06
Mar
Questions You Should Ask Your Dentist about Dental Crowns
Nothing can ruin your day quicker than cracking or breaking a tooth. Fortunately, there are restorative dental treatments that can repair the damage and restore your tooth’s usefulness. One of these is porcelain dental crowns. You may have questions about this procedure if you’ve never had a dental crown. Drs. Susan Mazzei, Kelsey Esposito, and Ashley Nguyen from West Suburban Oral Health Care in Naperville, Illinois, provide the answers you need to make wise decisions about dental crown treatment.
What is a dental crown?
Crowns are tooth-shaped porcelain caps that fit over a damaged tooth to support its weakened structure. These coverings help repair compromised teeth to restore their health, function, and esthetics.
What are crowns made of?
Dental crowns can be made of ceramic, metal, composite resin, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Factors like the location of your tooth, its primary function, the severity of damage, and esthetics come into play when choosing the type of crown you need.
When is dental crown treatment needed?
Crowns serve various purposes in restorative dentistry. They protect weak or worn teeth to keep them from crumbling. They repair damaged and severely decayed teeth to restore their usefulness. They fortify vulnerable teeth after a root canal, support dental bridges, and even replace missing teeth in implant treatment. Cosmetic crowns can be used to conceal tooth flaws or improve a tooth’s shape or size to make your smile more symmetrical and even.
How are crowns placed?
A dental crown procedure generally takes two dental visits and several weeks to complete. During your initial visit, your dentist will examine your tooth, assess the damage, and determine if a crown is the best treatment for you. If so, we’ll clean and prepare your tooth for crown treatment. This entails shaving off a thin enamel layer and reshaping your tooth to accommodate the crown. Then, impressions are made of your tooth and sent to a lab where crowns are fabricated. A temporary crown may be fitted while your permanent crown is being made. When your permanent crown is ready, we’ll remove the temporary crown and cement the permanent one in place to complete your treatment.
How long do crowns last?
If cared for properly, porcelain crowns can last up to 15 years. You can extend this lifespan by avoiding chewing on ice or hard foods, limiting sugary foods and drinks, and not using your teeth like tools.
How do you care for a dental crown?
You care for crowns by taking good care of your teeth, i.e., brushing twice daily, flossing, eating a healthy diet, and getting routine dental cleanings. Although dental crowns can’t get cavities, the tooth under your crown can suffer decay, so good oral hygiene is a must to get the most from this treatment.
Where can I go for dental crown treatment?
If you live in Naperville, IL, or surrounding communities, you can come to West Suburban Oral Health Care for dental crown treatment. To schedule an appointment, contact our team at 630-393-3045.
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Dr. Susan Mazzei is a skilled dentist specializing in prosthodontics. A
graduate of Northwestern
University Dental School, she completed a Certification in Prosthodontics before joining
the
faculty of Northwestern University Dental School as a Clinical Assistant Professor, where she
served for 12 years and became Assistant Professor Emeritus. Dr. Mazzei believes that excellent
oral health begins with education and prevention and is committed to continuing her education.
She is a Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach, a Charter Fellow in the American Academy of
Oral Systemic Health (AAOSH), and has completed the Bale and Doneen Method Preceptorship
Program.
Connect with Dr. Susan Mazzei on Linkedin
Dr. Kelsey Esposito worked in healthcare advertising and communications before
realizing that
her passions were dentistry and patient care. She holds a BA in Economics and Fine Art from
Kalamazoo
College, a Premedicine Post-Baccalaureate Certificate from Northwestern University,
and a Doctor of Dental Medicine from The University of Illinois in Chicago. She is a member
of
the American Dental Association (ADA), Chicago Dental Society (CDS), Illinois Dental Society
(IDS), Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and AAOSH.
Dr. Marco Fajardo is a graduate of Northwestern University Dental School, where
he also served
as a part-time Assistant Clinical Instructor. He was a member of the University Dental
Associates of the University of Chicago too. In 1994, he formed the basis of West
Suburban Oral
Healthcare with Dr. Mazzei. He is now its Team Leader.
Dr. Ashley Nguyen studied at the University of Buffalo and Midwestern University in Downers
Grove, IL (dental school). She is a member of the ADA, CDS, IDS, and other local organizations.
She continues her education by attending dental conferences and seminars.