Do you need extra support after a root canal? Are your damaged teeth impacting your bite? Ask us about dental crown treatment in Ardmore, PA. Tooth crowns are porcelain ceramic caps covering damaged, weakened, stained, and worn teeth. Compared to traditional metal tooth crowns, our dental crowns offer both durability and aesthetics.
Porcelain ceramic crowns blend in with the shade and shape of natural teeth for a strong yet aesthetically pleasing dental restoration. Dr. Jeffrey Bellisario collaborates with patients to discover areas in the mouth that require extra support from dental crowns. Whether you need a single dental implant or want to preserve a cracked tooth, Dr. Bellisario can help. Our office provides restorative dentistry services for all patients in the Ardmore area.
Dental Crown Treatment
Before treatment, Dr. Bellisario ensures patients are good candidates for dental crowns. He will recommend dental extractions, periodontal care, or root canals to ensure patients’ oral health. For patients needing a tooth crown to cap off a dental implant, Dr. Bellisario ensures they have enough jaw bone tissue to support their implant. Then, he will begin their dental crown treatment.
To begin, Dr. Bellisario prepares the tooth or teeth for the crown. He removes a small portion of the enamel to ensure the tooth crowns fit properly. Then, he takes dental impressions. These impressions are sent to a dental lab, where technicians fabricate the crowns according to precise specifications. The dental lab typically takes two to three weeks to create your crown.
Once the dental crowns are complete, Dr. Bellisario attaches them to the teeth. Patients who receive crowns following their dental implant treatment will need to wait for their implants to heal before receiving their tooth crowns. The healing period is typically 3 to 6 months before a crown can be attached to the implant. Despite the longer wait period, crowns secured by dental implants tend to last longer and function more similarly to natural teeth.
Dental Crown Aftercare
Dental crowns can last 15 to 30 years with the right care. To care for your tooth crowns, continue to brush and floss daily. Taking care of your natural teeth and gums will lessen the chance of bacteria buildup and, as a result, will reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. We recommend scheduling regular visits to our office so we can check on your crown’s health and overall general health. Preventative care and maintenance are crucial to your smile and crown’s longevity.
If you have an old or damaged dental crown, we will remove it and help create and adhere to a replacement. Contact our office today so we can help restore your smile and begin creating your customized crown.
The Uses of Dental Crowns
Crowns are valuable in dentistry because they can treat many different problems, including cosmetic and restorative conditions. This makes them a popular go-to solution for dentists.
Correcting Cosmetic Flaws
One of the most common cosmetic problems people complain about is discolored teeth. Everyone faces tooth discoloration at some point. Typically, we can treat this with professional teeth whitening. However, some discoloration resists traditional techniques. Crowns are custom-made to be whatever shade of white you desire. They cover the entire tooth so that the discoloration is completely hidden.
Misshapen and deformed teeth are often seen as cosmetic problems by patients with them. However, they can also cause complications with the mouth’s function. Depending on where they are in the mouth, they can impact how you speak or your ability to chew food properly. A dental crown restores a normal, natural appearance while giving you full chewing function.
Stabilizing Natural Teeth
One of the most common uses for a dental crown is to stabilize a tooth after a root canal. During a root canal procedure, we remove the infected dental pulp inside your tooth, fill it with a biocompatible resin, and seal the tooth off. This doesn’t always restore the tooth to full function, though. A dental crown can provide stability and protect the tooth from further inspection. It restores the complete function of the affected tooth.
When you get a dental bridge, the two teeth at either end of the span of missing ones support the bridge. Anchor teeth take on the stress of supporting the bridge. These teeth are more likely to break down prematurely, chip, break, and are more susceptible to tooth decay. Putting crowns on these teeth removes this pressure and protects the natural tooth structure. The crowns take on the bulk of the support.
Treating Severely Broken or Decayed Teeth
At our office, we preserve your natural tooth structure with conservative dentistry. When you lose the tooth root, you experience jawbone degradation and other side effects. Crowns are often the last defense against severe damage or tooth decay. If your tooth shatters, a crown can hold the pieces together. It can also replace an area destroyed by tooth decay while restoring dental function.
