Dental Crown Questions

Springfield, Holyoke, Longmeadow, and Wilbraham, MA

Teeth Crown, Tooth Crown

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a durable, functional cover that is placed over the entire tooth like a cap. It restores biting and chewing power and prolongs the tooth’s life. Dental crowns allow you to maintain as much of your natural tooth structure as possible while also making the tooth look aesthetically pleasing. Dental crowns can be made of different materials:

• All-porcelain crowns
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns
• Gold alloy crowns

How long do dental crowns last?

You can expect your dental crown to last between 5-15 years and even longer if you practice good dental hygiene and avoid habits that can damage the crown, such as:

• Grinding or clenching your teeth; or
• Biting hard things like pens or ice

Should I whiten my teeth before or after I get a dental crown?

Porcelain, whether used for crowns, dental bridges, fillings, or porcelain veneers, is not susceptible to tooth whitening agents. If you think you would like to whiten your teeth, it is advisable to do this prior to having your dental crown made. Porcelain dental crowns are made to match the color of your existing teeth.

What problems can occur with dental crowns?

At Baystate Dental our cosmetic dentists take painstaking time and care to ensure that your dental crown is a perfect fit and that it is properly bonded to your tooth. As with any dental procedure, there are some complications that can arise, all of which we can address. Examples are:

• Tooth sensitivity
• Crown becomes loose
• Porcelain becomes chipped

As we age, the gums inevitably recede a little. If you have porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns, the metal lining will show on the gum line after many years. It will look like a dark line where it has been exposed by gum recession. We can replace the crown at that point, with either another PFM crown or an all-porcelain crown.

How should I maintain my dental crown?

You should treat your crowned tooth like any other tooth. Daily brushing and flossing on and around the tooth will help to prevent tooth bacteria from spreading below the gum line or beneath the crown, helping to prevent gum disease. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings will also help to identify any problem areas that may develop over time.

If you live in the East Longmeadow, Longmeadow, Wilbraham, West Springfield or Springfield, MA area and are plagued with a damaged, decayed or weak tooth, please do not wait another day to contact the tooth crown dentists at Baystate Dental to schedule an initial dental crown consultation.