Understanding Dental Crowns
Hi, I'm Dr. Priya Mathew from MVP Family Dental, and I get a lot of questions about dental crowns. Today I'm going to address those questions, and I hope that they help you understand dental crowns more clearly.
What are dental crowns?
Dental crowns are a way to restore your teeth. They cover the tooth and protect it from breaking.
What are the alternatives to dental crowns?
Some alternatives to dental crowns could include inlays or onlays, which are made out of similar materials but look more like fillings.
What type of dental crowns are there?
There are full coverage dental crowns and partial coverage dental crowns. Veneers are kind of like partial 3/4 crowns.
What different materials are used in the dental crowns, and what are the advantages and disadvantages?
There's a PFM crown, which is a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown that is an older method. The downside is that the porcelain would chip; the upside is that the metal was strong. Nowadays, we use a stronger material that looks like porcelain. It's called zirconium, and that's what we use for most of our dental crowns. It's very strong and has a high strength rate, so it can stay in the mouth without breaking, but looks like a tooth. There are also aesthetic options that you can use in the front of your mouth, such as different materials like lithium disilicate.
Is a dental crown necessary after root canal treatment?
A dental crown is necessary after root canal treatment, especially in the back teeth, including the premolars and the molars. In the front, sometimes if it's a small access to get into the canal, you don't need a full crown, but in the posterior back of your mouth, you definitely need a crown after a root canal.
Can you explain the dental crown procedure?
The dental crown procedure starts with the doctor getting you numb. We take out the old filling, or if there isn't an old filling and there's some decay, we remove all of that. Then we fill the tooth in with what we call a buildup, which is just a fancy way of saying a big filling. We prepare the tooth for the crown by removing about a millimeter and a half to two millimeters all around the tooth, on the sides, on the top. This is going to make room for the permanent crown to cover the tooth and have enough thickness for the material to not break. We take a digital impression by scanning your tooth intraorally with a digital scanner, so you don't have to go through the goop of a regular impression. That gets sent to the lab. You leave the office with a temporary crown, and then in a couple of weeks, you come back, we take off the temporary crown, put on the permanent crown, make sure it fits, check the bite, make sure you're comfortable, and then you go home.
Does the dental crown placement hurt?
A dental crown placement does not hurt. We will get you numb if you need to be numb for that procedure. Some people are totally fine without getting numb. We ask you and make sure you're comfortable during that procedure.
Are there any consequences for getting a tooth crown?
There are no bad consequences of getting a tooth crown. You might need to get it replaced in 10 years if you haven't been taking care of the crown. You do have to brush it and floss around it and make sure your gums and your tooth around it are staying healthy. You want to keep up with your dental checkups.
Is it worth putting children's teeth in crowns?
You can put children's teeth in crowns, but it really depends on the status of their teeth. If they have really deep decay and they need to get what we call a pulpotomy, which is kind of like a baby root canal where we remove the nerve of the baby tooth, then the tooth would need what we call a stainless steel crown to protect the tooth from further deterioration. It really depends on the cavity status of the child.
Do crowns look like normal teeth?
Crowns in adults look like normal teeth. In the front ones, we match them well with the rest of a person's existing teeth. We select the shade and try it in before we cement it in permanently. In the back, we make sure that the shade is a good match, and it looks basically like your regular tooth.
Can you get cavities on crown teeth?
You can get cavities under crowned teeth at the margin of the crown, which is where the tooth meets the crown. If you have some recession of your gums and that area of your tooth is exposed and you're not keeping it clean, it is possible to get decay there.
How should I take care of my dental crown?
You should brush and floss like you normally would with your natural teeth. It's going to act like a natural tooth. You want to keep it clean and do your regular checkups.
How long can you expect a dental crown to last?
A dental crown should last at least 5 to 10 years or even longer as long as you're taking care of it and coming in for your routine checkups.
Does insurance cover dental crown?
Most dental insurances do cover dental crowns. They don't cover it fully, and it depends on your dental insurance. When you come in, we'll take a look at your insurance and see what benefits you have. We can see how much it would cover for your crown.
How can I schedule an appointment?
You can schedule an appointment for a dental crown by calling us at MVP Family Dental. The phone number is (252) 616-9444.
