Do you have a broken or missing tooth? Broken or missing teeth can make it hard to chew your food properly, which could lead to digestive and nutritional issues. You may think you must live with broken or missing teeth, but Summit Dental Partners can repair your teeth with dental crowns.

What is a dental crown, what does a tooth crown look like, and why do you need a dental crown? A crown can restore your smile and make it easier for you to eat, which can help your overall health. Let us show you why dental crowns could be right for you!

What Is a Dental Crown in Dentistry?

The crown of the tooth is the white, enamel-covered portion that sits above your gum line. It’s attached to the root, which lies below your gum line and holds the tooth to the jaw.

A dental crown is a false tooth top that slides over an existing, damaged, natural crown. The dental crown is bonded to what’s left of the tooth. The new crown has the look and utility of the old tooth before it was damaged.

In some cases, a crown can be part of a dental bridge, a set of attached crowns that fit over the surrounding teeth of a missing tooth. They’re made to replace a missing tooth. The crowns on each end slide over existing teeth on either side of the space, and the crown in the middle replaces the missing tooth.

A dental bridge is used as an alternative to dental implants, which may not be possible if the jaw isn’t strong enough. It also can be used instead of pulling all the teeth for dentures. A bridge preserves the good teeth while replacing the missing ones.

What Does a Dental Crown Look Like?

Are crowns on front teeth noticeable? A crown is customized to look like your other teeth. Most crowns are made of porcelain, which can be dyed to match the natural color of your other teeth.

Unless you opt for a metal crown, better known as the “gold tooth.” This is made of porcelain fused to metal.

Whichever way you go, we can provide a crown designed to fit perfectly with your smile.

 

How Long Do Crowns Last?

There are two types of crowns: temporary and permanent. Temporary crowns are placed when it will take time to create your permanent crown. 

It will take two office visits to complete your dental crown procedure. We start by removing any tooth decay or rough edges on what’s left of the existing tooth. We will then place a temporary crown over the tooth.

When your permanent crown is ready, we will remove the temporary crown and fit the customized permanent crown on the old tooth. We will cement that crown to the tooth, and you will have your permanent porcelain crown. 

While they’re called “permanent” crowns, porcelain crowns tend to last about 5 to 15 years. Metal crowns can last a bit longer. We’ll be able to replace your permanent crown when the time comes.  

Why Do I Need a Crown?

There are many great reasons to get a dental crown, but the best reason is for your oral health and overall health. Broken or rotted natural teeth could make it difficult to chew your food correctly. Chewing is the first stage of digestion. If food isn’t chewed well, it can cause indigestion and other issues once it hits your stomach. 

Chewing also starts the process of releasing nutrients from your food into your body. You may not get all the nutrients your food has available without proper chewing. This could affect your overall health. 

A crown can also improve your self-esteem. Many people find it difficult to smile with a missing or broken tooth. A crown can restore the look of your smile and improve your self-confidence. 

A crown can also keep your other teeth from shifting, causing gaps. Your teeth may shift if part of the tooth or the entire tooth is missing. A crown or bridge can keep the other teeth in place and fill in the space your missing or cracked tooth has left. 

Will I Have Tooth Sensitivity After Getting a Crown?

You may have sensitivity with a temporary crown. Before placing the crown, we have to prepare the tooth by buffing down the enamel of the damaged tooth to make room to slide the crown over it. This can cause tooth sensitivity. 

That sensitivity may continue for a few days once the permanent crown is placed, but it should fade after a few days. Let us know if your sensitivity continues after a couple of weeks. It may be the crown didn’t settle on the tooth correctly and needs some adjusting. 

You also may feel pinching in your gums when you bite down for the first few days as the gums get used to the crown. Once they “toughen up” under the crown, it should feel normal to bite and chew again. 

Dental Crowns in Summit, NJ

Dental crowns can improve the look of your teeth and make it easier to eat and digest your food. Their practical and aesthetic benefits make it worth covering your broken or decaying tooth with a crown. 

If you’re ready to talk to a dentist about a crown, schedule an appointment with Summit Dental Partners in Summit, NJ. We can show you how to restore your smile to one you’re proud to flash to anyone!