Dental Crowns – Newport, RI
Save Your Damaged Teeth
Teeth can be damaged in all sorts of different ways. Whether your tooth becomes injured while you are participating in a contact sport, you haven’t always had the most idea oral hygiene routine, or you have experienced an accident, teeth can be left damaged. In the end, you could even need to have a tooth extracted if it is left untreated. Fortunately, there is a reliable way to save your damaged teeth. Dr. Nicholas Baldelli offers dental crowns to protect compromised teeth from further harm. To learn more about dental crowns in Newport, RI or to schedule an appointment, just give us a call!
Why Choose Newport Dental Associates for Dental Crowns?
- Crowns Customized for Each Patient
- Dental Insurance Plans Accepted
- Natural-Looking, High-Quality Materials
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a customized cap that is made to fit over the biting surface of a damaged or otherwise weakened tooth. They can be made out of numerous different materials, like gold, ceramic, and porcelain. This type of restoration is used for patients who are dealing with a:
- Tooth that is severely decayed and has a large filling
- Broken tooth in need of extra support
- Tooth that has undergone root canal therapy
- Missing tooth that has been replaced with a dental implant
- Bridge that needs to be supported by adjacent teeth
- Tooth that is either misshapen or discolored
The Process of Getting a Dental Crown
The procedure for getting a dental crown is fairly straightforward. It usually takes place over a few appointments. First, we will take a look at your smile to ensure that a dental crown is the best option to protect your tooth. Next, a thin layer of your enamel will be removed to make room for the crown to fit comfortably. An impression will be taken of your tooth and the surrounding gumline. This will be sent to a dental laboratory where your custom crown will be crafted just for you. Once your new crown is ready, we will give you a call to come back to the dental office. In the meantime, you will be given a temporary crown to keep your tooth safe. Once your crown is placed, it can last for upwards of 15 years if you care for it properly!
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Crown
There are all sorts of different benefits to expect when you get your dental crown. Here are just a handful of them:
- Comfortable
- Easy to chew
- Prevents future dental problems
- Can last 15+ years
- Natural appearance
- Customized for every patient
Dental Crowns FAQs
A severely damaged or decayed tooth can be a troubling issue. Luckily, dental crowns can play a key role in keeping compromised teeth looking great and working well, and Dr. Baldelli will be excited to help you restore your beautiful smile. Here’s a few frequently asked questions about dental crowns along with their answers so you can know what to expect and feel more comfortable when you need one of these restorations.
Are Dental Crowns Permanent?
While dental crowns will need to be replaced eventually, they can last for anywhere from five to fifteen years on average with excellent care. It’s important to know that once your tooth has received a dental crown, the procedure is irreversible and your tooth will have to wear one from then on. This will protect the tooth from further damage and infection, helping it to last much longer than it would have without treatment. Some of the best ways to keep your crown in excellent shape for the longest time possible include practicing excellent oral hygiene, seeing your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings, and wearing a nightguard to bed if you grind your teeth.
How Do You Know When a Dental Crown Needs to Be Replaced?
The only way we can know for sure that your crown needs replacement is for Dr. Baldelli to examine it or take X-rays. However, there are a few signs that your crown may need replacement soon that you can look out for, such as:
- Pain: If the tooth wearing a crown hurts, it may be because it has become infected. Treating this tooth decay will require the crown to be removed, and it will be reseated on the tooth or replaced altogether afterward.
- Instability: If your crown feels loose, particularly while you are eating something sticky, give our office a call to report the problem.
- Noticeably worse appearance: If your crown is discolored or visibly damaged, it can leave you displeased with your smile. This is reason enough to have it replaced.
- Dark line at the crown’s base: If you have a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown, the dark metal structure anchoring it can begin to show as the porcelain part separates from it with age. This usually means the crown is wearing out and may need a replacement soon.
Do Dental Crowns Get Cavities?
While it’s impossible for a dental crown to develop cavities, the tooth wearing it can still be infected. Since a crowned tooth is just as likely to become infected as an uncrowned tooth, it’s important to continue to practice proper oral hygiene after receiving a dental crown. This will prevent bacteria from accumulating around the gumline, where they can infect the tooth. Proper oral hygiene includes a daily regimen of flossing, brushing, and using antibacterial mouthwash while seeing your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
Do Dental Crowns Feel Natural?
Your dental crown should start to feel more natural within a few days of receiving it. Since crowns are made from durable materials, they can withstand the pressures of chewing just as well as tooth enamel, so wearing one shouldn’t feel strange when eating. Since the tooth will be reshaped before the crown is placed and the crown is made based on impressions taken of the treated tooth, you can expect the restoration to fit perfectly and comfortably. While you may notice a slight difference in your crown from the rest of your teeth when you run your tongue across your smile, you will probably otherwise forget that it is there at all.