Do you have damaged or missing teeth? Are you looking for a way to address your worn teeth? Try dental crowns. Dental crowns are porcelain ceramic or zirconium caps that can cover dental implants or natural teeth. Dr. Jennifer Kalochie offers high-quality ceramic dental crown treatment to her patients in Yardley, PA, and the surrounding area.
Tooth crowns are a general dentistry solution that restores the aesthetics and function of the smile. Dr. Kalochie uses porcelain ceramic dental crowns for teeth in the smile line. Porcelain ceramic can be color-matched to mimic the appearance of natural teeth.
In addition, zirconium tooth crowns benefit the back teeth because they can withstand the biting forces of the molars. Dr. Kalochie has chosen these materials for their durability, aesthetics, and overall safety compared to options containing metals.
Dental Crown Treatment in Yardley, PA
Dr. Kalochie works with Synergy Dental Lab in Norfolk, VA, to create high-quality custom dental crowns. First, Dr. Kalochie prepares the teeth by removing a small portion of the tooth enamel. Preparing the teeth does not damage them but ensures the dental crowns fit correctly.
Then, Dr. Kalochie takes dental impressions. She sends these impressions to the dental lab, where technicians create porcelain ceramic or zirconium dental crowns. When the tooth crowns are complete, Dr. Kalochie will ensure they are in the correct shape and size. Then, she will place the dental crowns and polish them for a natural shine.
The Uses of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are popular because they treat cosmetic and restorative dental problems. They can treat almost any dental problem you may have.
Cosmetic Dental Fixes
Professional teeth whitening is the usual treatment option for discolored teeth. However, not all discoloration responds to traditional whitening treatment. Discoloration from trauma or deep stains from medication can’t be treated this way. With a dental crown, we color-match it to any shade of white that you desire. A dental crown covers the entire natural tooth, hiding any discoloration from view.
A deformed or misshapen tooth can make you insecure about your smile. However, they also have impacts on the function of your smile. Each tooth has its role in your smile. The tongue interacts with them to create sounds, and each one does its part to break down food. A dental crown hides the misshapen tooth from view, and we match it to make it look like a natural tooth. Not only does it give you back smile confidence, but it also gives you full function in your teeth.
Stabilizing Natural Teeth
One of the most common uses for a dental crown is to stabilize a tooth after a root canal. During a root canal, we remove infected pulp from inside your tooth, sterilize it, and refill it with biocompatible material. This doesn’t always restore full function. A dental crown guarantees you regain the full function of your tooth. It also provides a further barrier to protect the inside of your tooth from further infection.
When you get a dental bridge, natural teeth on either side of the span serve as anchor teeth to support it. This can put a lot of stress on those teeth. Anchor teeth wear down faster than other teeth, making them more susceptible to damage and decay. We recommend that you fortify these teeth with dental crowns. Since the crown covers the entire tooth, it protects it. The crown takes on all of the stress of the bridge so that the natural tooth doesn’t have to.
Treating Damaged and Decayed Teeth
Dental crowns can be the only solution to save natural tooth structure. Severe tooth decay eats away significant portions of teeth. A crown keeps the natural tooth structure together and prevents the negative effects of losing a natural tooth. This is also true if a tooth shatters. A crown holds together the pieces and allows us to preserve the tooth root.
A small chip or break isn’t a big issue. When it’s bigger, it can cause more serious problems. Sharp edges may cut the soft tissues of your mouth, leading to further injury. A severe break can also expose the sensitive dental pulp inside the tooth. This makes it easy for bacteria to get in there, causing infection. A dental crown prevents all of this from happening.
Dental Crown FAQs
Discover more about dental crowns with answers to these popular questions:
What are the benefits of dental crowns?
Our dental crowns are custom-made to fit the needs of each patient. Crowns may also be color-matched to blend in with the rest of the smile. Both zirconium and porcelain ceramic tooth crowns provide durability to the smile. Tooth crowns can secure dental bridges, cover worn or damaged teeth, or cap off dental implants and implant restorations.
What are inlays and onlays?
Also known as partial crowns, inlays and onlays are similar to dental crowns but address a different part of the tooth. Inlays cover the chewing surface within the tooth cusps or sides.
Onlays cover the chewing surface and the dental cusps. Like dental crowns, inlays and onlays are separate restorations that dentists apply to each tooth. Inlays and onlays are also typically made of porcelain or composite resin.
How long do dental crowns last?
With the proper care, tooth crowns typically last 15 to 30 years. To ensure your dental crowns last, gently brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Additionally, use non-abrasive toothpaste to keep the dental crowns intact. Directly after receiving your tooth crowns, stick to a soft diet and do not eat or drink anything that can easily stain your new restorations.
Restore Your Teeth Today
Do you want to strengthen your smile? Receive dental crown treatment in our office today. Call 267-592-3552 for an appointment. You can also schedule a dental consultation with Dr. Kalochie online.
Please let Dr. Kalochie know if you have further questions or concerns about treatment at your next dental visit. She will always be happy to help.