Dental Crowns

When opting for the installation of dental crowns and bridges, it is advisable to choose a cosmetic dentist with expertise in achieving a natural look. At Arcadia Dental, we not only excel in this aspect but also prioritize our patients’ comfort by incorporating sedation dentistry into the process. The procedure for both dental crowns and bridges follows a similar pattern. Commencing with the taking of impressions of the teeth, these molds are sent to a dental lab for the fabrication of the new crown or bridge.

For dental crown placement, Arcadia Dental initiates the process by preparing the tooth. This involves removing a portion of the enamel to create sufficient space for the new crown without displacing adjacent teeth. Post-preparation, the tooth is cleaned, and a temporary crown is affixed using removable glue. Typically worn for approximately two weeks, the temporary crown necessitates cautious eating and tooth brushing, given its temporary nature.

Upon completion of the dental restoratives in the lab, patients return to our dentist office to remove the temporaries and affix the permanent restorations. For a dental crown, the cap is secured around the tooth through dental bonding. In the case of a bridge, crowns are placed on the two teeth flanking the missing one, with an additional piece resembling natural gums securing the new tooth in place. These two crowns act as anchors for the synthetic “bridge,” providing durability to the new tooth. Patients rely on this procedure to replace missing teeth in a manner that appears natural and restores the functionality of the absent tooth.

When undergoing dental restoratives, tooth sensitivity is expected after the preparation process. Wearing a temporary crown is necessary while awaiting the creation of a permanent one. To ensure a comfortable experience, we employ sedation dentistry during the procedure. Post-treatment, a few days of oral pain medication suffice to alleviate any discomfort.

The advantage of wearing a crown lies in its protective encasement around the tooth, allowing the indulgence in favorite foods without fear of discomfort. Crowns restore mouth functionality, facilitating normal eating, drinking, and speaking. This is especially beneficial for individuals with severely sensitive teeth, cracked or chipped teeth, or those who have undergone a root canal. Similarly, a bridge enables normal eating and speaking without concerns of the new tooth becoming loose or falling out. Both options cater to individuals with active lifestyles who seek freedom from dental constraints. To determine the suitability of these procedures for you, contact us at (401) 539-1090 to schedule an appointment at Arcadia Dental. We strive to make it convenient for patients throughout RI to attain a beautiful and functional smile.

Dentistry encompasses both art and science, and dental crowns exemplify this synergy. A dental crown, or “cap,” is a covering designed to fit over a damaged, decayed, or aesthetically displeasing tooth. It can also serve as a replacement for a missing tooth within dental bridgework.

Completely covering a tooth above the gum line, a crown differs from a dental veneer, which only conceals the front surface, requiring natural tooth structure for support. Thus, if a tooth lacks a significant amount of structure above the gum line, a crown becomes the restoration of choice.

Crowns restore damaged teeth, reinstating normal function. Utilizing advanced porcelains, crowns are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth and can be tailored to enhance the original tooth’s appearance.

Apart from porcelain, various materials can be employed to create dental crowns, each with its unique qualities. Cast gold, known for its durability, is unmatched in strength, although aesthetics may be a consideration, particularly for front teeth. Other options include porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns (PFM), combining a metal interior for strength with a porcelain exterior for a natural look, and all-porcelain crowns with zirconia, representing the strongest ceramic. We are more than willing to discuss the advantages and drawbacks of these options with you.

Crowning or capping a tooth typically involves two to three visits. During the first visit, the tooth undergoes preparation to receive its new crown. This process includes shaping the tooth to fit inside the new covering, often involving some drilling to achieve a uniform shape. The area is numbed before the procedure. If there’s minimal existing tooth structure, the tooth may need to be built up with filling material instead of being filed down to support the crown.

Following tooth preparation, impressions of your teeth are taken, either digitally or with reliable, putty-like impression materials. These impressions are then sent to the dental laboratory, where skilled technicians use them to create models of your teeth for crafting the crown. The models serve as guides to ensure the new crown enhances your smile and functions seamlessly within your bite.

Before leaving the office, a temporary crown is attached to your tooth to protect it until the permanent crown is ready. The second visit involves attaching the permanent crown to your tooth, either with a resin that hardens under a special light source or a type of permanent cement.

Crowns play a versatile role in dentistry, extending beyond restoring damaged teeth to creating lifelike replacements for missing ones. This is achieved through bridgework, a technique involving a minimum of three crowns. Two of these crowns are positioned over healthy teeth on either side of the gap left by the missing tooth, known as abutment teeth. These crowned abutment teeth serve as supports for a third crown placed in between them, referred to as a pontic. If multiple teeth are missing, additional crowns are required to bridge the gap between the abutment teeth.

The number of abutment teeth needed depends on various factors, including the number of missing teeth, the size and length of the abutment tooth roots, the level of bone support each abutment tooth possesses, and the location of the missing tooth in the mouth. For instance, if three teeth are missing, four abutment teeth may be necessary, forming a seven-tooth bridge. The engineering and design of the bridge necessitate a comprehensive understanding of tooth replacement and the biology of supporting gum and bone tissue.

Crowns and bridgework demand the same diligent care as your natural teeth. Ensure that you brush and floss between all your teeth, whether restored or natural, daily to minimize the accumulation of dental plaque. For those with crowns, maintaining a regular cleaning schedule at the dental office becomes even more crucial. Refrain from using your teeth as tools, such as opening packages. If you have a habit of grinding your teeth, wearing a nightguard is advisable to safeguard both your teeth and the investment in dental work.