Dental Crowns in Carver, MA - Carver Smiles
Crowns are synthetic caps, usually made of a material like porcelain, placed on the top of a tooth. Crowns are typically used to restore a tooth's function and appearance following a restorative procedure such as a root canal. When decay in a tooth has become so advanced that large portions of the tooth must be removed, crowns are often used to restore the tooth. 
Crowns are also used to attach bridges, cover implants, prevent a cracked tooth from becoming worse, or an existing filling is in jeopardy of becoming loose or dislocated. Crowns also serve an aesthetic use, and are applied when a discolored or stained tooth needs to be restored to its natural appearance.
Procedures
A tooth must usually be reduced in size to accommodate a crown. A cast is made of the existing tooth and an impression is made. The impression is sent to a special lab, which manufactures a custom-designed crown. In some cases, a temporary crown is applied until the permanent crown is ready. Permanent crowns are cemented in place. Crowns are sometimes confused with veneers, but they are quite different. Veneers are typically applied only to relatively small areas.
Caring For Your Crowns
With proper care, a good quality crown could last up to eight years or longer. It is very important to floss in the area of the crown to avoid excess plaque or collection of debris around the restoration. Certain behaviors such as jaw clenching or bruxism (teeth grinding) significantly shorten the life of a crown. Moreover, eating brittle foods, ice or hard candy can compromise the adhesion of the crown, or even damage the crown.
How can crowns and bridges help me?
A missing tooth not only affects your appearance but also makes it more difficult to bite and chew. If several teeth are missing on one side, it can be particularly hard to chew foods. Unfortunately, if you don't chew foods thoroughly before swallowing them, you can experience an upset stomach. When you receive your new bridge, you'll be able to enjoy your favorite foods again without a problem.
Crowns are very versatile restorations and are used for a variety of purposes, including:
- Strengthening Damaged or Weakened Teeth: Crowns provide stability to cracked or chipped teeth in danger of breaking and restore teeth that are already broken.
- Providing Stability After Dental Procedures: Large fillings and root canal therapy are very effective treatments used to treat and repair tooth decay or inflammation and infection, but they can weaken teeth and make them more likely to break if they're not protected with crowns.
- Correcting Cosmetic Issues: Crowns conceal discolorations and chips, lengthen short teeth and change the appearance of crooked or oddly shaped teeth.
Need dental Crowns or would like to learn more?
Then call our Carver, MA office today at (508) 866-5550 for more information or to book an appointment!