DENTAL CROWNS
Dental crowns are the aesthetic dental solution for teeth that have suffered too much damage to be repaired with fillings, inlays, or onlays. Occasionally a tooth cracks or breaks because of tooth decay, teeth grinding, an accident, or other reasons. When this occurs, Dr. Weinstock and Dr. Waasdorp can repair the damaged tooth with a natural-looking porcelain crown that will be virtually indistinguishable from surrounding teeth. A crown covers the entire tooth and is permanently bonded into place. It adds strength, aesthetics and protection to teeth damaged. Our Philadelphia dentist office will use a crown to:
- Fix damaged, chipped or cracked teeth
- Fix discolored teeth
- Fix misshapen teeth
- Reinforce a tooth with a root canal
- Strengthen anchor teeth for dental bridge
- As a dental restoration with dental implants
TYPES OF DENTAL CROWNS
With traditional crowns, a porcelain “tooth” covers a metal cap, which is affixed to the prepared tooth remnant. While this method is excellent for restoring strength and structure to damaged teeth, the edge of the metal cap can show at the gum line. For this reason, Dr. Weinstock and Dr. Waasdorp typically use traditional porcelain-on-metal crowns only to repair back teeth. This way, patients can benefit from the added strength of the porcelain fused to metal without having to worry.
When front teeth become damaged, all-ceramic crowns provide the ultimate in aesthetically pleasing tooth restoration. All-ceramic crowns not only accurately recreate the shape of the tooth, they have a superbly translucent appearance that makes them virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth. Dr. Weinstock or Dr. Waasdorp will customize your all-ceramic crown to complement the color, size, shape, and texture of your surrounding teeth. Indeed, his precision and attention to detail ensure such natural-looking results that you may forget which of your teeth was repaired.
WHAT TO EXPECT
ABOUT DENTAL CROWNS PROCESS
Examination – Dr. Weinstock or Dr. Waasdorp will conduct an examination of your teeth and overall dental health to determine if a dental crown is right for you. He will look for signs of decay, stress and instability that could compromise the results. He will review with you your dental crown options and design a custom treatment plan to restore the tooth.
Tooth Preparation – The dental crown procedure will begin with Dr. Weinstock or Dr. Waasdorp using local anesthesia to numb the tooth for your comfort. He will then prepare the tooth by removing a small amount of the natural tooth structure to accommodate the dental crown. Next, he will take impressions of the prepared tooth that will be used to fabricate a comfortable, beautiful and natural functioning crown. A temporary cap will be placed on the tooth to protect it until the final restoration is completed. A dental laboratory will create your crown using the impressions and the chosen shade that will best match the rest of your teeth.
Placement of Final Restoration – Your custom made dental crown will be ready in about two to three weeks. You will return to our Philadelphia dentist office for the final placement. Dr. Weinstock or Dr. Waasdorp will remove the temporary cap and will then place your new crown. Once you and Dr. Weinstock or Dr. Waasdorp are happy with the fit, look, and position of the crown, it will be bonded to the tooth and polished.
I couldn't be happier with my experiences!
Ann C.
