Porcelain Crowns in New York, NY

About Porcelain Crowns at Rock Dental

Getting porcelain crowns is the best way to have a very natural looking smile. They are used when simply filling in a tooth is not an option. There are times when the decay is so bad that we just have to use a porcelain crown. We also use them with severely damaged teeth or teeth that have already had multiple fillings. Porcelain crowns are attached right to your teeth so that they can function, even when you bite something really hard! There are several types of porcelain crowns so it is important to discuss which type is best for you with your dentist.

Why a Crown Can Save a Tooth a Filling Cannot

A filling replaces a missing piece of a tooth, but it relies on the remaining tooth around it for strength. When decay is extensive, or a tooth has been filled several times, there may not be enough sound structure left to hold another filling. The thin walls that remain can flex and crack under biting pressure. A crown covers the whole visible part of the tooth and holds it together, which typically lets you keep a tooth that might otherwise be lost.

Crowns are also commonly placed after root canal treatment, since those teeth can become more brittle, and on teeth with cracks that cause pain when you chew. Porcelain and other ceramic materials reflect light in a way that resembles natural enamel, so a crown can be made to blend with its neighbors. Acting sooner usually means simpler treatment. If a tooth hurts when you bite or a piece has broken off, call the office at (212) 332-1020.

What to Expect When You Get a Crown

Your dentist will examine the tooth and take an X-ray to check the root and surrounding bone. The area is numbed, any decay is removed, and the tooth is shaped so a crown can fit over it. An impression records the shape of the prepared tooth and your bite, and a shade is chosen. In many cases a temporary crown protects the tooth while the final one is made, and you return to have it fitted, checked, and cemented.

Some sensitivity to temperature and tenderness in the gum are common for a few days. While wearing a temporary crown, avoid sticky or hard foods on that side and floss carefully. Once the final crown is in, brush and floss it like any other tooth, paying attention to the gumline where the crown meets the tooth, because decay can still start there. If your bite feels high or uneven, let the team know so it can be adjusted.