When teeth lose their shape or size over time for reasons like tooth decay or damage, it is important to find a dental solution that can properly restore them to their proper form and function. Our dentist in Greenwich, Dr. George Tsangaroulis, offers dental crowns as a restorative dentistry option to help patients achieve their dream smile. Learn all about state-of-the-art dental crowns by reading the information provided below. What is a Dental Crown? CEREC® Same-Day Crowns Dental Crown Candidates Dental Crown Procedure Dental Crown Results What is a Dental Crown? A dental crown is made out of porcelain and designed to act as a “cap” to restore the appearance, shape, size, and strength of a damaged or decayed tooth. Additionally, dental crowns are placed on top of dental implants or used to cover an affected tooth after root canal therapy. Every crown is custom-fabricated to fit each patient’s unique needs and dental goals. What are CEREC® Same-Day Crowns? We understand your time is valuable. That is why we invested in CEREC® digital technology that allows for a faster experience when you need a porcelain crown (cap) or large replacement filling, otherwise known as an inlay or onlay. CEREC® is a revolutionary way to restore teeth damaged by decay, fractures or cracks, old fillings, or root canal therapy in a single visit—rather than taking a mold, sending it out to a dental laboratory, wearing a temporary crown, and returning for a second appointment. During the course of one visit, we can prepare your damaged tooth, create an optical impression, and use CEREC® computer software technology to digitally design and mill a precise dental crown, which is then permanently bonded to your tooth for full restoration of its function and stability. In short, key benefits of CEREC® restorations include: Greater Convenience – Only a single office visit is required to complete the restoration Minimally Invasive Treatment – More natural tooth structure is conserved High-Quality Materials – The porcelain material is tooth-colored and incredibly durable Enhanced Precision – 3D imaging allows for improved design and fabrication of restorations CEREC® Same-Day Inlays and Onlays CEREC® inlays and onlays are alternative restorations to crowns, which enable the doctor to conserve natural tooth structure. They replace extensive amalgam (metal) or composite fillings for teeth affected by decay or structural damage to create a smooth, tooth-colored replacement of natural tooth material again in just one visit. They are superior to amalgam or composite fillings because of their enhanced strength, durability, and aesthetic benefits. With enamel-like material, they look and feel like your real teeth, and are typically longer-lasting. Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Crowns? Dr. Tsangaroulis carefully evaluates each patient’s teeth before recommending dental crowns. Patients with the following concerns are usually suitable candidates for a dental crown procedure: Broken or cracked tooth Weakened tooth due to dental decay Missing tooth Misshapen or severely discolored tooth Scheduling a consultation with Dr. Tsangaroulis is the best way to determine if you are a good candidate for a dental crown procedure. If you are not the right fit for treatment, Dr. Tsangaroulis can give recommendations for other restorative solutions that are best suited for you. What Does the Dental Crown Procedure Involve? The first step of the dental crown procedure is numbing the affected tooth. Once the tooth is properly numbed, Dr. Tsangaroulis removes any decay that needs to be taken out. He shapes the tooth and takes an impression so that the crown can be made to properly fit on top. In some cases, the crown may need to be sent to an outside dental laboratory for creation instead of having it produced here at our office with the CEREC® system. The patient is sent home wearing a temporary crown until the final crown is completed and ready, which usually takes one to two weeks. Once the dental lab sends the final crown to our office, our team helps the patient schedule a second appointment for the last step. During the final appointment, Dr. Tsangaroulis removes the temporary restoration and replaces it with the permanent crown. How Long Do Dental Crowns Last? With the proper care and maintenance, dental crowns can last decades. Patients should make sure that they are brushing and flossing at least twice a day and getting professional cleanings at least twice a year to maintain healthy teeth and gums and to ensure that the crowns last as long as possible. If you are interested in learning more about dental crowns and restorations or scheduling an appointment, feel free to contact us today.