Crowns are synthetic tooth caps, made of ceramic, porcelain, or metal fused to porcelain. A crown forms an artificial replacement for the upper part of a tooth and covers the original tooth.
What Are Dental Crowns Used For?
Crowns are typically used to restore a tooth’s function and appearance when the underlying original tooth can no longer do so. Crowns are needed:
- Following a restorative procedure such as a Root Canal
- When decay in a tooth has become so advanced that large portions of the tooth must be removed
- To prevent a cracked or damaged tooth from getting worse
- When extensive cosmetic repair is needed, to whiten, reshape and realign existing teeth
- To provide attachment points for Dental Bridges
- To cover implants
- To prevent a cracked tooth from getting worse
- To protect an existing filling so it won’t become loose
- Cosmetically, to cover a tooth with a poor shape, or one that is discolored
The Dental Crown Procedure
The final size of the crown will be the same as the original tooth. Therefore, the tooth must be reduced in size to accommodate the crown. First, though, Dr. Dorfman will make an impression of the existing tooth to send to a dental lab, where technicians create a custom-designed crown. In some cases, a temporary crown will be installed to protect the tooth until the permanent crown is ready.
When the permanent crown arrives from the lab, it will be permanently cemented into place.
Caring for Your Dental Crown
With proper care, a good quality dental crown may last eight years or so. It is very important to floss on both sides of the crown to remove plaque and debris. Remember, it is still possible for your tooth to decay around the base, if debris works its way under the edge of the crown. This won’t happen if you keep the area very clean. A dental water pik might help with this hygiene.
To extend the life of your crown, avoid eating brittle foods, ice, or hard candy. Also avoid clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth. If you do tend to clench your jaw or grind your teeth at night, ask us about a Night Guard.
Dental Crown Materials
Here at Tribeca Dental Care in New York City, the material used for crowns is either gold-fused-to-porcelain or all-ceramic with a layer of porcelain on the exterior. Porcelain is a type of ceramic, but a very strong one. Ask Dr. Dorfman which is the best choice for you. Every case is different. As an experienced cosmetic dentist, she has the knowledge to evaluate your teeth and recommend the best crown material.
Dr. Dorfman has placed over a thousand crowns during her dental career. You can be assured you are in experienced hands.
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Porcelain Crowns
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Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
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Other Crown Materials
Same-Day Dental Crowns
Dental Crown FAQs
A filling repairs a specific area of decay or damage while preserving most of the natural tooth. A crown covers the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gumline. Crowns are generally recommended when there is not enough healthy tooth structure remaining to reliably support a filling.
A crown surrounds the entire visible portion of a tooth and can improve its strength, function, and appearance. A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain placed primarily over the front surface of a tooth for cosmetic improvement. The right choice depends on the tooth’s condition, the amount of damage present, and your treatment goals.
A traditional dental crown commonly requires two appointments. During the first visit, the tooth is prepared, an impression is taken, and a temporary crown may be placed. A dental laboratory then creates the permanent restoration. At the second appointment, the temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is checked for fit, appearance, and bite before being cemented into place.
The lifespan of a crown depends on its material, location, oral hygiene, and the amount of pressure it receives. With proper care, many crowns last for several years and may last much longer. Regular dental exams allow your dentist to monitor the crown and identify early signs of wear, damage, or decay around its edges.
Yes. Although the crown itself cannot decay, the natural tooth underneath it can still develop a cavity, especially along the gumline. Brush twice daily, floss around the crown, and attend routine cleanings to keep the area healthy. A water flosser may also be helpful, but it should not necessarily replace traditional floss unless your dentist recommends it.
Yes. Tooth-colored crowns can be carefully selected to complement the color, shape, and size of the surrounding teeth. This is especially important when restoring a tooth that is visible when you smile. The recommended crown material may depend on the tooth’s location, your bite, and the amount of chewing pressure the restoration must withstand.
Contact Tribeca Dental Care as soon as possible. A temporary crown protects the prepared tooth and helps maintain the space needed for the permanent restoration. Avoid chewing on that side and do not attempt to permanently reattach the crown yourself. If possible, keep the temporary crown and bring it to your appointment.
After the crown has been placed and any numbness has worn off, you can generally return to your normal diet. However, biting ice, hard candy, pens, or other hard objects can damage both crowns and natural teeth. If you grind or clench your teeth, a custom night guard may help protect your crown.
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Dental Crown FAQs
A filling repairs a specific area of decay or damage while preserving most of the natural tooth. A crown covers the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gumline. Crowns are generally recommended when there is not enough healthy tooth structure remaining to reliably support a filling.
A crown surrounds the entire visible portion of a tooth and can improve its strength, function, and appearance. A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain placed primarily over the front surface of a tooth for cosmetic improvement. The right choice depends on the tooth’s condition, the amount of damage present, and your treatment goals.
A traditional dental crown commonly requires two appointments. During the first visit, the tooth is prepared, an impression is taken, and a temporary crown may be placed. A dental laboratory then creates the permanent restoration. At the second appointment, the temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is checked for fit, appearance, and bite before being cemented into place.
The lifespan of a crown depends on its material, location, oral hygiene, and the amount of pressure it receives. With proper care, many crowns last for several years and may last much longer. Regular dental exams allow your dentist to monitor the crown and identify early signs of wear, damage, or decay around its edges.
Yes. Although the crown itself cannot decay, the natural tooth underneath it can still develop a cavity, especially along the gumline. Brush twice daily, floss around the crown, and attend routine cleanings to keep the area healthy. A water flosser may also be helpful, but it should not necessarily replace traditional floss unless your dentist recommends it.
Yes. Tooth-colored crowns can be carefully selected to complement the color, shape, and size of the surrounding teeth. This is especially important when restoring a tooth that is visible when you smile. The recommended crown material may depend on the tooth’s location, your bite, and the amount of chewing pressure the restoration must withstand.
Contact Tribeca Dental Care as soon as possible. A temporary crown protects the prepared tooth and helps maintain the space needed for the permanent restoration. Avoid chewing on that side and do not attempt to permanently reattach the crown yourself. If possible, keep the temporary crown and bring it to your appointment.
After the crown has been placed and any numbness has worn off, you can generally return to your normal diet. However, biting ice, hard candy, pens, or other hard objects can damage both crowns and natural teeth. If you grind or clench your teeth, a custom night guard may help protect your crown.