ask an Oradell Dentist Your Questions About Dental Crowns
Please contact our cosmetic dentist today to schedule your appointment at Oradell Family Dental, serving patients from Dumont, Oradell, Haworth, Paramus, Bergenfield and Bergen County areas of New Jersey.
