Custom Dental Crowns in Morristown, NJ
A dental crown covers the entire tooth surface, restoring it to its natural shape and size. It also acts as an extra layer of support for a damaged or broken tooth. Dentists can make them from different materials, such as porcelain, zirconia, metal, or a combination. With proper care, a porcelain dental crown can last many years.
Morristown dentist Dr. Victor Gittleman offers a complete range of cosmetic and restorative dentistry treatments for patients with damaged teeth, such as dental crowns. As a skilled dentist, Dr. Gittleman can shape, size, and color-match your dental crown to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Who Should Consider A Dental Crown?
The primary reason for a crown is to restore a broken-down tooth. Sometimes a filling just won’t complete the job correctly. When more than 50% to 75% of the tooth is damaged, our dentist will recommend a dental crown rather than a filling. Patients may require a dental crown for one or more of the following reasons:
- To correct a misshapen tooth
- Address a cracked, weakened, or damaged tooth
- To stabilize a tooth after a root canal procedure
- To support a dental bridge
- Cover a stained tooth
- To restore a dental implant
- Fill a cavity that is too large for a traditional dental filling
Inlays And Onlays
Sometimes, your dentist will use an inlay or onlay to restore your tooth instead of a dental crown. This is a common treatment option when damage to the tooth is not large enough for a crown or tooth damage isn’t minimal enough for a dental filling.
Inlays: Inlays are an ideal alternative to dental fillings. They are considered a more conservative fix than dental crowns because they require less removal of the tooth structure.
Onlays: Onlays are similar to partial crowns. Your dentist will typically use onlays to repair teeth that need a large dental filling or have extensive damage. They require less removal of the natural tooth structure than dental crowns. Dr. Gittleman may use onlays when two or more chewing cusps need repair.
What Does Getting A Dental Crown Involve?
A crown procedure usually requires one or two appointments. Your first appointment will include shaping the tooth, taking an impression (mold), and placing a temporary crown. First, we will take dental impressions and send them to a laboratory for fabrication. Then, we will place a temporary crown to protect your tooth while we wait for the final restoration.
When we receive the new crown, we will call you back to the office. The dental lab usually takes 2 to 3 weeks to make the restoration. At your second appointment, we will remove the temporary crown, professionally clean your teeth, and carefully place your new crown. Dr. Gittleman will make sure the spacing and bite are accurate so you leave with a comfortable bite.
Patient Review
Dental Crowns FAQs
Dr. Gittleman uses dental crowns to protect, add strength, and enhance the appearance of damaged or weakened teeth. Here, we answer the most frequently asked questions about dental crowns. Our goal is to provide clear, helpful information so you can make informed decisions about your dental health.
How long will my dental crown last?
On average, crowns will last 7 to 10 years. There are many variables, such as (but not limited to):
- Strength of a person’s bite
- Susceptibility to decay
- Condition of the tooth
- Presence of gum disease
- Amount of clenching & grinding, as well as usage of a night guard
- How many other teeth are present, as well as the condition of those teeth, to distribute the biting forces
- Chewing habits (hard vs soft foods, chewing of non-food items such as pencils, and tearing bags)
Are crowns permanent? Do they require maintenance? Can they go bad?
A dental crown is permanent because it attaches to a tooth with dental cement. You cannot simply remove it whenever you want. However, problems can develop under the crown. A common problem is the formation of a cavity (decay) underneath the crown.
You can get a decayed tooth beneath your crown if you don’t properly brush or floss your crown. If the cavity becomes too severe, our dentist may have to remove and remake the crown.
Another situation that can develop is the need for a root canal. If the nerve of a tooth dies, an infection may develop that requires the need for the root canal. Most of the time, a root canal is done before getting a crown. However, our dentist can perform a root canal without removing the crown if you still have the root intact.
What is the difference between a dental veneer and a crown?
A dental veneer is an ultra-thin shell of porcelain or zirconia. This shell fits over your teeth to improve their color and shape. Instead of covering the entire tooth like a dental crown, it covers only the front and the biting edge. They are also much thinner than crowns, so they are more conservative.
If you want a smile makeover, Dr. Gittleman will help determine if a ceramic crown or veneer is best. The fee for either one is usually the same.
What are implant crowns?
An implant crown is a dental crown supported by a dental implant instead of a natural tooth. They can replace a single tooth or support an implant bridge.
Dr. Gittleman will completely remove the damaged tooth and surgically place a dental implant into the empty space. Then he’ll secure the custom dental crown to the implant by either cementing it or screwing it onto the implant.
I want a cosmetic makeover. Are the crowns different in this case? Are the fees different?
Yes. When a person wants a smile makeover, there is much unnecessary preparation for just one or two crowns. Also, we need to use a certain laboratory for cosmetic crowns. For both reasons, you should expect the cost per tooth to be higher than that of a single crown.
You may also need a set of temporary crowns before our dentist places the final crowns. We’ll make sure they fit snugly and look real.
Are there any dietary restrictions with a permanent crown?
You can eat most foods with a permanent dental crown. The same things that can damage your natural teeth can damage your tooth cap. We just recommend avoiding hard or chewy foods right after you get your new crown.
How can you tell if you have a cracked tooth or cavity under a crown?
Dental crowns do a great job of protecting your restored tooth, but they are not perfect. Damage to the tooth can occur if you get hit in the mouth.
Due to a lack of dental care, cavities can form under the crown. If this happens, you may experience tooth sensitivity or pain. We will take dental X-rays to check the condition of the tooth.
Does a dental crown feel any different from a normal tooth?
No. Once placed and permanently secured, you cannot tell that you have a dental crown. Most patients forget they have a tooth restored with a crown after a few weeks. If you feel discomfort or your bite is no longer aligned, please immediately contact us for an adjustment.
Can a dental crown replace a missing tooth?
Dental crowns cannot replace missing teeth on their own. A crown is like a cap that covers a damaged tooth to make it stronger or look better. However, if you are missing a tooth, a crown can sit on top of a dental implant, and a post can be placed in your gums.
What type of dental crown will I need?
The type of dental crown you need depends on several factors. The tooth’s location, how much of the tooth is left, your bite, and your cosmetic needs will help us decide. Common types include:
- Porcelain fused to metal, which is strong and aesthetic
- All-ceramic or all-porcelain, which is best for front teeth and excellent for looks
- Gold or metal crowns, which are durable and for back teeth
- Zirconia, which is strong and natural-looking
Your dentist will evaluate these aspects and recommend the most suitable crown.
Schedule a Dental Exam with our Dentist in Morristown, NJ
Morristown Cosmetic Dentistry welcomes patients of all ages to receive the dental care they need. Dr. Gittleman is a trusted and respected dentist near you with over 3 decades of experience crafting beautiful smiles.
Visit our Morristown dental office to determine if a dental crown is right for you. To schedule an appointment, call (973) 287-3337 or request an appointment online.