(215) 677-2401Dental Crowns – Philadelphia, PA
Let Us Help Restore Your Damaged Teeth
At some point in your life, you might find that one of your teeth has become badly decayed or has been significantly damaged in an accident. If you want your smile to continue functioning properly, you should schedule a visit with our team at Dentex Dental of Philadelphia as soon as possible. Among the several restorative solutions that we offer, we’re proud to provide long-lasting crowns that can help keep your smile safe from additional harm.
Why Choose Dentex Dental of Philadelphia for Dental Crowns?
- Reliable, Durable Materials
- Same-Day CEREC Crowns
- Evening Appointments Available
What is a Dental Crown?
You’re likely familiar with the idea of a dental crown: a special cap that can completely cover a decayed tooth. At our office, you can get titanium, EMAX, ceramic, and porcelain crowns based on your needs and preferences. EMAX, ceramic, and porcelain restorations can all be customized to match the appearance of your natural teeth, thus yielding more aesthetically pleasing results.
It may be a good idea for you to get a dental crown if any of the following apply to you:
- Your tooth has been badly weakened and needs a restoration that can grant it extra stability.
- Your tooth has suffered from major damage or decay.
- Your tooth needs a crown to protect it after root canal therapy.
The Dental Crown Process
The traditional method of placing a dental crown typically requires a minimum of two appointments. At the first visit, small bits of enamel will be taken off the tooth that will receive the restoration. (Removing enamel is important for making sure that the crown doesn’t look too bulky compared to the teeth around it.) An impression of your smile will be created to be used as a reference for designing the restoration. After the crown has been made, it will be placed on your tooth during your second appointment.
In some cases, though, it may be possible to get a dental crown in just one visit. With CEREC technology, we can take digital impressions of your tooth in order to design a crown that’s just right for your smile. A milling machine will then be used to create the crown. Once it’s ready (and has been adjusted as needed), we can attach it to your tooth right away.
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Crown
Dental crowns can be a viable option in many different situations, and they can go a long way toward helping you maintain your quality of life even after suffering from dental damage. If you need a dental crown, here are some reasons to have it placed as soon as you can:
- Keep Your Tooth Safe: Dental damage doesn’t get better on its own, but covering the tooth with a crown will help prevent the issue from growing any worse.
- Improve Your Appearance: When a crown is made out of the right kind of material, it can be used to improve the appearance of the teeth that people see when you draw back your lips to show off your grin.
- Enhance Your Chewing Ability: Trying to chew with a broken or decayed tooth can be difficult, but a dental crown can help solve this problem.
Dental Crowns FAQs
Does It Hurt to Get a Dental Crown?
Fortunately, no – it shouldn’t hurt to get a dental crown. Our dentists ensure the process is pain-free. That way, you’ll have a smooth and comfy procedure.
You see, the dentist will numb your tooth before working. (They’ll use a topical anesthetic.) Once that’s done, you won’t feel anything from treatment. You’ll only sense some pressure as the dental team preps your pearly white for its crown.
Of course, your tooth will be a bit sensitive after the prep phase. (Especially if you also had a root canal.) However, this ache will fade after a few days. You can also manage it with over-the-counter medicines.
What Can I Eat with a Temporary Crown?
Often, a patient can chew comfortably with a temporary crown. That said, it’s best to avoid certain foods until you get the permanent one.
For example, try to lay off sugary sweets. Sugar might get into a gap between the initial crown and the gumline. If that happens, this carb will cause tooth decay.
Very hot and cold meals are also risky. In some cases, they might affect the cement holding your crown. You’d then suffer from tooth sensitivity.
Lastly, watch out for hard and sticky items. Should you chew them, you might damage, loosen, or dislodge the crown. As such, avoid foods like hard bread, nuts, chewing gum, and caramel.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
While not permanent, dental crowns are long-lasting. Even an average one has a lifespan of 5-15 years. If a crown is quite good, it could work slightly beyond that range.
Remember, though, that crowns depend on daily care. Your lifestyle will greatly affect how long one lasts. For instance, your diet, oral hygiene, and oral habits will all play a role. You should thus remember to look after your dental cap(s).
Granted, some relevant factors are outside your control. A crown’s material can influence its lifespan. Similarly, crowns on front teeth last a tad longer than crowns on molars. Even so, don’t use these elements as excuses. The difference they make is usually negligible.
Are Dental Crowns Safe?
When placed by a qualified dentist, a dental crown is very safe. It shouldn’t cause any harm to your teeth, gums, or other mouth tissues. Instead, the cap will only enhance your oral health.
In reality, today’s modern crowns are non-toxic. Metal ones don’t contain any mercury. Plus, porcelain and EMAX crowns don’t have any toxins, either. You won’t need to worry about severe side effects.
Still, there are some minor risks. A patient may have an allergy to a specific metal alloy. Alternatively, they may adversely react to dental porcelain. Given these facts, see your dentist quickly if you suffer gum irritation or swelling near the crown.