Dental Crowns in Avalon Park, Orlando
If you have a damaged or decayed tooth, Dr. Mark Ashy of Elite Dentistry is here to help. At our office, we specialize in restorative dentistry and cosmetic care. We can restore both your natural smile and your bite, and protect your mouth from further complications. If you have a broken or damaged tooth, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
WHY WOULD I NEED A CROWN?
Crowns are commonly used to restore teeth that have been affected by large cavities and to replace old, large, worn-out fillings. They may also be used to restore your tooth after it has been treated with root canal therapy or to restore a tooth that has been damaged by dental trauma.
Crowns can also be used for cosmetic purposes. If you have a tooth that needs to be restored but can’t be treated with an alternative procedure like bonding or veneers, a crown may be the best option.
TYPES OF DENTAL CROWNS
Ceramic dental crowns are made out of a solid block of porcelain and are usually used to restore front teeth since this material looks and feels just like a natural tooth. They can be made in a dental lab, or in-office using specialized CEREC equipment.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are made in dental labs. They are made of a porcelain tooth that’s fused to a metal base, which makes the crown more durable. This type of crown is ideal for molars and premolars.
Gold crowns were more common in the past, but are not used as widely today. They are very durable, strong and flexible, and will never fracture due to the pliable nature of gold alloys. Gold crowns also do not irritate gum tissue.
Finally, resin crowns that are made of a special type of plastic are often used as temporary crowns to protect your tooth while a permanent crown is made. They are not very durable, but are very affordable, which makes them ideal for temporary use.
CROWN PLACEMENT PROCESS
First, Dr. Ashy will clean and numb the treatment area. Then, he will begin removing damaged and decayed enamel with specialized dental tools and he will shape the remaining tooth structure into a strong, stable platform.
Next, he will take images and impressions of your teeth. These will be sent to a lab where your crown will be built. Dr. Ashy will place a temporary crown to protect your tooth, and send you home.
In about 2-3 weeks, your permanent crown will arrive at our office, and you’ll come in for your final appointment. Dr. Ashy will check the crown to ensure it fits properly and looks natural, then he will permanently bond it into place.
AFTERCARE FOR A DENTAL CROWN
The area around your crown may be a bit tender for a day or two, but this discomfort should go away quickly. To care for your new crown, simply treat it like a natural tooth. Brush and floss regularly, and see Dr. Ashy for a teeth cleaning and oral exam every six months. Beyond this, there are no special care requirements for a tooth that has been treated with a crown.
DOES IT HURT TO GET A DENTAL CROWN?
Not at all! The dental crown treatment process is minimally-invasive. Dr. Ashy will simply need to remove some of your enamel to prepare your tooth for the crown. Before this process begins, he will clean and numb your mouth to ensure that you don’t feel any discomfort at all.
We also offer nitrous oxide sedation at your office, which can help you feel more comfortable and avoid any feelings of anxiety during your procedure. Just ask us about sedation when you schedule your appointment, and you can learn more about our sedation dentistry options at Elite Dentistry.
You won’t experience any pain after your initial tooth preparation appointment, either. It may feel a little bit tender and sensitive, which is why you’ll get a temporary plastic crown that will cover up and protect your tooth. But beyond that, you can continue to eat, brush, and floss normally.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO GET A CROWN?
Once you’ve been approved for a dental crown, the entire process will take 2 appointments over a period of several weeks.
Your first appointment is when your tooth will be prepared for your dental crown. Dr. Ashy will need to clean your teeth, numb your mouth, then trim your tooth and take impressions to send to our dental lab. Then, he’ll place a temporary crown over your tooth. This will usually take between 60-90 minutes.
Your second appointment will be even shorter. You’ll come back to our office once your permanent porcelain crown arrives. Dr. Ashy will remove your temporary crown, clean your tooth, then bond your permanent crown in place with dental cement. This entire process usually takes about 20-30 minutes in the dentists’ chair.
WHAT IS AN ALTERNATIVE TO CROWNS?
If you have a small or medium-sized cavity, a dental filling may be a good alternative to crowns. Dental fillings are less expensive and require the removal of less tooth material, so Dr. Ashy will usually recommend a filling unless your cavity is too large for treatment with a dental filling.
In addition, you may have alternatives to a crown if you have a small chip in your tooth. Crowns are usually only required if the tooth has been significantly damaged. If the chip only affects the outer layer of your tooth, a veneer or dental bonding may be used to repair it.
However, if you have a seriously-damaged tooth or a very large cavity, there is no alternative to a dental crown. Dental crowns are the best way to cover up and repair damaged teeth. They can even be used alongside root canal therapy to treat infected teeth.
The best way to find out if a dental crown is right for your situation is to see Dr. Mark Ashy at Elite Dentistry. We practice conservative dentistry in Orlando, and our team will never recommend a dental treatment unless we truly believe that it’s the best choice for you. Contact us online to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ashy today.
Testimonials
Elite Dentistry
"Great service and extremely professional. Highly recommend!"
"The staff was very professional and they did a very good job cleaning my teeth. I have been going here for 2 years, and am extremely happy with the quality of their work."
"Highly recommend this office. We always have a great experience with Dr Ashy’s team. I really appreciate his commitment to his patients, he has always been very reliable. "
"My whole family goes here, and we love the staff and the office hours are great!"
"Wonderful appointment! I appreciate the quick service and I felt that it was a personalized experience. I will continue going to this practice!"
"Marvelous, simply marvelous. Great staff and Dr. Ashy really does a wonderful job."
"Super Professional and very caring.. Would recommend to everyone!!!!"