Dental crowns are a vital aspect of restorative dentistry. This common dental treatment offers a solution for various dental issues. Sometimes called tooth caps, dental crowns fit over damaged or weakened teeth. Their main purpose is to provide functional and aesthetic benefits.
Dr. Richard Sousa offers custom dental crowns in Roslyn Heights, NY to help people improve their smile. He uses this versatile dental treatment for restorative and cosmetic purposes. The most common reasons include:
- Chipped tooth
- Cracked tooth
- Discolored tooth
- Misshapen tooth
- Restoring a dental implant
- Strengthening a tooth after root canal treatment
- Help secure dental bridges
About Dental Crowns
Dr. Sousa is a highly trained restorative dentist. As a Master Ceramist, he can place custom-made dental crowns for his patients’ smiles. East Hills Dental Associates can fabricate teeth crowns on-site and place them for lasting results.
We only use high-quality ceramic materials to create custom crowns. Your new tooth crown will support your long-term dental health while restoring function and beauty to your smile.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is like a cap that goes over a natural tooth. The dentist will trim down the outer layer of the decayed or broken tooth to create room for it. The cap will fit right over the tooth like a helmet, encasing the entire crown from the gum line to the top. The goal of a crown is to fix a damaged or weak tooth.
Replacing Dental Crowns
Our goal at East Hills Dental Associates is to provide undetectable dentistry. Dr. Sousa can replace existing dental crowns and fillings with restorations that look and feel like your natural teeth.
Many people experience unexplained pain from filled back teeth, often due to hairline cracks in the chewing part of the tooth. Placing new dental crowns on these teeth relieves the pain and restores full dental function.
In front teeth, older fillings can weaken the teeth and cause “appearance” problems because of staining or chipping. Porcelain crowns and bridges are suitable in cases where porcelain veneers are not.
Creating Porcelain Crowns for Natural Results
Porcelain dental crowns, or porcelain “pasted on gold” crowns, are a great option for fixing damaged teeth. They offer the most natural appearance and will help your smile look good as new.
Porcelain crowns are reliable for repairing the most severe dental problems. We use them often with dental implants to replace missing teeth. Porcelain implant crowns offer a completely natural appearance and functional bite.
As a trained Master Ceramist, Dr. Sousa offers his unique combination of talents to patients. He has the knowledge and experience in both creating and placing dental restorations. We use quality materials in our on-site dental lab for consistent care not found in most dental offices.
East Hills Dental Associates is known for creating high-quality, custom crowns using modern dental technology. Our custom dental crowns are long-lasting and can fix major dental problems. The porcelain crowns we make in our office can last 20 to 30 years.
Receiving Dental Crowns in Roslyn Heights, NY
Dr. Sousa will meet with you to evaluate your dental health and discuss your personal concerns and goals for your smile. The dental crown procedure will take one day. However, in some cases, it could take a few visits.
We will use a local anesthetic to numb the area, and most patients are comfortable with just that. However, we also offer dental sedation options for patients who have dental anxiety.
To prepare the tooth, Dr. Sousa will first remove any damage or decay. Removing as little of the tooth surface as possible will ensure the crown will be stable and secure. We will take dental impressions and fabricate your new crown in our on-site lab for a custom fit.
Once your permanent crown is ready, we will permanently secure it to the tooth. The dental crown we place will support the health, beauty, and function of your bite for many years.
Same-Day Dental Crowns
Dr. Sousa has an in-office lab and uses CEREC technology to provide same-day service for dental crowns. CEREC technology uses high-quality ceramics and CAD/CAM technology. This modern dental technology enables us to design, create, and place beautiful dental crowns while you wait.
Dental Crown FAQs
How long does it take to fit a dental crown?
Fitting a crown requires at least two visits to our office. Initially, we will remove decay, shape the tooth, and fit it with a temporary crown of either plastic or metal.
Can you repair a broken dental crown?
Yes. We have an in-office dental lab and also use CEREC when appropriate for same-day service. Dr. Sousa will recommend the most suitable treatment for your needs.
How long will my dental crown last?
A dental crown can last anywhere from five to fifteen years, or even longer. This depends on the type of crown you receive and how well you care for it. Also, you must protect it from damage.
Brushing and flossing regularly and visiting the dentist every six months are vital. Trauma to the mouth can also cause your crown to break. Wearing a mouthguard while playing contact sports and not chewing on hard objects can also extend the life of your crown.
Can I eat normally with a dental crown?
Yes, you can generally eat and drink as usual with a dental crown. However, initially, it is best to stick to softer foods as your mouth adjusts to the new restoration. As long as you chew gently, there should be no problems.
Also, make sure that you brush and floss around the dental crown every day. This vital step will keep it clean and reduce the risk of cavities and related issues.
When does a patient need a tooth crown?
A patient may need a dental crown when a tooth has extensive decay or damage. These issues can weaken the tooth structure and make it more prone to breakage or further decay.
A tooth crown can protect the tooth by encasing it in a strong, durable material such as porcelain or metal. In addition, a tooth crown can help restore the tooth’s function and appearance, allowing patients to eat, speak, and smile again.
Can a dentist remove a dental crown?
Yes. A dentist can remove a dental crown. The process of removing a dental crown involves breaking the seal of the dental cement that attaches the crown to the tooth.
When the dentist removes the crown, they must ensure there is no underlying damage to the tooth or opposing teeth. The dentist will also check for any infection in the area before beginning the procedure.