One of the most versatile and actually meaningful restorations in dentistry is a dental crown. Whether it is protecting a drastically weakened tooth, restoring natural tooth structure and function, or preventing progressive failure in an otherwise compromised tooth from its everyday challenges, dental crowns are an important part of restorative care.
Our restorative philosophy at New Hampshire Smile Co. in Nashua, NH is built on the concept of being straightforward about why the work is necessary. The fact that Dr. Neveu has a post-graduate specialty in fixed prosthodontics and additional training in restorative procedures means that every single crown we fabricate and place at our office is designed with equal consideration for how it precisely fits in the mouth, how natural it looks, and how well it will function for the patient. We are not just putting a cap on a broken tooth; we are building a well-crafted restoration that can provide years of health, comfort and self-assurance to the patient.
How Dental Crowns Restore Damaged & Weak Teeth
A number of reasons can lead to a dental crown being a suitable and the most conservative option for restoration in many cases:
- Large decay that affects more than 50% of the tooth beyond restorability with a standard filling
- A fracture or crack that threatens to cause more loss of tooth structure as a result of chewing pressure
- A large existing restoration that has failed or is failing, or where the surrounding tooth structure has also become too compromised for just another filling to fix
- Need to place a crown to protect a tooth that has undergone a root canal
- A tooth that has worn down to the point of severe compromise from bruxism or clenching
- Need for a crown to restore an implant tooth
Any crown recommendations at our practice are explained with clarity and honesty using imaging and pictures to give the patient a realistic look at their oral situation before a treatment plan is decided upon.
The Process Of Getting A Custom-Fit Crown
At New Hampshire Smile Co., we follow a transparent process at all crown cases to ensure the patient has an adequate understanding of every step before treatment begins:
Evaluation & Planning
Digital x-rays, digital imaging with AI assistance, and clinical examination will determine the best option for a restoration and whether any additional treatment is needed in advance of crown preparation.
Digital Impressions
We utilize the iTero or Trios intraoral scanner and imaging devices to digitally record the tooth, including any necessary preparation, and surrounding teeth for a more comfortable and accurate fit for crown fabrication. There are no impression materials needed.
Temporary Crown
A temporary crown will be placed immediately after the crown preparation is complete to protect the tooth while the final crown is being fabricated at the dental laboratory. It will also preserve the patient’s appearance throughout the process.
Final Delivery
When the final crown is received from the laboratory, it is evaluated for fit at the margins, natural appearance in the smile, and appropriate bite relationship before the final restoration is cemented. We make necessary changes as required before the patient leaves the office.
What Materials Are Used For Dental Crowns
The crown materials utilized at New Hampshire Smile Co. are determined by the clinical needs, aesthetic expectations, and function required for each patient’s situation:
Full Porcelain & Lithium Disilicate
All-porcelain crowns provide the most natural look of any material currently available. The transmission and reflection of light through a porcelain crown is most similar to the appearance of the layers of the natural enamel. Ideally chosen for front teeth and other visible areas in which natural appearance is a priority for the patient.
Zirconia
A natural-looking tooth material with superior strength and resistance to fracture, zirconia crowns can be used on front and back teeth. High-strength zirconia is available for crowns that need extra durability to withstand the forces of chewing, while newer materials allow for more natural-appearing layering with increased transparency in crowns that need to appear more natural on the front teeth and in high smile lines. Zirconia is currently the most widely used material for crowns because of its versatility and natural appearance.
Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal
Metal-ceramic crowns are built around a metal substructure and then layered with porcelain. While very strong and suitable for some cases, they are largely a thing of the past due to the advances made in stronger, more natural materials like zirconia. These crowns still have the potential to have a darker margin visible in the gingiva and the potential of the underlying metal showing through the porcelain.
How Crowns Preserve Teeth After Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is performed to prevent or treat infections that may lead to loss of the tooth. After a root canal, the tooth is more susceptible to future failure than an untreated tooth because of the lack of moisture inside. The removal of the blood supply and nerve tissue results in a more brittle tooth that may fracture more easily. A root canal treated tooth that is not properly restored with a dental crown is likely to fail in the future.
At New Hampshire Smile Co., crown placement following root canal treatment is honestly discussed and scheduled as a part of the treatment sequence for patients. We encourage everyone to ask their dentist how important a crown is in saving a root-canaled tooth at our practice in Nashua, NH.
Schedule an appointment or contact our office today.