If you’re dealing with a damaged or discolored tooth, dental crowns may be the perfect solution to restore both the appearance and function of your smile. At Pascack Dental Arts in Westwood, NJ, we specialize in creating custom, natural-looking crowns designed to blend seamlessly with your existing teeth while providing long-lasting durability. Below we’ll explore everything you need to know about dental crowns—including how they work, what problems they solve, and why they’re one of the most versatile treatments in modern dentistry.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are custom-made from materials like porcelain, ceramic, metal, or zirconia, depending on the location of the tooth and patient preferences.
Crowns fully encase the visible portion of a tooth, providing protection from further damage and enhancing its aesthetics. Whether you have a chipped tooth, a large filling, or a root canal-treated tooth, a crown can help restore strength and function while looking completely natural.
Why You Might Need a Dental Crown
Dental crowns are used for a variety of restorative and cosmetic purposes. Common reasons for getting a crown include:
-
Restoring a cracked, chipped, or broken tooth
-
Protecting a weakened tooth from fracture
-
Covering a tooth after a root canal
-
Restoring a tooth with a large filling
-
Improving the appearance of a discolored or misshapen tooth
-
Capping a dental implant
-
Holding a dental bridge in place
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns offer both functional and aesthetic benefits, making them a go-to treatment in cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Here’s how crowns can improve your oral health and smile:
1. Strengthens Damaged Teeth
Crowns add a protective layer over a weak or broken tooth, helping to prevent further damage and extend the life of the tooth.
2. Improves Chewing and Bite Function
When a tooth is cracked or worn down, it can affect your bite. Crowns restore proper tooth shape and alignment, which improves bite and chewing efficiency.
3. Enhances Aesthetics
Porcelain or ceramic crowns are custom-designed to match your natural teeth in color and shape. This creates a flawless, attractive appearance that blends perfectly with the rest of your smile.
4. Long-Lasting Durability
Modern crowns are highly durable and can last 10 to 15 years or longer with proper care, making them a long-term investment in your oral health.
5. Protects Root Canal-Treated Teeth
After a root canal, teeth can become brittle and prone to breaking. A crown provides necessary protection and ensures the tooth remains functional.
6. Restores Confidence
A damaged or unattractive tooth can negatively affect your confidence. A well-designed crown restores your smile so you can speak, laugh, and eat with confidence.
Types of Dental Crowns
Different materials are used depending on the location of the tooth and patient needs. At Pascack Dental Arts, we offer the following crown options:
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)
-
Strong and durable
-
Natural appearance
-
Often used for molars
All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain
-
Best match for front teeth
-
No metal, excellent for patients with metal allergies
-
Highly aesthetic
Zirconia Crowns
-
Extremely strong and fracture-resistant
-
Can be color-matched
-
Great for both front and back teeth
Metal Crowns
-
Made of gold or other alloys
-
Most durable
-
Less common for visible teeth due to appearance
The Dental Crown Procedure at Pascack Dental Arts
Getting a crown typically involves two visits:
First Visit: Tooth Preparation
-
A comprehensive exam is done to assess the damage.
-
The tooth is shaped to make room for the crown.
-
Impressions are taken to create a precise custom crown.
-
A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth.
Second Visit: Crown Placement
-
The temporary crown is removed.
-
The permanent crown is checked for fit and color.
-
Once approved, it’s bonded securely to the tooth.
The entire process is painless and highly effective, thanks to modern techniques and local anesthesia.
Aftercare for Dental Crowns
Taking care of your crown is just like caring for your natural teeth:
-
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
-
Floss daily around the crown to prevent plaque buildup
-
Avoid chewing hard objects like ice or pens
-
Visit Pascack Dental Arts every 6 months for cleanings and checkups
With proper care, your dental crown can last well over a decade.
Are Dental Crowns Right for You?
Crowns are ideal for patients with:
-
Teeth that are worn down, cracked, or broken
-
Large fillings that are failing
-
Root canal-treated teeth needing protection
-
Misshapen or severely stained teeth
-
Dental implants that need restoration
At Pascack Dental Arts, we evaluate your specific needs and recommend the best type of crown for your situation. Our goal is to restore both function and beauty to your smile.
Why Choose Pascack Dental Arts for Your Dental Crown?
Located in Westwood, NJ, Pascack Dental Arts offers patients the latest in dental technology, materials, and techniques. Here’s what sets us apart:
-
🦷 Custom-crafted crowns for a perfect fit and appearance
-
👨⚕️ Experienced cosmetic and restorative dentists
-
🖥️ Digital imaging and intraoral scanning
-
🏆 Patient-first approach and detailed treatment planning
-
🪥 Comprehensive dental care under one roof
Whether you’re looking to improve one tooth or need full-mouth restoration, our team is here to help you smile with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How long do dental crowns last?
Answer: With good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, crowns can last 10 to 15 years or longer. Zirconia and metal crowns may last even longer due to their durability.
Question: Do dental crowns look natural?
Answer: Yes! Porcelain and ceramic crowns are designed to mimic the natural color, shape, and translucency of real teeth. They’re virtually indistinguishable from your other teeth.
Question: Is the dental crown procedure painful?
Answer: The procedure is typically painless, as we use local anesthesia to numb the area. You may feel slight pressure, but no pain during treatment.
Question: Can you whiten a dental crown?
Answer: No, crowns do not respond to whitening treatments. If you’re considering teeth whitening, it’s best to do it before getting a crown so your new crown can be color-matched to your brightened teeth.
Question: Are dental crowns covered by insurance?
Answer: Many dental insurance plans cover part of the cost of crowns, especially if they are medically necessary. We’ll work with your insurance provider to maximize your benefits.
Question: What’s the difference between a crown and a veneer?
Answer: A crown covers the entire tooth, while a veneer only covers the front surface. Crowns are typically used for restoration and strength, while veneers are used primarily for cosmetic purposes.
Question: Can a crown fall off?
Answer: While rare, a crown can become loose or fall off if the cement weakens or the tooth underneath is damaged. Contact us immediately so we can re-cement or replace it.
Question: Are crowns only for adults?
Answer: Crowns are most common in adults, but in some cases, children may need a crown (especially stainless steel) if a baby tooth is badly decayed.
Question: How should I clean around my dental crown?
Answer: Brush and floss as usual. Make sure to floss around the gumline where the crown meets your natural tooth to prevent decay and gum disease.
Question: Will my crown feel different?
Answer: Initially, your new crown may feel slightly different, but within a few days it will feel just like your natural tooth.
Ready to Restore Your Smile?
If you’re considering dental crowns to repair or enhance your teeth, schedule a consultation with Pascack Dental Arts. Our experienced team will evaluate your needs, answer your questions, and create a personalized plan for your smile transformation.
Ready to restore your smile with a custom dental crown? Contact us today to schedule your consultation with the experts at Pascack Dental Arts in Westwood, NJ!
Leave a Reply