Dental Crowns
Saratoga Springs cosmetic dentist Dr. Mark Moreau uses mostly all porcelain crowns to protect and restore a tooth’s strength and natural beauty. Occasionally, Dr. Moreau may suggest a tooth receive a gold crown if there is a real chance of porcelain crown fracture. Dr. Moreau does not offer the in-office computer fabricated dental crowns, but relies on the artistic abilities of a skilled artist and porcelain technician to create his custom crowns.
Crowns restore teeth to their natural health, strength, beauty and functions
When teeth are cracked, broken, or crooked, have had root canal treatment or have extensive decay, a dental crown is the treatment of choice to restore their strength and beauty. Sometimes a crown is commonly referred to as a cap since it fits over the entire tooth like a thimble. A crown might be needed in the following situations:
- To rebuild a tooth that has experience severely worn and has increased risk of fracture
- To restore a tooth that has visible crack lines since these are precursors of fracture
- To restore the strength of a tooth that is broken
- To restore the strength of a tooth that already has a large filling and lacks support to receive a replacement filling
- To hold a part of a dental bridge in place
- To cover a misshapen or discolored tooth
- To cover a dental implant
There are four general types of materials that crowns can be constructed of:
In most situations Dr. Moreau will either select a zirconium crown for strength and an all porcelain crown for its more natural looking aesthetics.
Most Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Crowns
Is the dental crown procedure painful?
Patients need not be anxious during a crown procedure because Dr. Moreau and his team strive to insure that each patient is comfortable and relaxed.
How much discomfort will I have after the procedure?
You may experience a little sensitivity to cold or minor soreness of the gum tissue, but that is usually managed with a couple of Tylenol. The tooth may be sore for a longer period of time if there was extensive decay or breakdown to the tooth but usually this is temporary.
Can a metal crown be replaced with a porcelain dental crown?
Occasionally an unsightly gray (metal) line may show next to worn out porcelain-to metal crown; or an existing crown may have recurrent decay around it; or the old crown may just need replacement because of its discoloration. In most situations Dr. Moreau is able to replace old metal crowns with new porcelain crowns. Periodically dental crowns need to be replaced due being exposed to problematic wear patterns, salivary ph changes or poor home care habits of the patient.
Are dental crowns expensive?
The cost of dental crown will vary depending upon the type of material and the specific condition of the teeth and mouth. An investment in a dental crown for a tooth is the most cost effective protection that a patient can give themselves to insure a lifetime of enjoyment in chewing, speaking, smiling and speaking with their natural teeth. Prior to any treatment, our team will present you with a full review of the procedure including the cost. We accept most major dental insurance and offer interest free financing through CareCredit.
Call for a complimentary consultation to check out if porcelain dental crowns are right for you. Call 518-584-6768 or request an appointment online