Dental Crowns in East Longmeadow, MA
Dental crowns are one of the most common restorative procedures in dental offices, offering the chance to prevent further damage to a tooth and enjoy full use of your bite once again. When teeth are severely damaged, implant-supported crowns can take their place. In fact, every year in the United States, 2.3 million implant supported-crowns are made to replace damaged teeth.
When your teeth are damaged, you may struggle to eat the foods you love and feel self-conscious about sharing your smile. If you have a damaged tooth, turn to Gregory Zirakian, DMD, at East Longmeadow Family Dental Center, to find out whether dental crowns are the right option for your smile.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that fit over damaged teeth, covering them completely. To put them in place, Dr. Zirakian removes a bit of your enamel, allowing the crowns to bond to your natural teeth.
Dental crowns can help:
- Protect a cracked tooth
- Support a weak tooth
- Cover a dental implant
- Cover a tooth treated by a root canal
- Cover a stained tooth
- Hold a dental bridge in place
If you do not have enough of the tooth left to support the crown, or if you have gum disease or other oral health issues, Dr. Zirakian may recommend other options to fit your unique needs.
Types of Dental Crowns
Various types of dental crowns are available. The type best suited for your smile can depend on your budget and personal preference.
Metal Crowns
Metal crowns are made of different types of materials, including:
- Gold
- Nickel
- Chromium
- Palladium
Metal dental crowns last the longest and rarely crack or chip. They also require the least amount of enamel removal.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns offer the durability of metal with the natural look of porcelain, making them ideal options for both front and back teeth. Dr. Zirakian can match these crowns to the exact tone of your natural teeth.
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain dental crowns can mimic the look of a natural tooth better than other types of dental crowns. They can also be the best choice for those who have metal allergies.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Crowns can help relieve discomfort. Many times, crowns are the last part of a restorative procedure, such as a root canal, and offer long-term protection. They can help reduce sensitivity to cold and hot foods and drinks if you have a damaged tooth.
Dental crowns require a minimally invasive procedure and do not need a lot of recovery time, allowing you to get back to your normal eating routine almost immediately. Dental crowns also last a long time. The length depends on the material, with some lasting decades. And because they are custom-made, you can expect a great fit from dental crowns, as well as a natural appearance for most of them.
Getting Dental Crowns
The first step to getting dental crowns is scheduling a free consultation with Dr. Zirakian and his team at East Longmeadow Family Dental Center.
During this consultation, Dr. Zirakian will assess your mouth to determine the best treatment options. He will ask about your medical history, whether you take any medications, and what your oral hygiene routine is like.
If Dr. Zirakian thinks you are a good candidate for dental crowns, he will explain the different crown options and address any concerns you have. He can also tell you about the costs. At East Longmeadow Family Dental Center, we offer a variety of flexible and affordable financing options and payment plans.
The Process of Receiving a Dental Crown
To begin the process, he will remove some of your enamel so the crown fits correctly. The amount of enamel he will remove will depend on the crown’s material, with metal requiring the least enamel removal. If needed, Dr. Zirakian can also fill parts of your tooth with filling material before making a dental impression.
At East Longmeadow Family Dental Center, the impressions can be made with putty or with a digital scan. Dr. Zirakian then sends these impressions off to the lab so that it can create your crown.
It can take up to three weeks to receive the dental crowns, so you will likely need to get a temporary crown to protect your tooth in the meantime.
At your second appointment, Dr. Zirakian will remove the temporary crown and place the new crown, checking the color, shape, and fit. If necessary, he will make adjustments before bonding the crown in place with dental cement.
Maintaining Dental Crowns
To ensure your crowns last as long as possible, avoid chewing on ice or hard candies, as these can chip and even crack the material. Some very sticky or chewy foods can also damage the dental crowns by loosening them.
Porcelain dental crowns can naturally resist staining, so you should avoid tooth-whitening products with these crowns. To help you achieve the most beautiful and natural results, you may want to get your natural teeth whitened right before getting dental crowns.
Although the dental crown is artificial, the tooth beneath it still requires the right oral care. You want to brush and floss as you normally would. If you have a temporary crown, make sure to floss with care to avoid dislodging it; however, this is not a concern with your permanent crown since the cement will keep it in place.
If you grind your teeth at night, you will need to get a nightguard. Clenching your teeth puts a lot of pressure on the dental crown, which can crack it. If you bite your fingernails, chew on the back of pens, or have any similar habits, you will need to avoid them to keep your dental crowns from cracking.
Turn to the Dental Crown Experts in East Longmeadow, MA
If you have a damaged tooth, one of the best ways to avoid further damage is to get a dental crown. With dental crowns, you can enjoy a functional, beautiful smile without undergoing an invasive dental procedure.
Gregory Zirakian, DMD, of East Longmeadow Family Dental Center has close to 40 years of experience providing quality dentistry services. With a state-of-the-art facility that boasts some of the latest technologies, including CBCT X-rays and other diagnostic tools, Dr. Zirakian can help you achieve the results you need to feel and look your best.
Contact East Longmeadow Family Dental Center today to schedule your free consultation.