Achieve a Stunning Smile with Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are an excellent solution for restoring damaged or decayed teeth, helping numerous patients attain beautiful, healthy smiles. Available in various materials, these crowns are custom-designed to suit each patient’s specific needs.
At our Wilmington and Seaford, DE, dental clinics, our skilled cosmetic dentists provide dental crowns tailored to your oral health requirements. To learn more about dental crowns and determine if they are the right choice for enhancing your smile, contact our Wilmington office at (302) 999-7600 or our Seaford office at (302) 536-7589!
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns, commonly referred to as caps or tooth crowns, are prosthetic devices designed to cover damaged or decayed teeth, restoring their function, shape, and appearance. These crowns are custom-crafted to fit over the entire tooth, extending from the gum line to the chewing surface, and can be made from porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of these materials.
A dental crown may also be placed over a dental implant, used to support a dental bridge or serve as a cosmetic enhancement to improve the look of teeth.
When Is a Dental Crown Necessary?
Dental crowns can address a variety of dental issues. Our dentists in Wilmington and Seaford may suggest a dental crown for several reasons, such as:
- Protecting a Weak Tooth: If a tooth is compromised due to decay, a large filling, or a root canal, a dental crown can offer extra support and help prevent the tooth from fracturing.
- Restoring a Broken or Damaged Tooth: A dental crown can restore a tooth that has been broken, cracked, or significantly worn down.
- Covering a Dental Implant: After placing a dental implant, a crown is often used to cover it, providing a natural-looking tooth replacement.
- Supporting a Dental Bridge: Crowns can support a dental bridge, helping to replace missing teeth.
- Enhancing the Appearance of a Tooth: Dental crowns can serve as a cosmetic solution to improve the look of teeth that are misshapen, discolored, or poorly spaced.
Signs You Need Dental Crowns
Some signs that you may need a dental crown include:
- Tooth pain or sensitivity
- A cracked or chipped tooth
- A large filling that needs to be replaced
- A tooth that has had a root canal
- A tooth that’s misshapen or discolored
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Some of the benefits of dental crowns include:
- Protection: They safeguard weak or damaged teeth from further harm or decay.
- Restoration: Dental crowns restore both the functionality and appearance of compromised teeth.
- Durability: Known for their strength and resilience, dental crowns can last for many years with proper care.
- Versatility: They’re a versatile solution for a range of dental issues, from repairing a broken tooth to covering a dental implant.
- Aesthetics: Dental crowns can be tailored to match the color and shape of your natural teeth, resulting in a seamless and visually appealing outcome.
If you’re curious about how dental crowns might benefit you, reach out to our Wilmington and Seaford dentists today to book your appointment!
Types of Dental Crowns
There are several types of dental crowns available, ensuring that each patient receives the most suitable option for restoring their smile. Our dentists in Wilmington and Seaford will assess your needs and suggest the ideal choice for your dental health.
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are crafted from a tooth-colored material that can be precisely matched to the shade of your natural teeth, making them an ideal choice for front teeth. These crowns are biocompatible and provide a natural, lifelike appearance.
Metal Crowns
Metal crowns are crafted from materials such as gold, nickel, or other metal alloys. They are incredibly robust, capable of withstanding significant biting forces, and are known for their long-lasting durability. However, their metallic hue makes them less desirable for use on front teeth.
Porcelain-fused-to-Metal Crowns (PFM)
PFM crowns combine a metal base with a porcelain exterior, offering the durability of metal and the aesthetic appeal of porcelain. They are suitable for both front and back teeth.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia crowns are constructed from a strong, biocompatible material that resists chipping and cracking. These crowns can be color-matched to your natural teeth, making them an excellent choice for back teeth.
Same-Day Crowns
Same-day crowns, also known as CEREC crowns, are a type of dental crown that can be created and fitted in just one dental visit. This differs from traditional dental crowns, which generally necessitate multiple appointments and the use of temporary crowns while waiting for the permanent crown to be made in a dental lab. We may provide this option for our patients, depending on their needs.
The Dental Crown Procedure at Our Wilmington and Seaford Dental Offices
Consultation and Planning
The dental crown process typically begins with a thorough examination and diagnosis. At our Wilmington and Seaford offices, Drs. Paul Brown and Christopher Baran will assess the condition of your tooth, checking for issues such as decay, fractures, or other problems.
X-rays may be taken to evaluate the roots, the surrounding bone, and the extent of the damage to determine if a crown is necessary or if other treatment options may be better suited.
First Visit: Tooth Preparation
During your first visit, our dentists will begin by numbing the tooth and surrounding gum tissue using a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort. The tooth is then reshaped along the chewing surface and sides to make room for the crown. The amount of tooth structure removed depends on the type of crown chosen and the extent of the damage to the tooth.
Impressions and Temporary Crown
Once the tooth is reshaped, we will take impressions of the prepared tooth and the surrounding teeth. These impressions are critical to creating a custom crown that fits perfectly and aligns with your bite. Impressions may be taken using traditional molds or with advanced digital intraoral scanners. A temporary crown, typically made of acrylic, will be placed to protect the tooth while your permanent crown is being created.
Permanent Crown Creation Options
At our Wilmington and Seaford offices, we offer same-day dental crown services, depending on your preferences and oral health needs. We can either create your crown with an in-office milling machine or send the impressions to a dental lab for custom fabrication. If we opt for a lab-made crown, your permanent crown will be ready for placement during your second visit.
Second Visit: Permanent Crown Fitting
Once the permanent crown is ready, your dentist will remove the temporary crown. The new crown will be placed to check its fit, color, and bite alignment. If everything looks perfect, the crown is permanently cemented in place after the tooth is thoroughly cleaned. The dentist may make minor bite adjustments, asking you to bite down several times to verify comfort and proper alignment.
Aftercare and Follow-up
After your crown procedure, it’s normal to experience some sensitivity or mild discomfort as the anesthesia wears off. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help ease any discomfort. Proper aftercare is essential to ensuring the longevity of your new crown.
We recommend brushing and flossing regularly, as well as attending routine dental check-ups. Additionally, avoid hard foods and refrain from using the crowned tooth to open packages or as a tool, as this can help prolong its lifespan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental crowns typically have a lifespan ranging from five to 15 years or even longer when properly maintained. The longevity of your dental crown is influenced by several factors, including the crown’s material, your oral hygiene practices, and the amount of stress or wear it endures. Porcelain and ceramic crowns generally last longer compared to metal or resin-based crowns.
The process of getting a dental crown generally should not be painful, as it’s typically carried out with the use of a local anesthetic. However, some patients might feel a bit of discomfort or sensitivity during or after the procedure. Your dentist can prescribe pain medication or suggest over-the-counter pain relievers to help manage any discomfort.
The dental crown placement process typically requires two dental appointments to complete. The duration needed to fit a dental crown can vary based on the specific circumstances and the dentist’s approach. Your dentist will provide a detailed treatment timeline during your initial consultation.
Yes, you can have a dental crown placed in just one day using CEREC technology (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics). This innovative approach enables the dentist to design and fit a custom crown during a single visit.
The process involves taking digital impressions of your tooth, designing the crown with computer-aided design (CAD) software, and fabricating the final crown using an in-office milling machine.
Determine if Dental Crowns Are Suitable for You
Dental crowns offer a reliable solution for restoring teeth that are damaged or decayed. To find out if this treatment is right for you, contact our Wilmington office at (302) 999-7600 or our Seaford office at (302) 536-7589 to book a consultation with our dentists.
They will assess your oral health and suggest the most appropriate treatment plan. We’re delighted to welcome new and returning patients from Delaware and nearby regions.
