Crowns Specialist

What are dental crowns?

A dental crown is an artificial cap bonded on top of a damaged or decaying tooth. Once placed, the crown covers the weak portion of your enamel, restoring your tooth’s structure and form.

Dental crowns are made from various materials, but the team at Family Dentistry of West Chester offers tooth-colored crowns. Tooth-colored crowns mimic the appearance of your natural enamel, ensuring the restorations blend in with your smile.

Who can benefit from dental crowns?

At Family Dentistry of West Chester, the team uses crowns to:

• Protect weak teeth
• Restore broken or worn down teeth
• Hold dental bridges in place
• Cover misshapen or severely discolored teeth
• Complete a root canal

You might also need a dental crown if you get one (or several) dental implants.

What does getting dental crowns involve?

Getting a dental crown at Family Dentistry of West Chester takes two visits.

First dental crowns visit

During the first visit, your provider examines the tooth that needs a crown. To do that, your dentist conducts a dental exam and takes X-rays of your tooth and surrounding bone. If there are signs of tooth decay or an infection, your provider might suggest a root canal before moving forward.

If there’s no infection present, your provider numbs your mouth with a local anesthetic and carefully removes the damaged or decaying portion of the enamel. Then, they take molds of your tooth and send them to a laboratory that manufactures a custom dental crown.

Second dental crowns visit

When the dental lab finishes your custom crown, you return to Family Dentistry of West Chester. At your second visit, your dentist lines up the crown with your affected tooth, carefully bonds it in place, and provides care instructions.

What does a new dental crown feel like?

After getting a new dental crown, it’s normal to experience some increased tooth sensitivity. For the first few days, bite and chew more gently than usual and brush and floss carefully. Any discomfort should subside within a few days, but if your symptoms get worse, contact the team at Family Dentistry of West Chester right away.

How long does a dental crown last?

Dental crowns last an average of 5-15 years*. That said, the life of your crown depends on the amount of wear-and-tear it experiences. To keep your crown in optimal condition, the team at Family Dentistry of West Chester recommends:

• Brushing your teeth twice daily
• Flossing regularly
• Not biting your fingernails
• Not opening packaging with your teeth

It’s also important to visit the dentist at least twice a year for a dental exam and professional teeth cleaning.

To learn more about dental crowns, make an appointment at Family Dentistry of West Chester by calling the office or clicking the online booking feature today.