Porcelain Crowns

Perhaps you have a large cavity filling or maybe a tooth that had a root canal. Maybe your tooth is discolored and you want to improve the appearance, but a Veneer wasn’t the right choice for you. Maybe you took a bite on an olive pit a few months ago and the tooth has never felt the same. I think it’s time to consider a crown!

WHAT TO EXPECT

WHAT ARE PORCELAIN CROWNS?

Advances in the strength and appearance of porcelain crowns have made them the leading choice in restoring damaged teeth to their former splendor. A tooth that has been damaged by root canal, grinding, decay or fracture is likely to break from the stress of daily use. But a doctor-prescribed porcelain crown strengthens your tooth by providing 360 degrees of coverage.

WHAT DOES A PORCELAIN CROWN DO?

Crowns are full-coverage restorations that are used to cover a tooth that is likely to break or is too damaged to be corrected with a traditional filling. When you receive a crown, you will notice it effectively improves your tooth condition by:
-Helping strengthen a heavily-restored tooth to prevent future fracture
-Restoring loss of tooth structure from heavy grinding
-Improving tooth aesthetics
-Relieving pain from any damage or fractures

WHAT TO EXPECT

2 appointments

FIRST APPOINTMENT

At your first appointment at Grand Street Dental in Williamsburg, we will administer full local anesthesia for the tooth being treated. Dr. Plotnick will then prepare the tooth conservatively (1.5 to 2mm to be exact!) to create room for the porcelain crown.

After careful assessment of the shape and contour, a 3d scan or impression of the affected tooth will be taken. This putty will allow the lab ceramist to create and calibrate a porcelain crown that looks and feels like your natural tooth.

A temporary crown is created, polished and cemented. During the next two weeks, you’ll want to avoid sticky foods near the treated tooth, so the temporary crown stays put. If the temporary crown dislodges, try to replace it as fast as possible, and come visit us at our office in Williamsburg, Brooklyn if you can’t get it back in. The purpose of temporary crowns is to protect you from sensitivity and keep the gums from rolling over the prepared margins of the tooth.

SECOND APPOINTMENT

During your second visit, the temporary crown will be removed and the final porcelain crown will be tried in and examined for perfection. We will take a dental X-ray to ensure quality fit and aesthetic approval. An adhesive is then applied to the tooth and a cement will be luted onto the interior of the porcelain crown. Any excess cement will be removed. You’ll be provided with all the necessary instruction to take proper care of your new crown!

All hail to the queen…or KING!

Contact Grand Street Dental today to schedule your appointment!

FAQs

How long does a crown last?

On average, a crown can last between 12-15 years or more.

Can I get a cavity under a crown?

Yes, you can get a cavity under a crown. Crowns need to be cared for just like natural teeth.

Can I get a crown without a root canal?

Yes, indications for crowns are for when more than 50% of tooth structure is compromised.

Can you eat normally with a crown?

Yes.

Can flossing loosen a crown?

By using proper flossing techniques, you will not loosen a crown.

Can food get trapped under a crown?

If a crown is not properly fitted, food can get trapped beneath it. Your dentist will take a mold of your teeth to create a custom-fit crown that fits snugly over the tooth. This will prevent food from getting trapped.

Can front teeth be crowned?

Yes. The front teeth can be crowned with a porcelain material that matches the natural color of the surrounding teeth.

Can you replace a crown with another crown?

If the tooth structure is still in good condition, crowns can be replaced if they are chipped or cracked.

Why would I need a crown?

You may need a crown if you have a large cavity in a tooth or if you have a tooth with a root canal. It can also be used when a tooth is damaged due to grinding or when there is a fracture in the tooth.

Does getting a crown hurt?

Because your dentist will use an anesthetic before the procedure begins, you will not feel any pain when a crown is put in place. After the anesthesia wears off, you may feel some mild discomfort or sensitivity.

Is there anything I need to avoid after getting a crown?

For the first 24 hours after getting a crown, you should avoid sticky or hard foods. You should also avoid eating solid foods for the first 30 minutes after the procedure.

Can I brush regularly with a crown?

Absolutely! You will still want to brush and floss regularly to ensure your oral health and to make sure the crown continues looking good.

What are crowns made of?

Dental crowns can be made out of metal or a porcelain substrate.

How long will my appointment take when getting a crown?

Your appointment will take between 45-60 minutes to install your crown, but the whole process requires two appointments. The first appointment involves preparing the tooth and placing a temporary crown, and the second appointment is when the permanent crown will be inserted.

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