Dental Crowns in Syracuse, NY
Dental crowns are the most common restorative tool used in today’s dental offices. The popularity and widespread use of dental crowns is a result of their versatility. While they primarily protect and restore a damaged tooth, they can also support dental bridges or replace a missing tooth with a mini dental implant.
At our practice, Dr. Bradford provides same-day dental crowns for eligible patients and is also an expert in mini implant-supported crowns. Whether you need to safeguard damaged teeth or replace missing ones, Dr. Bradford can help.
Uses for Dental Crowns
When you have a damaged or decayed tooth that can still be saved, a dental crown can strengthen the tooth and provide protection to prevent further impairment. If your tooth has suffered severe damage and needs to be extracted or if the tooth has already come out, crowns may be used as part of a tooth replacement system.
Traditional Dental Crowns
A traditional crown is a cap placed on and around the damaged tooth that protects, fortifies, and restores it to its former function. To prepare for this procedure, some of the tooth’s enamel must be removed so that the custom-made crown fits perfectly. The idea is to have a seamless integration with your natural teeth and a snug fit between crown and tooth. The goal, as always, is to save the original tooth whenever possible and protect it from future harm.
Protecting a Treated Root Canal
A lesser-known responsibility of crowns is to protect a tooth that has undergone a root canal. After a root canal, dental crowns are commonly used to reinforce and protect the treated tooth, which may be structurally weakened. The crown safeguards against fractures and additional damage, ensuring the tooth’s longevity. It also improves the tooth’s appearance by enhancing aesthetics and restores your normal biting and chewing capabilities.
Supporting a Dental Bridge
Dental crowns are also used as support structures for a tooth-supported dental bridge, which is sometimes used to replace missing teeth. A traditional bridge includes artificial teeth held between two dental crowns. These crowns attach to healthy teeth on each side of the gap. By “bridging” the empty space, dental bridges enhance your smile’s look and improve your bite’s function.
Replacing a Missing Tooth
Sometimes, a tooth can’t be saved and is either already gone or needs to be extracted.
In that case, an artificial crown and a mini dental implant can fill the empty space. The implant acts as a sturdy base for the crown, creating a solid, functional artificial tooth replacement.
Compared to a bridge, an advantage of this method is that the implant serves as an artificial tooth root. Tooth roots stimulate the jawbone to maintain bone health. If those missing roots are not replaced, the bone and tissue will deteriorate over time, potentially leading to loose teeth, misalignment, eating challenges, and a sunken appearance.
Same-Day Dental Crowns with the CEREC System
The typical procedure for creating a custom crown involves taking an impression, sending it to a dental lab, and waiting a few weeks for it to be fabricated. However, Dr. Bradford can create a crown on the same day as your appointment, thanks to our in-house CEREC machine. This CAD/CAM system allows us to create chairside restorations, eliminating the wait time and multiple appointments typically required for a dental crown.
CEREC, which stands for “Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics,” uses digital scans to create a 3D model of your teeth. The system’s technology and machinery allow Dr. Bradford to design and produce your custom ceramic crown in our office. The CEREC system makes the process of getting a crown much more efficient and convenient.
Restore Your Smile With Dental Crowns
Dental crowns can solve many oral health problems, protecting and restoring damaged teeth or replacing missing ones. With CEREC machinery and innovative mini dental implants, our office provides state-of-the-art solutions for your dental needs.
To learn more about dental crowns or mini dental implants, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The dental crown procedure is minimally invasive, so you shouldn’t feel any pain. At the start of the procedure, Dr. Bradford will apply a local anesthetic before shaping the enamel. Placing the crown is equally painless, and most people return to work or school immediately after. However, mild tenderness or sensitivity can occur as the anesthesia wears off.
If your procedure includes getting a mini dental implant, the implant’s placement is also minimally intrusive. A small pilot hole will be drilled through your gums, but the anesthesia ensures you won’t feel any pain. You may experience a minor ache after the procedure, but this diminishes in just a day or two.
The cost of a dental crown varies based on the crown’s purpose. Is it a traditional crown, part of a bridge, or an implant-supported crown? This consideration, along with the material used and number of visits required, will contribute to the total cost.
Fortunately, most insurance plans offer coverage for dental crowns. We can help you understand your policy and clarify if there are any expenses you may need to cover out of pocket. If you need financing assistance, we collaborate with multiple dental financing companies. These companies offer a range of flexible monthly financing options, allowing you to pay for your treatment in increments.
On average, dental crowns last between 5 and 15 years, but their durability depends on the materials used. Some materials, like metal, are long-lasting but noticeable in the mouth. Ceramic crowns, on the other hand, offer durability and aesthetic appeal, as they closely resemble your natural enamel.
Proper care and maintenance are key to ensuring your crown lasts many years. Consistent brushing, thorough flossing, and routine check-ups help to keep your crown in good condition.
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