Renew Your Confidence with Dental Crowns
If you have a damaged tooth, getting a dental crown may be the solution you need. At Franklinville Dental in Franklinville, NJ, Dr. Todd Gottleib uses dental crowns to repair teeth that are damaged, decayed, cracked, broken, or have had a root canal. Crowns protect damaged teeth from further decay and restore them to full function so you can eat and speak comfortably.
If you have any questions about dental crowns, or you think you might be ready to revitalize your smile, call our office to set your appointment at (856) 694-5555.
What are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. Crowns, also known as caps, are made of materials like porcelain, ceramic, resin, or metal and are custom-made in a dental lab to fit your tooth precisely.
Uses for Dental Crowns
There are several reasons why Dr. Gottleib may recommend a dental crown for patients at Franklinville Dental:
- To repair a tooth that is severely decayed or damaged. Crowns cover the entire tooth and act as a cap to hold together cracked or broken pieces.
- To restore a tooth after a root canal treatment. The tooth is weakened after nerve removal, so a crown protects what remains.
- To hold a dental bridge in place. Crowns anchor artificial teeth on either side of a missing tooth gap.
- To cover a dental implant. The crown is attached to a dental implant post to replace the entire visible section of the missing tooth.
- To correct a tooth’s shape or size. Crowds can reshape worn, misshapen teeth for an improved appearance.
- To prevent a weak tooth from fracturing. Crowns reinforce the biting surface of worn molars and premolars.
The Dental Crown Procedure
Getting a custom dental crown with Dr. Gottleib in Franklinville, NJ involves three steps over two or more visits:
Preparation Appointment
The tooth is numbed before any decay or damage is removed. The tooth is reshaped and trimmed down to accommodate the thickness of the crown. An impression is taken of the prepared tooth.
A temporary acrylic crown is placed to protect the tooth while the permanent crown is made.
Crown Fabrication
The dental impressions are sent to a lab where a dental technician fabricates a custom crown matched to your natural teeth. This process takes two to three weeks.
Crown Placement
At the placement visit, the temporary crown is removed, and the permanent custom crown is tried on to ensure proper fit and comfort. It is then cemented into place for a natural-looking, fully restored smile.
Dental Crown Care
Dental crowns from Dr. Gottleib in Franklinville, NJ can last many years with proper oral hygiene. Follow these dental crown care tips:
- Brush and Floss Daily – Proper brushing and flossing removes plaque that can lead to decay under and around dental crowns. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and be careful not to dislodge cemented crowns.
- Get Regular Dental Cleanings – See your hygienist at Franklinville Dental every 6 months to keep crowns plaque-free. Avoid sticky foods and ask about special tools to clean around crowns.
- Use Fluoride Products – Fluoride toothpaste, rinses, and gels protect the tooth under the dental crown from new decay.
- Watch for Cracks or Looseness – If you notice a crown becoming loose or fracturing, contact Franklinville Dental immediately to re-cement or replace it before more damage occurs.
- Protect Your Crowns – Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, popcorn kernels, or other hard foods that could crack, damage, or dislodge dental crowns. Use a nightguard to prevent grinding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, depending on the condition of your tooth, your dentist may recommend more conservative treatments like dental veneers, onlays, inlays, or dental bonding instead of doing a full dental crown. These alternatives can restore damaged teeth while removing less of the natural tooth structure. Discuss options with your dentist during your evaluation.
Dental crowns themselves don’t require any special care beyond normal daily brushing and flossing to maintain good oral hygiene. Take care to be very gentle when flossing around the crowns to avoid dislodging or damaging them. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush as well.
If you have a tooth that’s damaged from decay, fracture, or a root canal, or if you notice pain, sensitivity, cracks, chips, discoloration, or a change in your bite, these are signs you may need a dental crown. Make an appointment with your dentist for a full examination and recommendation.
The placement of a dental crown requires at least two visits; one appointment is needed to reshape and take impressions of the tooth, and a second visit is required to permanently cement the custom crown. The complete process usually takes about two to three weeks from the first visit to getting your final restoration.
Transform Your Smile, Transform Your Life
Our team of skilled dentists serves the communities of Franklinville, Malaga, and Newfield here in South Jersey. We offer personalized consultations and affordable payment plans because we want dental care to be accessible to all.
Our caring staff is standing by ready to schedule a visit so you can start your journey toward the smile you’ve always imagined. Give us a call at (856) 694-5555 today and we’ll help you look and feel better than ever before!