What Are Dental Crowns?
When a tooth is significantly decayed or damaged, it may need more support than a standard filling can provide. A dental crown at Dr. Anna Pavlotsky Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is a custom restoration that fits over a damaged or weakened tooth, helping restore its shape, strength, and function while maintaining as much natural structure as possible. Depending on the condition and location of the tooth, a crown can make it easier to chew comfortably, protect a weakened tooth from additional damage, and give your smile a healthier, more complete appearance. Schedule a consultation with our restorative dentists in Warwick, RI to have your teeth evaluated and discuss whether a dental crown is the right option for preserving your smile.
How Are Dental Crowns Placed?
Dental crown procedures take place in two visits. During your first appointment, we'll prepare the tooth for its new restoration by removing a small amount of enamel and any damaged tooth structure. Once it's ready, we'll take impressions or digital scans that will be used to create a crown that fits securely and comfortably. It typically takes at least a week for the new crown to be crafted. In the meantime, we may place a temporary crown to protect the tooth.
When your dental crown is ready, you'll return to our Warwick, RI practice so that we can remove the temporary crown and carefully check the finished restoration for its fit, shape, and appearance. Once everything looks and feels right, we'll secure the crown to the tooth with a durable dental adhesive.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Crowns?
A severely damaged tooth doesn't always have to be removed. At Dr. Anna Pavlotsky Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, our team uses dental crowns to help preserve teeth that could still provide a strong foundation for a restoration, providing benefits to our patients that include:
- Strengthening teeth that have become weakened or damaged
- Protecting vulnerable teeth from additional wear or breakage
- Restoring your ability to chew and speak comfortably
- Preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible
- Improving the appearance of damaged, discolored, or irregularly shaped teeth
- Supporting a more balanced and functional bite
Dental Crowns Reviews
I just began seeing Dr. Pavlotsky several months ago. I've been to several dentists in the past and they have always tried to push extra dental work on me. Replace fillings, crowns, etc. The last dentist I went to wanted to change a gold crown which I have in the back of my mouth because it wasn't white! She is nothing like that!I've had some periodontal problems and also a cavity had begun to form under a crown. Dr. Pavlotsky referred me to a wonderful periodontist who actually accepted dental insurance! He was excellent. After healing I went back to Dr. Pavlotsky and she removed the old crown, repaired the tooth, and placed a temporary crown on. I am now waiting for the permanent crown which should be ready in about a week or two.Through this whole process I've been extremely impressed with both the Dentist and the office staff. I've never really had to wait any exorbitant amount of time and if I did, I don't believe it would really bother me because I know that once I sat on the chair she would take as much time as necessary to do whatever she had to do. I've never felt rushed.I read one of the reviews where it stated that the office was very clean but didn't have the most up to date equipment. Well my last dentist had the best of everything...the latest equipment, new leather furniture and a waterfall ... but one needs a second mortgage to get all of the work done which he suggested. I'd rather have a clean office, pleasant staff, a very competent dentist that I can afford to go to than paying for all of the bells and whistles of in an office that I can't afford to get the dental work done.I am very pleased with her as is my husband. We both look forward to a long relationship with her and her staff.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns
How long does a dental crown procedure take?
Dental crown treatments traditionally take two appointments: one to prepare the tooth and take impressions, and another to place the finished crown once it's ready. Preparing the tooth and placing a temporary crown usually takes 60 – 90 minutes, depending on its condition. Once you return, we'll remove the temporary crown and place the finished restoration, which typically takes 30 – 45 minutes.
Does getting a dental crown hurt?
We'll numb the tooth and surrounding area before preparing it for a crown, so you should not feel significant discomfort during the procedure. You may feel pressure or vibration while we work, but let our team know if you experience discomfort so we can make you more comfortable. Some sensitivity or tenderness around the treated tooth can occur after crown placement, but this is temporary and can be managed with at-home care.
How long do dental crowns last?
With proper care, dental crowns can last 5 – 15 years or longer. You can extend the lifespan of your crown by brushing, flossing, and keeping up with regular dental visits. Our team at Dr. Anna Pavlotsky Family & Cosmetic Dentistry will continue to monitor your dental crown over time to recommend when a replacement might be needed.
What should I do if my dental crown is loose or falls off?
Contact our office as soon as possible if your crown becomes loose or falls out. A loose crown can expose the underlying tooth to additional damage, and we'll want to determine why the crown has become unstable and whether it can be placed back securely. If the crown comes off completely, keep it in a clean container and bring it with you when you come to the office. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until we've evaluated the tooth, and don't try to reattach the crown yourself.
Does dental insurance cover crowns?
Many dental insurance plans partially cover dental crowns when they're considered medically necessary to repair a damaged tooth. Our team can provide information about the expected cost of your treatment and help you understand what your insurance plan may contribute. Because every policy is different, we recommend confirming your specific benefits with your insurance provider before treatment.
Give Damaged Teeth the Support They Need
When a tooth has been weakened by significant decay, damage, or previous dental treatment, leaving it unprotected can put the remaining tooth structure at greater risk. A dental crown can give that tooth the support it needs while restoring the comfortable function and natural appearance of your smile. At Dr. Anna Pavlotsky Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we work closely with patients throughout the Warwick, RI area to help them understand their restorative dental options and find the solution that's right for them. Schedule an appointment today to learn more about dental crowns and take the first step toward protecting your smile.