Chips are common as our teeth wear down with age. While many are cosmetic, some chips and breaks are more serious. If the break exposes the dental pulp, it’s easier for bacteria to get in and infect the tissue. Sharp edges on the broken tooth can cut your tongue, cheek, and other soft tissue in your mouth. A dental crown protects from infection while restoring the feel of a natural tooth with no sharp edges.
Completing a Dental Implant
When a custom crown completes a dental implant, it’s the most natural-looking and feeling restoration to replace a missing tooth. We recommend a dental implant as the best missing tooth replacement option if we can’t save the natural tooth structure. It’s the only one replicating the tooth root, providing unique benefits that no other option can. A dental crown is the most-used restoration to complete a dental implant.
Inlays and Onlays
Also known as partial crowns, inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations for patients with worn, damaged, or cracked teeth. Inlays cover the chewing surface between the sides or cusps of the teeth, while onlays cover the tooth’s surface, including the tooth cusps.
Both inlays and onlays are made of composite resin or porcelain material. Because of this, inlays and onlays blend in with the natural smile. Like tooth crowns, inlays and onlays are attached to a prepared tooth.
Inlays and onlays are custom-made to fit the contours of the tooth so that they function naturally. They adhere to teeth using resin for long-lasting restorations. Inlays and onlays restore both function and aesthetics to your smile.
Dental Crowns FAQs
Dental crowns are one of the most important tools a dentist has. Learn more by reading the answers to these frequently asked questions.
How long does a dental crown last?
Dental crowns can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years and sometimes even longer with proper care. The longevity of a crown depends on factors such as oral hygiene, diet, grinding habits, and the material used. Avoiding hard foods, not using teeth as tools, and maintaining regular dental checkups can help extend the lifespan of your crown. If a crown becomes loose or damaged, it may need to be replaced to maintain function and appearance.
Do dental crowns look natural?
Yes! Modern crowns, especially those made of porcelain or zirconia, are designed to match natural teeth’ color, shape, and translucency. Dr. Bellisario will customize the crown to blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth for a natural-looking result. In some cases, additional shading and polishing are done to ensure an even better match. Properly made crowns are virtually indistinguishable from real teeth.
Will getting a crown hurt?
The procedure is not painful because we will numb the area before tooth preparation. You may experience mild discomfort or sensitivity after the numbing wears off, but this typically subsides within a few days. If a root canal was performed beforehand, there should be no discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers and avoiding hard foods can help manage any post-procedure soreness.
Can a crown fall off or become loose?
Yes, a crown can loosen or fall off due to factors such as tooth decay beneath the crown, trauma, or weakened dental cement. If your crown becomes loose or falls off, contact us immediately to have it re-cemented or replaced. To prevent further damage, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until it is fixed. Proper oral hygiene and avoiding sticky foods can help prevent crowns from coming loose.
Can a dental crown get cavities?
While the crown cannot develop cavities, the tooth underneath it can still decay if plaque and bacteria accumulate around the gum line. This is why maintaining good oral hygiene is essential. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups help prevent decay beneath the crown. If decay develops under the crown, the crown may need to be removed and replaced after treating the cavity.
Can I get a crown on a front tooth?
Yes! Crowns are commonly used on front teeth for both functional and cosmetic reasons. Porcelain and ceramic crowns are ideal for front teeth because they provide a natural appearance and blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth. A crown can restore its beauty and strength if a front tooth is chipped, discolored, or structurally weak. Dr. Bellisario will help you choose the best material for your front tooth restoration.
Strengthen Your Smile Today
Do you want a brighter, more cohesive smile? Call Dr. Bellisario for dental crown treatment today at (610) 839-8967. You may also request a dental consultation on our website. At your next appointment, let our team know if you have questions or concerns. They will gladly assist you.