Dental Crowns

A tooth that is damaged or decayed to the point that a filling, inlay, or onlay cannot repair it may need a dental crown. A crown (sometimes called a dental cap) is often the only way to save a natural tooth. The crown can restore the tooth’s function while protecting it against future damage. Patients with dental implants may also get dental crowns attached to the implants to replace the visible portion of missing teeth.

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown replaces or covers the visible, functional portion of a natural tooth. When placed over a damaged tooth, it covers the entire portion above the gum line, protecting it against future decay and restoring the tooth’s ability to chew. Crowns are designed and fabricated to match and blend with the surrounding natural teeth.

What is a Dental Crown Used For?

Damaged teeth make it difficult to eat, speak, and smile because of the pain and the appearance of the teeth. When a tooth is decayed or damaged, infection can spread to the jawbone, the gums, and adjacent teeth. Not treating it can affect other parts of the body and lead to tooth loss. Many situations can lead to these complications, including:

• A lost or damaged filling, inlay, or onlay
• Severe decay
• Severe toothache
• A cracked, chipped, or broken tooth
• A discolored tooth

There are also cosmetic and restorative uses for dental crowns, including:

• A restoration to complete a dental implant
• To reshape or improve the appearance of a tooth
• To correct a gap in the teeth

Types of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns can be made from various materials depending on where in the mouth they are located, the condition of the tooth being capped, the patient’s budget, and aesthetic goals. Dr. Keiper discusses your options at your initial consultation and advises you on the best option for our needs.

• Metal Crowns are the most durable and made from a metal blend. Because they are less attractive than other options, they are often used for molars, where they can’t be seen.
• Porcelain-over-metal crowns are made of porcelain fused over metal, combining strength with a natural appearance that blends seamlessly with your natural teeth. They can last nearly as long as metal crowns.
• Pressed Ceramic Crowns feature a hard ceramic core for strength covered in thin layers of porcelain for a natural look.
• Porcelain Crowns look more like natural teeth than any other option. They have the sheen and translucency of natural teeth but are not as durable as metal crowns. However, zirconia porcelain crowns can last almost as long as others. They are the ideal choice for replacing the front teeth and for anyone with a metal allergy.

What are the Benefits of Tooth Crowns?

Dental crowns are one of the simplest ways to restore function and beauty when a tooth is severely decayed or damaged. Here are just a few of the benefits of dental caps or crowns:

• They replace missing or damaged teeth.
• They can prevent damage to other teeth.
• They protect the tooth from future damage or decay.
• They can improve the shape and color of a tooth.
• They can restore your ability to eat comfortably and speak clearly.
• They are affordable and can last 20-30 years with proper care.

How are Dental Crowns Placed?

The process of getting a dental crown typically involves several visits to Keiper Family Dental. The first visit includes preparing the tooth, shaping it to accommodate the crown, and taking impressions of the tooth and surrounding teeth. We may also take impressions of the teeth in the opposite jaw to ensure your new crown won’t affect your bite and alignment. A temporary crown is provided until your permanent crown is ready.

Our dental laboratory fabricates your permanent dental crown based on the impressions taken at your first appointment. When it is ready, you return to our office to have the temporary cap removed, and the permanent dental crown cemented into place. We provide detailed instructions on proper care and good oral hygiene practices, including thorough brushing of all teeth and new crowns and regular flossing to keep your dental crown looking great and functioning smoothly for decades to come.

If you need to repair or restore one or more teeth with dental crowns, please call our office at Doylestown Office Phone Number 215-345-8030 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Keiper. He can guide you through your options and restore and protect your teeth with the best possible dental crown solution.