Crowns and Bridges
Crowns and bridges restore damaged teeth or replace missing teeth while keeping your smile natural-looking and natural-feeling. If you have a severely decayed or worn tooth, these restorations will make a big difference to your daily life. We are proud to offer traditional crowns as well as CEREC crowns, same-day porcelain crowns that reduce your time commitment and improve the patient experience.
Dental Crowns
Crowns are caps that fit over the entirety of a tooth. They protect the remaining natural tooth and help it look full, healthy and whole. Crowns may be used for restorative or cosmetic reasons, after significant decay or to make over a smile. They are also typically placed after a root canal to protect the tooth. Crowns are more comprehensive than veneers, as they cover entire teeth. Crowns may be used in a bridge, to fit a false tooth in place where a tooth has been lost. They can also be paired with dental implants to rebuild entire teeth from the root up. Your crown will last for many years, and can be prepared and placed in two appointments.How should I care for my dental crowns?
Crown care is relatively straightforward – you should treat your crown as you do a natural tooth, with a few exceptions. Be sure to floss and brush regularly so that plaque doesn’t collect at the gum line where the crown meets your gums. If you have an issue with clenching your jaw / grinding your teeth, this can reduce the crown’s lifespan. You should also avoid foods that could damage the crown or pull it loose, like ice or hard candy. Treat your crown with respect and it will last for years to come.CEREC Same Day Crowns
CEREC is a advanced crown fabrication system that allows us to create your new crown in our own office, without needing to wait for it to be fabricated by an outside lab. CEREC crafts compressed porcelain crowns in just a few minutes, while the patient relaxes. This allows the patient to experience unique benefits, including:- No standard, messy impressions (impressions are taken digitally with a 3D camera)
- No need to wear a temporary
- No need for multiple crown appointments
CEREC Procedure Steps
- Tooth preparation – All decay is removed from the tooth, and the tooth is shaped so that a crown may be placed.
- Digital impression – The tooth is sprayed with a fine powder so that the camera will be able to take a detailed image. The camera captures 3D images of the tooth, which are displayed for the patient and dentist.
- Crown design – Dr. Khaghany-Duffy then designs the restoration to fit the patient’s smile and needs.
- Crown milling – CEREC mills the restoration in about 15 minutes. The patient is free to watch the process, relax in the office, or run an errand.
- Crown placement – The crown is fitted over the tooth and bonded in place, and adjusted as needed.