Dental Crown

What are dental crowns?

Sometimes called a “cap,” a dental crown fits over an existing tooth to restore its appearance and function. The crown looks like a natural tooth, matches your tooth enamel color, and has the strength to let you bite and chew normally. 

Crowns are made from a variety of materials. Depending on your circumstances, your dentist at Charles M. Marks, DDS & Dental Associates, may recommend a crown made of porcelain, porcelain fused to gold alloy or another metal, or resin. Each material has advantages for specific conditions. 

Why do I need a dental crown?

Crowns address a range of dental conditions, such as:

• Broken teeth
• Worn teeth
• Structurally weakened teeth
• Misshapen teeth
• Discolored teeth
• Tooth decay

Also, attaching a crown to an embedded post is the final step for dental implants. And typically, your dentist places a crown over your tooth following a root canal procedure. 

What happens during a dental crown procedure?

Dental crowns require two appointments to complete. During your first appointment at Charles M. Marks, DDS & Dental Associates, your dentist begins by taking X-rays and making a mold of your teeth to send to the lab that builds your crown.

Next, your dentist prepares your tooth to receive the crown. You might receive anesthesia to keep you comfortable during this procedure. Your dentist might have you wear a temporary crown in-between your appointments.

At your second appointment, your dentist checks the fit of your crown and examines how it aligns with your other teeth. They also make sure you can chew and bite comfortably with the crown in place. Finally, they use a powerful adhesive to secure the crown over your existing tooth.

Your crown might feel a little strange at first, but soon you won’t feel it at all. However, you might notice that you can bite, chew, and possibly even speak more easily with your new crown.

How long do dental crowns last?

Modern crowns last many years. Good oral hygiene, regular checkups, and dental cleanings help your crowns last longer. In some cases, crowns last for decades, but most crowns do eventually require a replacement.

To find out if a dental crown is right for you, schedule a consultation at Charles M. Marks, DDS & Dental Associates. Call the office today, or book an appointment online.