How do you know if you need a dental crown and how can it restore a tooth? From the office of your Putnam, CT dentists Dr. Stephen Solomon and Dr. Gerald Cohen, find out how a dental crown could improve your oral health.

What is a dental crown?

Sometimes referred to as a cap, this dental tooth-shaped restoration is custom designed to fit over a tooth.

When is a dental crown used?

There are many reasons why a patient may need to get a dental crown. Here are some of the most common situations in which a crown could help preserve a smile:

• After a tooth has undergone root canal treatment
• If a tooth has undergone several restorations in the past (which can make it weaker)
• If a tooth is too damaged that a dental filling would be enough to restore it
• If a tooth is severely misshapen or discolored
• If a tooth is cracked or fractured

What is a crown made of?

You have a variety of different materials to choose from for your dental crown including,

• All ceramic
• Porcelain
• Metal amalgam
• Gold

How will my Putnam cosmetic dentist prepare my tooth for a crown?

Usually, it will take two visits to get your dental crown. During the first visit we will need to reshape your tooth so that the crown will be able to fit over it. This requires us to shave down some of the tooth’s enamel. Then impressions of the tooth will be taken. These impressions are then sent to a lab where a technician will use them to create your very own crown. In the meantime, we will place a temporary crown over your prepared tooth.

During the second visit we will remove the temporary crown and cement the permanent one to your tooth.

How long does a crown last?

How you care for your crown will determine how long it will last. On average, a crown can last up to 15 years or more.

Does getting a dental crown hurt?

When preparing the tooth for your crown your dentist in Putnam we’ll use local anesthesia to numb the area beforehand. Getting a dental crown is really no more invasive than getting a dental filling.

Is it time for your next routine visit? Concerned about the health of your smile? Then turn to the dental professionals at Stephen A. Solomon, DMD & Associates. Call us today!