Dental Crowns in Charlestown, RI

Dental crowns have many purposes in dentistry—they can be affixed to dental implants to replace teeth, they can act as supports for dental bridges, and they protect a tooth after a root canal. The most common reason that patients need dental crowns, though, is to restore a tooth that has more decay than can be repaired with a dental filling alone.

A dental crown allows us to preserve your natural tooth by removing only the portion that is damaged or decayed and leaving the rest of the tooth structure intact. A crown covers over the healthy part of the tooth to restore function, strength, and appearance.

When you need a dental crown to restore a tooth that is decayed or damaged, the first step in the process is to take an impression, which allows us to make a model of your teeth and bite. With this model, we can create a crown that looks and functions just like your natural tooth.

Next, your tooth is prepared for your crown by removing all of the areas of decay. We use local anesthesia to ensure your comfort. Another impression is taken, which helps us fit your crown to the tooth once it’s prepared. 

A temporary crown is placed on your tooth and your crown design is sent to a dental laboratory where it is fabricated by a skilled technician. When your final restoration is ready, you’ll return to our office and it will be bonded to your tooth.

There are four main types of dental crowns. These include:

These crowns are highly realistic, making them ideal for teeth that are visible when you smile.

This type of crown is stronger and more durable than a ceramic crown, while still looking natural.

Gold alloys are regarded as the strongest material for a dental crown. This option is recommended for patients who grind their teeth at night.

This material is resistant to corrosion and strong. It’s commonly used when there is not enough tooth structure to support other types of restorations.

The lifespan of your dental crown depends on its location in your mouth, your oral habits, and the material chosen, but the average crown will last between five and 15 years. It’s not uncommon for them to last much longer with good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.

No, it’s not painful to get a dental crown. Your tooth and the area surrounding it will be numbed with local anesthesia.

Yes, dental crowns are certainly worth it. If the alternative is to extract your tooth, dental crowns are the best option because keeping your natural tooth results in better oral health and preserves your jawbone.

Yes, ceramic and porcelain fused to metal crowns will blend in naturally with the rest of your smile.

If you don’t care about aesthetics or you grind your teeth, a gold or base metal alloy crown is best. Otherwise, most patients choose porcelain fused to metal because they are stronger than ceramic, yet still aesthetic.

Call 401-364-6300 to schedule your appointment.