Dental Crowns at Westborough Dental Associates
Dental crown treatments are one of the most common general dentistry procedures in our Westborough dentist office. We can provide dental crowns to address a wide range of dental problems, both cosmetic and restorative in nature. Dental crowns can consist of many materials, but we use a high-quality ceramic. We can color-match the porcelain ceramic to the rest of your teeth for a natural look.
Dental crowns cover the affected tooth like a cap. Dentists place them over a tooth after they prepare and clean the tooth. They will remove adequate tooth structure to allow for a stable and comfortable fit. We may recommend a crown for the following reasons:
- Damaged tooth such as chips and cracked teeth
- Strengthen a tooth after a root canal
- Change the color or shape of a tooth
- Strengthen abutment teeth for a dental bridge
Dr. Patel also places porcelain crowns for the most durable, natural-looking result. He will fuse the crown to metal (PFM) for a stable and strong result that dentists consider the “gold standard” of dental crowns. A gold crown can offer the same benefits. We will evaluate your needs and educate you on the pros and cons of different crowns.
Our Dental Crowns Procedure
The placement of a dental crown will require 2 visits to complete. First, we will conduct a dental exam to see which type of crown you need. Once you choose your crown, we will prepare the tooth by removing any damage or decay. Dr. Patel will also reduce the tooth for the placement of the restoration. Next, we will place a temporary crown while a dental lab fabricates your custom crown. You should receive your final permanent crown in about two weeks.
Once we receive the new tooth crown, our dentist will place it on the tooth and make adjustments for comfort and function. We will permanently secure it in place and polish the surface for a smooth texture.
Same Day Dental Crowns in Westborough
Dr. Patel has the ability to design and place a high-quality ceramic dental crown during s single visit with CEREC. This unique CAD/CAM technology uses digital impressions and special software to customize and mill a dental crown in our office. CEREC offers many benefits for patients including:
- One stop dental crowns. No need for a return visit to place a final restoration! We create each crown in our office while you wait.
- Quick replacement for lost crowns. If you have a damaged crown or have lost a crown, we can replace your crown in one visit.
- Customized to your smile. CEREC enables our team to customize and color-match your new crown to match your natural teeth. We can make adjustments before placing the crown for the most comfortable result.
Inlays & Onlays: Partial Crowns
The dentist may recommend an inlay or an onlay instead of a dental crown. This is typically for teeth that have severe decay on a larger tooth, typically the molars. Also called a partial crown, we prepare this type of restoration in the same way as a standard crown. It will take 2 visits to complete. Our dental care team places inlays and onlays using porcelain for the most natural look and best strength.
Dental Crown FAQs
Is the dental crown procedure painful?
The dental crown procedure is no more painful than a dental filling. It’s a quick and simple procedure. We keep our patients completely comfortable during the process using a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. You should return to your dentist once every six months for a checkup to make sure that there are no problems with your crown and teeth.
Will my dental insurance cover my dental crown?
In most cases, dental insurance covers at least a portion of the cost of a dental crown. We will provide your estimated portion of the cost after reviewing your specific benefits.
Do you repair broken dental crowns?
Dr. Patel will work with you to either repair or replace a broken dental crown. If your crown falls out, contact our Westborough dental office as soon as possible for guidance on how to proceed.