(508) 644-5200Dental Crowns – Assonet, MA
Restore Your Tooth
At Woodside Dental Care, Dr. Cornetta and our experienced, compassionate team believe in treating only what’s necessary so that you can regain your confidence in your smile. But sometimes decay or damage to a tooth is severe and requires much more than a filling to resolve the problem. That’s where dental crowns from our Assonet, MA dentist come in to save your tooth.
Why Choose Woodside Dental Care for Dental Crowns
- Honesty and integrity
- Conservative dental treatment philosophy
- Advanced technology for easier, more accurate treatment
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown, also called a cap, is a prosthetic tooth that replaces the crown or part of the natural tooth above the gum surface. When a tooth sustains substantial decay or damage, the dental crown is placed on top of the natural tooth structure or a dental implant, restoring the tooth’s strength and function. In many cases, by using a dental crown along with root canal therapy, Dr. Cornetta can prevent the need to remove the tooth altogether.
What are the benefits of dental crowns?
In addition to preserving your natural tooth, dental crowns have many functions and benefits including the following:
- Preventing additional decay.
- Strengthening the tooth.
- Improving your appearance.
- Reshaping teeth.
- Masking tooth discoloration.
- Restoring decayed, cracked, or damaged teeth.
- Replacing silver crowns.
- Being durable.
How do I know if I need a dental crown?
For each patient, Dr. Cornetta reviews the diagnosis and suggests a treatment plan, including times when a dental crown may be necessary. Here are some examples of situations in which you might need a dental crown:
- Replace a large filling.
- Protect a weakened tooth from fracturing.
- Restore a broken or fractured tooth.
- Attach a dental bridge.
- Cover a dental implant.
- Cover dark tooth discoloration.
- Improve the size and shape of a tooth.
- Cover a tooth that has had root canal therapy.
How do I get a dental crown?
Before beginning treatment, Dr. Cornetta will likely use our intraoral camera to show you what he sees for your tooth. That way, you can make a fully informed decision. Once you and Dr. Cornetta have discussed and agreed on your treatment, the process of getting a dental crown goes as follows:
- He will prepare your tooth, whether that’s removing the decayed portions of your tooth or shaping the tooth for the crown.
- Then we will take digital impressions of your teeth, which are much more pleasant than old-fashioned putty impressions.
- Cornetta will then personally design your crown to ensure that it is visually appealing and well suited for your mouth and place a temporary crown.
- Your crown will be custom fabricated at a dental lab.
- When the final product is finished, you will return to our dental office so that Dr. Cornetta can affix it to your tooth.
In as little as two appointments, your tooth could be fully restored!
How long do dental crowns last?
The lifespan of your dental crown largely depends on how well you maintain it, but it can last between 5 and 15 years. By keeping up healthy oral habits, such as brushing and flossing daily and visiting our dental office for checkups and cleanings twice a year, you can ensure that your dental crown serves you well for a long, long time.
At Woodside Dental Care, we are committed to helping you regain your heathy, happy smile. That’s why we do our best to make the process of getting a dental crown as seamless as possible and give you and your teeth the attention you deserve. Schedule an appointment with us today to see the difference our team can make!
Dental Crowns FAQs
Want to know more about dental crowns in Assonet? This common restorative procedure helps countless patients protect compromised teeth each year. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we hear from patients about dental crowns. After you’re done reviewing the information below, don’t hesitate to contact our office to schedule a consultation.
Does It Hurt to Get a Dental Crown?
Patient comfort is a top priority here at Woodside Dental Care. Dr. Cornetta will numb your tooth during the preparation phase to ensure you don’t feel any pain during this initial step. If you suffer from severe dental anxiety, you may also benefit from sedation. Local anesthesia typically isn’t necessary when removing your temporary crown and placing the permanent crown. Of course, we will still ask you beforehand whether you’d like to be numbed. After the preparation (and, to a lesser extent, the placement) of a dental crown, the tooth will likely feel sensitive for the next few days, particularly if you’ve also had a root canal. Taking over-the-counter pain medication as directed by your dentist should help, but call our office if the discomfort worsens.
Are Dental Crowns Safe?
When placed by an experienced dentist in Assonet, a dental crown should be 100% safe. Unlike metal fillings, metal crowns don’t contain mercury, so there’s no reason to worry about toxicity. We also offer tooth-colored crowns, which are crafted from toxin-free materials like ceramic and zirconia. Be sure to share if you have experienced allergies or sensitivities to metal in the past. Allergic reactions to a metal alloy used in crowns are possible, although these reactions are usually minor. Still, we may recommend a metal-free crown depending on your history with allergies. In rare cases, a patient might have an adverse reaction to dental porcelain, but this is extremely unlikely. Call our office right away if you experience gum irritation, redness, or swelling near your dental crown, as these could all indicate an allergic reaction.
Can Dental Crowns Be Whitened?
No matter the material your crown is made of, it cannot be whitened like your teeth can. Unlike tooth enamel, which has tiny pores through which bleaching gels can enter and break apart stains, dental crowns do not have pores. Therefore, your crown should always remain the same color. If you’re worried about your natural teeth becoming discolored and making your crown stick out in your smile, consider getting professional teeth whitening before your crown is placed. That way, your crown will be matched to the ideal shade of your teeth.
Are Dental Crowns Permanent?
Before placing a crown, Dr. Cornetta will reshape your tooth to make room for the restoration. Tooth enamel cannot grow back after it has been lost, so that tooth will always need a crown for protection moving forward. With proper care and maintenance, you can expect a dental crown in Assonet to last up to 15 years. However, while technically not permanent, dental crowns are definitely a long-term solution. You can keep your crown in great shape for many years to come by practicing excellent oral hygiene, attending regular dental checkups, and wearing a mouthguard when playing contact sports. Remember, even though your crown may not last forever, it will protect the underlying tooth from additional damage, helping the tooth to survive for much longer than it likely would have otherwise.