Repair and Beautify Your Smile with Custom Crowns
If your tooth is damaged or discolored, a custom dental crown from Dr. Aimee Kraft may be the ideal restoration solution. Crowns cap teeth to return structure, strength, and improved aesthetics. At our Brooklyn office, we take the time to explain crown options and deliver natural-looking, long-lasting results you’ll love. Let our skilled team help determine if a crown is right for you– give us a call at (718) 625-6629.
When Crowns Are Needed
To Repair a Broken or Badly Decayed Tooth
If you have a tooth that is broken or has significant decay, a crown can help protect what remains of the tooth and prevent further damage. The crown covers the entire tooth and acts as a cap to hold everything in place. Dr. Kraft in Brooklyn places crowns on badly damaged teeth to strengthen them and prevent future cracking or breakage.
To Restore a Tooth After a Root Canal
After undergoing a root canal treatment, a tooth is more brittle and prone to fracture. A crown is often placed on top of the tooth after the root canal is completed to reinforce the remaining tooth structure. Dr. Kraft frequently uses crowns as a restorative step after doing root canal treatments on patients’ teeth in her Brooklyn dental office.
To Cover Misshapen or Discolored Teeth
If you have a tooth that is oddly shaped, discolored, or has visible flaws you want to hide, a crown can be used to improve the tooth’s appearance. The crown covers the entire visible part of the tooth with a natural-looking porcelain material. Dr. Kraft places crowns on top of discolored or unsightly teeth to give patients a smile they can be confident about.
To Support a Bridge
Dental crowns are sometimes used to support a bridge, which replaces missing teeth. The crowns anchor the artificial teeth on either side, providing stability and improving chewing ability. Dr. Kraft may use crowns on the teeth flanking a missing tooth gap to allow for the placement of a bridge.
To Cover a Dental Implant
For patients in Brooklyn getting dental implants to replace missing teeth, Dr. Kraft will place a crown on top of the implanted post to create a realistic-looking artificial tooth. The crown provides the visible part that looks like a natural tooth emerging from the gums.
The Crown Procedure
When Dr. Kraft places dental crowns for patients in Brooklyn, it typically occurs over two appointments:
Numbing and Preparation of the Tooth
At the first visit, Dr. Kraft will numb the area around the tooth and then meticulously file down the existing tooth to remove decay and shape it so the crown can fit over it securely. She takes great care to remove as little healthy tooth structure as possible.
Taking Impressions and Creating Temporary Crown
Dr. Kraft then takes impressions of the prepared tooth. The impressions will be sent to the dental lab to create a custom crown perfectly fitted for the space. She’ll place a temporary crown to protect the tooth while the permanent crown is being made.
Custom-Made Permanent Crown Placed
At the follow-up appointment about two to three weeks later, Dr. Kraft removes the temporary crown, checks the fit of the permanent one, and cements it into place. The custom-made crown matches the shape and color of your natural teeth.
Advantages of Crowns
Restore Teeth to Original Shape and Size
Damaged, worn down, or uneven teeth can be built back up to their original proportions with crowns. Dr. Kraft uses crowns to restore proper tooth anatomy and structure.
Protect Damaged or Weak Teeth
Crowns act as a strong barrier protecting fragile tooth remnants prone to cracks or fractures. The crown creates a reinforced casing around the tooth.
Improve Appearance of Discolored Teeth
Crowns crafted from porcelain or ceramic materials can mask underlying stains or discoloration. Dr. Kraft places crowns to give patients brighter, whiter-looking smiles.
Prevent Further Decay or Breakdown
Well-fitted crowns prevent bacteria and food from getting under the gumline and causing more decay. They prevent fracturing by stabilizing the remaining tooth structure.
Caring for Your Crown
To keep your crown in great shape, be sure to:
Proper Brushing and Flossing
Practice good oral hygiene to prevent decay and inflammation under the crown edges. Use fluoride toothpaste and floss carefully each day.
Regular Dental Exams and Cleanings
See Dr. Kraft for regular checkups so she can examine the crown and surrounding teeth for any issues. Professional cleanings will keep the crown plaque-free.
Avoid Chewing Hard Foods/Objects
Be cautious biting into crunchy or sticky foods that could dislodge or damage the crown. Avoid chewing on hard items like ice or pens.
Use a Mouthguard for Sports
Wear a protective mouthguard when playing sports to prevent trauma to the crown. A hit to the mouth could crack or loosen the crown.
Dental crowns allow Dr. Kraft to restore damaged and unsightly teeth for patients in Brooklyn, giving them healthier, more aesthetically pleasing smiles. With proper oral care and regular dental visits, crowns can last many years. Talk to Dr. Kraft to learn if a crown may be right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s possible to receive a crown on a tooth with a large filling. Large fillings can weaken teeth over time. Placing a crown on a tooth with a sizable filling is a preventive measure to reinforce the remaining tooth structure.
Yes, crowns made slightly wider than the natural teeth on either side of a gap can be used to fill in the space. The crowns overlap to close the gap.
Signs a crown may need replacement include decay at the edges, cracks or chips, loosening, changes in fit, wear to the underlying tooth, or if you want to improve its appearance.
Crowns are more invasive but provide reinforcements for damaged teeth. Veneers are less invasive but only improve appearance. Talk to your dentist about which is optimal for your particular case.