Dental Crowns in Westford & Bedford

Emerson Dental provides dental crowns in Westford & Bedford, MA. Call 978-399-0017 to learn more and schedule your appointment.

For teeth with extensive decay or trauma, a dental crown may be the ideal solution. A crown preserves the natural tooth, maintaining the bone structure and stability of the nearby teeth. Crowns are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, providing a long-lasting, durable restoration. With proper care, a dental crown can last a lifetime.

First, impressions will be taken of your entire mouth and bite structure. This ensures that the crown will fit naturally into your mouth and provide full chewing ability. Next, your tooth will be carefully cleaned and prepared. All decay will be removed, and a root canal performed if needed. Your tooth will then be gently shaped to receive the crown, and an impression will be taken of the prepared tooth. You will leave the office with a temporary crown.

In several days, our office will receive your finished crown from the dental lab. You will be scheduled to come in to have the crown placed and cemented into your mouth.

Ceramic crowns are the most realistic in appearance, as they mirror the color, sheen, and translucency of natural teeth. They are almost always used for front teeth, and are durable enough to be used throughout the mouth.

These crowns blend strength with aesthetics, and may be used anywhere in the mouth. However, they are less desirable for front teeth, as the metal understructure could show through as slight darkening along the gumline.

Some patients choose gold alloys for their front teeth due to the unique aesthetics, but these crowns are most often used for extra strength on back teeth for patients who are prone to grinding their teeth.

Strong and resistant to corrosion, base metal alloys may be used on back teeth when there is little remaining healthy tooth structure. For aesthetic reasons, though, they are not generally used on teeth that show.

CEREC is dental technology makes it possible for patients to go home with a high-quality porcelain crown in a single visit.

Learn More About CEREC same day crowns.

A dental crown, sometimes called a cap, is a tooth-shaped cover placed over an existing tooth that is damaged or severely decayed. A crown completely covers the visible portion of the tooth that extends above the gumline. It permanently protects and fortifies the tooth.

Most crowns are made of porcelain, which is a ceramic material that is strong and closely resembles natural tooth enamel. Crowns can also be made of porcelain fused to metal, metal alloys, or gold alloys.

With proper care, a dental crown can last for the rest of your life. As long as the root of the tooth remains healthy and intact, the crown will also. Over time, a crown may show signs of wear and need to be replaced. But replacing a crown is much easier than the original placement process.

Your dentist may recommend a crown if you have a severely decayed, cracked, or otherwise damaged tooth that would be difficult to correct with just a filling. A crown is often used after a root canal to protect the existing root. Crowns are also used to support a dental bridge.

Yes, it is possible to get a crown placed in one day at your dentist’s office. CEREC same day crowns are designed to be created and placed all in one visit. It is necessary to find a dentist who offers this as an option, because there is special equipment required to create a crown in the office.

The first step is an evaluation of the tooth, usually involving X-Rays. Then the tooth enamel is reduced to make room for the crown. Impressions are made of the existing tooth and the crown is created. The crown is fitted and cemented into place. This can be done in one day or in multiple appointments.

A dental crown requires no special care, however, it is still susceptible to decay like any other tooth. Simply practice good oral hygiene habits like brushing twice a day and flossing once a day to keep all of your teeth, including the crown, healthy. See your dentist every 6 months for regular cleanings.

The most common problems that may arise with a dental crown include:

• The crown comes off.
• The crown becomes loose.
• The crown gets damaged. 

These problems can all be easily corrected by either cementing the crown back into place or replacing it with a new one.

Dental crowns are very safe and effective for most patients. One problem that may arise is an allergic reaction to crowns made of metal alloy. If you know that you have a metal allergy, discuss this with your dentist during the initial consultation. A porcelain crown may be your best option to avoid a potential reaction.

If you are ready to get started with a talented, compassionate dentist office, we invite you to contact Emerson Dental today. Call 978-399-0017 to schedule your appointment.