New York Dental Crown Procedure

Dental Crowns: A Solution to Repair, Correct and Restore Broken, Cracked or Unsightly Teeth

Dental crowns, also referred to as dental caps, are very often the preferred treatment for compromised teeth that need to be corrected. The actual crown procedure is generally a two- step process that I may recommend for the following conditions.

• To cover and protect a tooth that has been weakened by decay or trauma decay.
• To stabilize sections of a cracked tooth.
• To repair a broken tooth.
• To repair a tooth that has been severely worn down.
• To cover and strengthen a tooth where there is a large filling and very little tooth structure remaining.
• To reinforce a tooth that has had root canal.
• To anchor a dental bridge in place.
• To repair misshaped or severely discolored teeth.
• To restore a dental implant.

What are Dental Crowns?

A dental crown is a tooth shaped cover that is placed over a broken, cracked or otherwise damaged tooth to restore it to its original shape and appearance. A dental crown or cap can be thought of as a hat that sits over the tooth (as opposed to a filling that sits in the tooth. A well-made crown “fits like a glove” and seals and protects the underlying tooth from further damage or decay. The art of the dental crown procedure is something that takes many years of experience to perfect and I have performed thousands of dental crown procedures in my almost 30 years in practice.

How the Tooth Crown Procedure has Changed Over the Years

Many years ago, all crowns were made from metal, typically gold.   But today’s modern materials have made it possible for me to use tooth-colored materials that match the hue and luster of your natural tooth. The choices of highly esthetic tooth color ceramics available today seem unending…I always prefer to use ceramic or porcelain for most crowns, as people generally want there tooth to look like, well…. a tooth. As a long-time crown dentist, it is my goal that your dental crown looks as natural as possible.

The First Step of My Dental Crown Procedure

If I recommend a dental crown procedure, you will need to come to the office for two visits.

During the first visit, I carefully examine the tooth and gently prepare it for the placement of the crown. I usually take some x-rays to determine the health of tooth root and the bone surrounding it. If there is significant decay or the risk of an infection, I clean out the decay and seal the tooth prior to preparing the tooth for the crown. It may be necessary to perform a root canal, but not all teeth that have crowns need root canal. (But generally, a tooth that has had root canal treatment will need a crown.) Next I will completely anesthetize your tooth and the surrounding area. If necessarily, I will also administer nitrous oxide. The tooth that will receive the dental crown will be made smaller so that there will be space for your crown. The tooth needs to be reduced in size to allow for a strong restoration with proper dimensional strength and will result in a finished crown that is natural in size and contour and not bulky to the bite or tongue. I will then make an impression of the tooth to make sure that the crown will fit properly and will not affect your natural bite.

Each crown is “custom manufactured” for each patient at a top dental lab. During the period of time that your permanent crown is being made, you will have a temporary crown to protect the tooth.

Step Two: Permanent Dental Crowns to Repair Broken or Cracked Teeth

At the second visit, l remove the temporary crown and make sure the fit and color of the permanent crown is perfect. Again, your tooth and the surrounding area can completely anesthetized so that you will be totally comfortable and pain-free. I also offer nitrous oxide if you request it.
The final stage of the dental crown procedure is the setting of the permanent crown with special cement. You are then “good to go!”

Experience Counts in New York for Dental Crown Procedures

Dental crowns are designed to last indefinitely, especially with good dental hygiene habits. With decades of experience as a crown dentist, my staff and myself are skilled in the art and science of dentistry crowns to help repair broken, cracked or otherwise damaged teeth.