Dental Crowns in Woburn, MA
A damaged tooth can quickly become a significant issue, impacting both your oral health and overall well-being. What begins as a small area of decay can rapidly develop, compromising the tooth’s structure and leading to pain, sensitivity, and potential tooth loss. If left untreated, this decay can spread, affecting neighboring teeth and gums, and even leading to more serious infections. Dental crowns are a reliable solution to these problems, providing strength, protection, and aesthetic improvement to damaged teeth, ensuring they remain healthy for years.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are a fundamental restorative dentistry procedure that reinforces the structure of a damaged tooth to improve its strength and function. A crown is a “cap” that encases the entire surface of the tooth and extends to the gum line. It can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination.
A crown protects and strengthens decayed, cracked, or worn-down teeth. It also adds protection for teeth treated with a root canal or those with large fillings. When it comes to tooth replacement, crowns can top dental implants or act as support mechanisms for dental bridges. With so many applications, it’s no wonder that millions of dental crowns are made annually in the U.S.
Crowns vs. Fillings
Dental crowns and dental fillings can restore damaged teeth, providing structural support and preventing further decay. However, while fillings repair smaller areas of damage within the tooth, crowns cover and protect the entire tooth surface.
If you’re wondering which treatment is best for you, consider these differences:
| Dental Crowns | Dental Fillings | |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Fully covers the tooth | Fills in cavities within the tooth |
| Uses |
|
|
| Materials | Porcelain, ceramic, metal, composite resin, zirconia, or a combination of materials | Composite resin (white fillings) and amalgam (silver fillings) are most common |
| Durability | Long-lasting—they last about 10-15 years or more with proper care | Durable, but may need replacement sooner—they generally last 5-10 years or longer |
The Dental Crown Process
Getting a dental crown takes just a couple of visits. At your first appointment, we’ll prepare the damaged tooth. To fit the crown onto the tooth, we need to shape it by removing some of your enamel. We use local anesthesia to ensure that you’re comfortable throughout the process. We’ll then take impressions of the prepared tooth. This allows dental lab technicians to craft a crown that fits your tooth perfectly. It generally takes 2-3 weeks for the lab to fabricate a crown. While you wait, we’ll place a temporary crown over your tooth to protect it from further harm.
When your custom crown is delivered, you’ll come back in. We’ll remove the temporary crown, check the fit of the final one, and fix it in place with durable dental cement. Your newly restored tooth will enhance your ability to chew comfortably and smile confidently.
Benefits of Crowns
Dental crowns are a valuable tool in the dental toolbox with many benefits for patients:
- Prevent further damage: Dental crowns encase the entire tooth, protecting it from additional wear, fractures, or decay. This barrier prevents harmful bacteria and other elements from causing further damage to the tooth structure.
- Provide pain relief: By covering a damaged or decayed tooth, dental crowns eliminate discomfort and sensitivity. This protection shields the tooth’s nerves, alleviating pain caused by temperature changes or chewing pressure.
- Improve eating ability: Dental crowns restore the tooth’s function, allowing you to bite and chew more effectively. This improvement enhances your overall eating experience so you can enjoy a broad range of foods without difficulty.
- Enhance tooth appearance: Custom-made to match your natural teeth, tooth-colored dental crowns improve the appearance of damaged teeth. They can boost your confidence and self-esteem by contributing to a more aesthetically pleasing smile.
- Provide long-term protection: Dental crowns are durable and can last many years with proper care. This long-term protection helps maintain the health and functionality of your teeth, reducing the need for future dental treatments.
Dental Implant-Supported Crowns
Crowns are often used in conjunction with dental implants to replace individual missing teeth. A dental implant is a titanium screw that we place in the jawbone. It replicates the function of a tooth root and supports an artificial crown. When the implant fuses with the bone, we attach a custom crown to it using an abutment piece.
This combination creates a strong, stable, and permanent tooth replacement that looks and functions like a natural tooth. With an implant-supported crown, you’ll experience improved oral function, giving you the confidence to chew, speak, and smile naturally.
Protect Your Smile at Four Corners Dental Care
At Four Corners Dental Care, we take the time to evaluate each patient’s unique needs and provide high-quality oral health care. If your tooth is damaged or you’re experiencing pain or sensitivity, we can help. With long-lasting dental crowns, we can safeguard your oral health by protecting damaged and vulnerable teeth.
When it comes to restorative dentistry, prompt care improves treatment outcomes. Contact us today to begin the journey to a healthier smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of a dental crown depends mainly on the material used and the complexity of the procedure. Since it is a common restorative treatment, dental insurance may cover part of the expense. When you schedule a free consultation, we can provide an accurate cost estimate tailored to your specific needs and insurance coverage. We can also review our in-office savings plan and flexible financing options, which can help make your needed treatment affordable.
Getting a dental crown is typically not painful. We will numb the area to ensure you don’t feel any pain. While you might experience mild discomfort or sensitivity afterward, this usually subsides within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relief can help manage any temporary soreness.
Porcelain or ceramic crowns are highly resistant to staining and maintain their color over time. However, practicing good oral hygiene and avoiding excessive consumption of staining agents like coffee, tea, and tobacco is still important. Regular dental cleanings will also help keep your natural teeth and crowns looking their best.
Caring for a dental crown is simple: maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly, and visit Four Corners Dental Care for routine exams and cleanings. You should also avoid chewing hard foods or objects to prevent damage. With proper care, your crown can last many years, providing reliable protection!
