What Are Dental Crowns and Why Might You Need One?
At The Smile Place Family Dentistry, we’re excited to talk about one of our most transformative dental procedures – dental crowns! A dental crown is much more than just a simple restoration; it’s a comprehensive solution that can completely transform both the function and appearance of a damaged tooth.
A dental crown is a procedure that involves completely covering a tooth that has experienced severe decay to restore its function and appearance. Think of a crown as a custom-made “cap” that fits perfectly over your existing tooth, providing strength, protection, and a natural-looking appearance that seamlessly blends with your smile.
But when exactly might you need a crown? There are several scenarios where our experienced dental professionals at The Smile Place might recommend this treatment:
Common Reasons for Crown Treatment:
- Severe tooth decay that has compromised the tooth’s structural integrity
- Large fillings that have weakened the remaining tooth structure
- Cracked or fractured teeth from trauma or wear
- Root canal treatment – teeth that have undergone root canal therapy often need crowns for protection
- Cosmetic enhancement for severely discolored or misshapen teeth
- Dental implant restoration – crowns serve as the visible tooth portion of dental implants
The Crown Process at The Smile Place: A Detailed Journey
Visit One: Preparation and Planning
Typically, the process can be completed in two visits. During your first appointment at either our Cornwall or Middletown location, our skilled dental professionals will begin the transformation process with meticulous care and attention to detail.
On the first visit, the decayed tooth is prepared by shaving it down, and an impression is taken. This preparation phase is crucial for ensuring your crown will fit perfectly and function optimally. Here’s what happens during this initial visit:
- Comprehensive Examination: Our doctors will thoroughly examine the affected tooth and surrounding area, often using digital X-rays to assess the full extent of damage or decay.
- Anesthesia Administration: To ensure your complete comfort throughout the procedure, we’ll administer local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth.
- Tooth Preparation: The damaged or decayed portions of the tooth are carefully removed, and the remaining healthy tooth structure is precisely shaped to accommodate the crown. This involves reducing the tooth’s size to make room for the crown while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
- Detailed Impressions: We take highly accurate impressions of your prepared tooth and the surrounding teeth. These impressions serve as the blueprint for creating your custom crown in our dental laboratory.
- Temporary Crown Placement: A temporary crown is then placed while the permanent crown is created. This temporary restoration protects your prepared tooth and maintains your ability to chew and speak normally while your permanent crown is being crafted.
- Color Matching: Our team will carefully select the shade that best matches your natural teeth, ensuring your new crown blends seamlessly with your smile.
Between Visits: Crown Craftsmanship
While you’re wearing your temporary crown, skilled dental technicians are meticulously crafting your permanent restoration. Using the impressions taken during your first visit, they create a crown that perfectly matches your tooth’s shape, size, and color.
Visit Two: The Final Transformation
The second visit involves fitting the permanent crown comfortably and cementing it into place for a permanent restoration. This appointment is where you’ll see the final results of your crown treatment:
- Temporary Crown Removal: We carefully remove your temporary crown and clean the prepared tooth.
- Crown Fitting and Adjustment: Your new permanent crown is tried in to ensure a perfect fit, proper bite alignment, and optimal comfort. Any necessary adjustments are made at this time.
- Final Approval: You’ll have the opportunity to see and approve your new crown before final placement.
- Permanent Cementation: Once we’ve confirmed the perfect fit and your satisfaction, the crown is permanently cemented into place using advanced dental adhesives.
- Final Bite Check: We’ll check your bite to ensure proper alignment and make any final adjustments needed for optimal comfort and function.
Why Choose The Smile Place for Your Crown Treatment?
Experienced, Caring Professionals
At The Smile Place, our crown procedures are performed by highly skilled dentists.
Advanced Technology and Techniques
Our practice utilizes the latest dental technology and techniques to ensure your crown treatment is as comfortable, efficient, and successful as possible. Dr. Teitelbaum has particular expertise in CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/manufacturing) dentistry, which allows for even more precise and efficient crown fabrication.
Comprehensive Care Philosophy
At The Smile Place, we offer a relaxing atmosphere to care for all your dental needs. Our team of doctors provides a wide range of services, including cosmetic dentistry, to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. We understand that dental procedures can cause anxiety, which is why we’ve created a comfortable, welcoming environment where you can feel at ease.
What to Expect After Your Crown Procedure
Immediate Post-Treatment Care
Following your crown placement, it’s normal to experience some minor sensitivity or discomfort. You may have some sensitivity following treatment with soreness around the gum and tooth for a day or two. If the tenderness or sensitivity lasts longer than this, please contact our office.
Long-Term Care Instructions
To ensure the longevity of your new crown, we provide detailed care instructions:
- Carefully clean around the restoration, brushing and flossing daily
- Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or hard candies
- Maintain regular dental checkups and cleanings
- Practice good oral hygiene as recommended by our dental team
The Benefits of Crown Treatment
Functional Restoration
Crowns restore full chewing function to damaged teeth, allowing you to enjoy all your favorite foods without discomfort or worry about further damage.
Aesthetic Enhancement
Modern dental crowns are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth, providing a beautiful, natural-looking result that enhances your overall smile.
Long-Term Protection
By completely covering the damaged tooth, a crown provides long-lasting protection against further decay, fracture, or damage.
Improved Oral Health
Crowns help maintain proper bite alignment and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting, contributing to better overall oral health.
Don’t Wait – Your Smile Can’t Wait Either!
If you have any concerns about your teeth, don’t wait until your cleaning, especially if it is not coming up soon. Give us a call to come in and see one of our dental professionals if you are having any problems with your teeth!
At The Smile Place, we believe that great dental care doesn’t just make for a fantastic smile, it also helps promote overall health and wellness. We want you to have the confidence to share your smile with the world.
Convenient Locations and Flexible Scheduling
We make it easy for you to get the crown treatment you need with two convenient locations :
Cornwall Location
8 Quaker Avenue, Cornwall, NY 12518
Phone: 845-534-2030
Middletown Location
594 E Main Street, Middletown, NY 10940
Phone: 845-342-2125
What Our Patients Say About Their Crown Experience
Don’t just take our word for it – here’s what some of our satisfied patients have shared about their experience at The Smile Place:
“The experience was WONDERFUL and this is from someone who doesn’t appreciate visits to the dentist” – Nicholas M.
“After breaking a tooth, I called The SmilePlace and they got me an appointment quickly. I was able to have a temporary crown painlessly put into place… I was in and out of the office without delay” – Betsy D.
Ready to Transform Your Smile?
If you’re dealing with a damaged, decayed, or unsightly tooth, don’t let it compromise your confidence or oral health any longer. Crown treatment at The Smile Place can restore both the function and beauty of your smile, giving you the confidence to share it with the world.
Call today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward your crown transformation! Our experienced team is ready to help you achieve the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve.
Contact us today:
- Cornwall: 845-534-2030
- Middletown: 845-342-2125
Remember, we consider it an honor to care for your dental needs and greatly appreciate the trust you place in us to do so. Let us help you discover what a difference a crown can make in your life!
