A dental crown is a common procedure that preserves your natural tooth when it is too damaged to be repaired any other way. In today’s blog post, we are going to discuss what a dental crown is, what the procedure is like, and how to know if you might need one. 

Continue reading to learn more about dental crowns, and if you think that you need a crown or any other type of dental care, contact one of our experienced, professional Jersey Shore dentists with office locations at Century Dental in Jackson, Seaview Dental in Eatontown, or Seaview Dental Stafford. Contact us today for an appointment.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown, also called a cap, covers your existing tooth when it is too damaged to be repaired any other way. Occasionally, when a tooth chips, breaks, or an old filling falls out, your remaining tooth is too weak or there just isn’t enough of it left. In this case, our professional dentist will file down your remaining tooth and cover it with a dental crown. 

Dental crowns can be made from stainless steel, porcelain, resin, or ceramic. 

What Is the Procedure for a Dental Crown?

Dental crowns are a fairly common procedure. If our dentist determines a crown is decidedly the best course of action, your tooth will be prepared by filing it down and removing any decay. Your dentist will then take an impression of your tooth to use to create your permanent crown. You will be fitted with a temporary crown and schedule a second visit when your permanent crown is ready.  

When your crown is ready, your dentist will remove your temporary crown and fit your permanent crown. Fitting may take a few tries to be sure your bite feels natural. If your crown doesn’t fit correctly, it will make chewing difficult and leave your mouth feeling a bit uncomfortable. 

Once your crown feels comfortable, your dentist will cement it into place permanently. The crown will function just like one of your natural teeth. Dental crowns can last for up to 15 years. 

How Do I Know If I Need a Dental Crown?

If you have a tooth that is severely damaged, you may need a dental crown. If your tooth cannot be repaired with a filling because it is too weak or too much of the tooth is missing, a crown might be the best fit for you as well. Also, if you have a missing tooth and decide to get a dental bridge, many times, a crown is required to hold the bridge in place. 

Dental crowns are used for a number of reasons and can help preserve your natural tooth rather than extracting it. The only way to know for sure if you need a dental crown is to visit the dentist.

Contact Our Outstanding Jersey Shore Dentists

If you have a damaged tooth that may need a crown, contact Century Dental or Seaview Dental for an appointment. Our experienced dental teams can assess your tooth and decide if a dental crown is the right course of action for you. 

At Century Dental and Seaview Dental, we provide the Jersey Shore with general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. Whether you are in need of a dental crown, teeth whitening, a dental exam, or are interested in Invisalign, we can help. Contact us today for an appointment at one of our three convenient Jersey Shore locations at Jersey Shore Dentists at Century Dental in Jackson, Seaview Dental in Eatontown, or Seaview Dental Stafford in Manahawkin.