Restorative Dentistry: Dental Crowns and Bridges at MVP Family Dental
At MVP Family Dental in Jenkintown, PA, we understand that issues with your teeth can impact not just your smile but also your overall oral health. Our focus on restorative dentistry equips us to offer effective solutions like dental crowns and dental bridges to help you recover your functionality and appearance seamlessly.
The Journey to a Perfect Smile with Dental Crowns
When it comes to dental crowns, the process begins with a thorough evaluation of your tooth's condition. Here at MVP Family Dental, we ensure that you feel comfortable and well-informed each step of the way. If a crown is deemed necessary, we prepare the affected tooth to create a fitting base for the crown. This involves shaping the tooth to allow for enhanced strength and a secure fit. Impressions are taken to construct a crown that seamlessly matches your natural teeth, providing a real aesthetic benefit.
While waiting for your custom dental crown, we often place a temporary crown to protect your tooth. This helps maintain your smile and protects you from discomfort while your permanent crown is crafted. Once your crown is ready, our skilled Jenkintown dentists will have you back in the office to verify that the fit is just right before cementing it into place. You'll leave with a restored tooth that not only enhances your smile but also significantly improves oral health.
Reclaiming Your Smile with Dental Bridges
In cases where one or more teeth are missing, dental bridges serve as a reliable tooth replacement option. The procedure begins by preparing the abutment teeth on either side of the gap. This step is crucial because these teeth will provide the support necessary for the bridge. Impressions are taken to ensure that the bridge will fit comfortably in your mouth.
While your permanent dental bridge is being crafted, we may provide a temporary bridge to maintain the aesthetics of your smile and support your chewing function. Once your custom dental bridge is ready, our experienced dental team will ensure it fits perfectly before securing it in place. The result is a stable, functional solution that not only fills the gap but also enhances your overall look.
Benefits of Dental Crowns and Bridges
Both dental crowns and bridges offer substantial advantages for those seeking oral health improvement. At MVP Family Dental, we pride ourselves on providing personalized dental care that addresses your specific needs. Here’s how crowns and bridges can benefit you:
- Enhanced Functionality: Both procedures restore your chewing capabilities, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods without worry.
- Aesthetic Improvements: Dental crowns and bridges blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, contributing to a beautiful smile.
- Prevention of Dental Issues: By replacing missing teeth with dental bridges and reinforcing damaged ones with crowns, you can prevent adjacent teeth from shifting, which can lead to further complications in the future.
Choosing MVP Family Dental for Your Restorative Needs
Incorporating advanced techniques and materials, our family dental practice stands out for its commitment to quality and patient-centered care. With years of combined experience, Dr. Priya Mathew and Dr. Vineetha Thomas lead a dedicated team focused on creating an inviting atmosphere that prioritizes patient comfort. Our goal is to ensure you have the best dental experience possible.
Accessibility is a core tenet of our practice. We accept a variety of insurance plans and offer flexible payment options to accommodate families in the Jenkintown area. Whether you require routine dental checkups or more specialized restorative dentistry services, we strive to make effective dental care accessible to all.
Patient Education and Follow-Up Care
At MVP Family Dental, we believe in empowering our patients through education. After your dental crown or bridge procedure, we’ll provide detailed information on how to care for your new restoration and maintain optimal oral health. Regular checkups are essential to ensure longevity and functionality, and our team is here to guide you on preventative dental care practices.
For those interested in cosmetic dental care, our dental crowns and bridges also offer the dual benefit of restoring function while enhancing your smile’s aesthetics. By opting for these restorative methods, you are making a long-term investment in your oral health.
Getting Started with Dental Crowns and Bridges
If you are ready to discuss your tooth restoration options, or if you have questions regarding the procedures for dental crowns or bridges, feel free to reach out to MVP Family Dental. Our friendly staff is here to assist you in scheduling an appointment that fits your needs and lifestyle. We can’t wait to help you regain your confident smile through our comprehensive dental services.
MVP Family Dental is located at 1653 The Fairway #205, Jenkintown, PA 19046, and we are proud to serve the diverse family dental care needs of our community. For more information on our restorative dentistry offerings, including detailed insights into dental crowns and dental bridges, please contact us today. Experience caring, personalized dental care that enhances your oral health and restores your smile at MVP Family Dental.