Dental Crowns State College
Building Beautiful, Functional Smiles
Your teeth are designed to last for a lifetime with the right care. Unfortunately, even with the best prevention, they can still be damaged by decay, disease, or trauma. Fortunately, Dr. Starostik can rebuild your smile with custom-made dental crowns in State College. He uses high-quality materials and advanced techniques to create results that look natural.
Why Choose Centre Smiles for Dental Crowns?
- Digital Impression System for Enhanced Precision
- We Accept & Maximize Dental Insurance
- Same-Day Emergency Dental Examinations
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown, also known as a cap, is a covering that fits securely over the entire visible surface of a tooth. On its own, a single crown can restore the strength and appearance of a damaged or seriously decayed tooth. They can also be crafted from a variety of materials, ranging from porcelain fused to metal and ceramic to gold. Each of these materials can be custom-formed to look, act, and feel comfortable.
When is a Dental Crown Needed?
A crown is versatile to improve the health, structure, and appearance of a tooth. They are widely used for restorative and cosmetic enhancements because they mimic your real teeth. Although they are common, a crown is only recommended when it is in your best interest. A crown can be used to:
- Repair a large area of decay.
- Cover a break or fracture.
- Protect a weakened tooth from breaking.
- Cover dark tooth discoloration.
- Improve the shape of a tooth.
- Protect a tooth after a root canal.
- Replace a tooth with a dental implant.
The Process of Getting a Dental Crown
If Dr. Starostik determines you need a crown, you are scheduled to have your tooth prepared for the crown. It is cleaned and reshaped before Dr. Starostik takes an impression of your tooth to match its unique size and shape. The dental lab will also make it match the color of your enamel to blend in when you smile. It can take the lab a couple of weeks, so a temporary crown is used in the meantime. After your permanent crown is ready, you return to our dental office to have it bonded in place.
Dentures FAQs
Are Dental Crowns Permanent?
While dental crowns are not technically permanent, they are a long-term solution that can last for fifteen years or more if they receive excellent care. However, the process of preparing a tooth for a dental crown is irreversible since lost enamel will not grow back, so teeth that receive crowns will have to wear them for life. Dental crowns serve to protect teeth compromised by injury or decay and restore their appearance and function, and they can allow a troubled tooth to last much longer than it would otherwise. The best ways to keep your crown in excellent condition are to chew carefully, practice excellent oral hygiene, visit our office in State College every six months for routine exams and cleanings, and protect your teeth with a mouthguard or nightguard if you play sports or grind your teeth in your sleep.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Dental crowns can last between five and fifteen years on average, but this can vary based on what the crown is made from. Metal crowns may last slightly longer than metal-free ones, but this is not always the case and the difference is sometimes negligible. The most important determinant of how long your appliance can last is how well you take care of it by practicing proper oral hygiene, making smart eating decisions, chewing mindfully, and avoiding bad oral habits like smoking or using your teeth to open packages.
Do Dental Crowns Get Cavities?
While it’s impossible for dental crowns themselves to get cavities, the teeth wearing them can still be compromised by infection. Crowned and uncrowned teeth are just as likely to develop tooth decay if they do not receive proper care, so it’s important to brush, floss, and use antibacterial mouthwash every day after receiving your restorations. It’s also important to avoid chewing too aggressively, limit your intake of sugars, starches, and acids, and visit our office in State College for biannual exams and cleanings.
Does It Hurt to Get a Dental Crown?
Since dental crowns protect compromised teeth from damage and infection, receiving them can potentially prevent much oral discomfort. The dental crown process always begins with our dentist administering an appropriate anesthetic to ensure that you feel no pain. When you are ready, our team will carefully remove the compromised structure from your damaged tooth and reshape it so the restoration can fit comfortably. Dental crowns typically take two appointments to place, and anesthesia may not be necessary during the second visit. While you can expect some soreness for a few days after receiving your crown, this can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. However, contact our office if your pain seems to be getting worse after several days.