Dental Crowns Specialist

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that restores the size, shape, and color of a damaged tooth. Not only do crowns cover imperfections and restore the appearance of your tooth, but they also protect weak teeth from further damage and decay.

Why would I need a dental crown?

Nusblatt Dental often recommends a dental crown to strengthen and protect a damaged tooth. You may need a dental crown if you have:

• Cracked or broken teeth
• Severe tooth decay
• A cavity that is too large for a filling
• Misshapen teeth
• Weak teeth damaged by grinding (bruxism)
• Dental implants
• A dental bridge

Dental crowns form a seal around your damaged or weakened tooth to prevent bacteria and debris from infecting it. This is especially helpful if you’ve recently had a root canal and need to protect your tooth from reinfection. 

What are dental crowns made of?

Nusblatt Dental offers several different types of dental crown materials, such as:

Ceramic crowns

Ceramic crowns are primarily used for teeth in the front of your mouth, where your bite isn’t as forceful. These crowns can be perfectly color-matched to the shade of your teeth, but they aren’t quite as durable as metal crowns.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns

Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns offer the strength and durability of metal crowns, but the natural-looking beauty of porcelain and ceramic crowns.

Gold alloy crowns

Gold alloy crowns are extremely strong and durable, so they’re most often recommended if you have a forceful bite or grind your teeth at night.

Base metal alloy crowns

If you’re missing enough of your natural tooth structure due to decay or damage, Nusblatt Dental recommends base metal alloy crowns, which are corrosion-resistant. 

How are dental crowns placed?

The dental crown process typically takes two visits. During the first, Dr. Nusblatt examines your mouth and takes X-rays before discussing your crown material options. Next, he removes a small portion of your tooth enamel to make room for your crown.

Before you leave the office, Dr. Nusblatt takes impressions of your tooth to serve as a model for the crown. He may also place a temporary crown over the tooth to protect it while you wait for your permanent restoration, which takes about two weeks.

At your second appointment, Dr. Nusblatt removes the temporary crown and replaces it with the permanent one. He then cements it into place after making a few minor adjustments to ensure the fit is perfect.

For more information on your dental crown options, call Nusblatt Dental or book an appointment online.