Dental Crowns – Woodbridge, CT

Why Choose New Haven Dental Group for Dental Crowns?

• Custom designed for every patient
• 100 percent porcelain crowns available
• Designed to look natural and stand the test of time

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown gets its name from the fact that it literally sits on top of a natural tooth, covering the entire portion of the tooth above the gum line. This enables it to fulfill two important purposes: One, it protects weakened or fragile enamel, and two, it restores a tooth’s shape and appearance. Crowns help us save damaged teeth from extraction, making them an important part of conservative dentistry that is focused on each patient’s well-being.

How We Use Dental Crowns

With a dental crown, we can accomplish all of the following:

• Repair a cavity that is too large for a filling
• Hold a broken tooth together
• Prevent a cracked tooth from breaking
• Protect a tooth that has undergone a root canal
• Cosmetically enhance a tooth
• Balance the bite to relieve TMJ pain/headaches
• Replace a missing tooth (when paired with a dental implant)

Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, ranging from all-metal to all-porcelain. The material we choose will be based on where in the mouth a tooth is located as well as a patient’s specific situation and preferences. Generally, a back tooth needs to be as strong as possible, so we will use a metal crown, while a front tooth needs to be strong and pleasing to look at, in which case we can provide an all-porcelain crown.

What Is the Procedure Like?

The procedure to get a crown involves three basic phases that will unfold across two appointments:

• First, your dentist will examine your tooth and recommend a treatment. If you agree to receive a crown, your dentist will proceed to the next two steps.
• Your tooth will need to be reshaped in order to fit well beneath the crown, so after numbing you, your dentist will remove any damaged or decayed enamel. Once this is complete, they will take an impression of your tooth and send it to a dental lab, which will then create your crown. Before you leave this appointment, you will receive a temporary restoration.
• About a week or so later, you will return to our dental office to have your temporary removed and your final crown cemented into place. After our team checks the fit and your bite one last time, you can go off and enjoy the benefits of having a restored tooth.

What to Expect with a Dental Crown

Right after the procedure, your tooth might feel extra sensitive for a few days, but this should subside naturally. To take care of your crown, all you need to do is treat it like a natural tooth; you should brush, floss, and attend regular checkups. With proper care, your crown has the potential to last for about 15-20 years.