What Are Dental Crowns?

What Are Dental Crowns?

What Are Dental Crowns?

What Are Dental Crowns?

The Role of Crowns in Restoring Damaged Teeth

Dental crowns are a versatile and reliable solution for a variety of dental concerns. They provide both functional and aesthetic benefits, making them one of the most common restorative treatments in dentistry. Dental crowns can restore your smile and strengthen a weakened tooth, fix a cosmetic imperfection, or treat a large cavity. At Friendly Dental, the best dentist in Aberdeen, NJ, we offer dental crowns that are tailored to your needs, ensuring both comfort and durability.

Understanding Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a custom-made “cap” that fits over a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Dentists design crowns to cover the visible part of the tooth, offering a durable and natural-looking solution. Dentists can make crowns from porcelain, metal, or a combination, based on your needs and preferences.

Dentists use crowns for several reasons, such as:

  • To Protect Weakened Teeth: A crown protects a weakened tooth from further damage or cracking due to decay or a large filling.
  • To Restore a Broken Tooth: Dentists can use crowns to restore a fractured or broken tooth.
  • To Improve Cosmetic Appearance: Dental crowns can enhance the appearance of a tooth that is misshapen, discolored, or otherwise unsightly.
  • To Support a Dental Bridge: Crowns are used as anchors for dental bridges, helping to replace missing teeth.
  • After Root Canal Treatment: A tooth that has undergone a root canal often becomes brittle, so a crown is placed to restore its function and prevent future damage.

At Friendly Dental, we provide the best care, ensuring each crown fits perfectly and meets your needs.

The Dental Crown Procedure

You typically complete the process of getting a dental crown in two visits to your dentist. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Initial Consultation and Preparation

During your first visit, the dentist will examine the tooth and take X-rays to check for underlying damage. IIf the tooth is damaged, the dentist may remove decay or reshape it to prepare for the crown.

Once the tooth is ready, the dentist will take an impression of the tooth and the surrounding area. The dentist will send the impression to a lab to custom-make the crown for your tooth.

2. Temporary Crown

The dentist will place a temporary crown on the tooth while making your permanent crown. The temporary crown stays in place until your custom crown is ready.

3. Placement of the Permanent Crown

When your permanent crown is ready, you’ll return to Friendly Dental for the final placement. The dentist will remove the temporary crown and check the fit of the permanent crown for comfort and proper alignment. Once everything fits, the dentist will cement the crown in place.

At Friendly Dental, our team ensures your crown fits seamlessly, restoring both function and your smile.

Types of Dental Crowns

Dentists use several types of materials to make dental crowns, each offering distinct advantages:

  • Porcelain Crowns: These crowns are highly aesthetic and blend well with natural teeth. Porcelain crowns are ideal for visible teeth, offering a natural appearance. They are durable but may not be as strong as metal crowns.
  • Metal Crowns: Made from materials like gold, these crowns are incredibly strong and durable. Metal crowns are durable but less aesthetic, making them ideal for molars.
  • Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns: This type of crown combines the strength of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain. The metal base provides strength, while the porcelain exterior gives the crown a natural appearance.
  • Zirconia Crowns: Zirconia is a newer, highly durable material that offers both strength and aesthetics. It’s a popular choice for crowns that need to withstand heavy chewing forces.

Your dentist will help you choose the material that best suits your needs, depending on factors like tooth location, aesthetic preferences, and budget.

Benefits of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns offer numerous benefits, including:

  • Enhanced Durability: Dentists design crowns to withstand normal wear and tear, making them a long-lasting solution for damaged teeth.
  • Restored Functionality: Crowns restore full function to your tooth, allowing you to chew, speak, and smile confidently again.
  • Improved Aesthetic Appeal: With modern materials like porcelain, crowns can blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, improving your smile’s overall appearance.
  • Protection for Weakened Teeth: Crowns provide protection against further damage, ensuring that your tooth remains intact and healthy.

Why Choose Friendly Dental, the Best Dentist in Aberdeen, NJ?

At Friendly Dental, we take pride in offering comprehensive care that meets your specific dental needs. Our team is dedicated to providing top-quality dental crowns customized to fit your unique smile. As the best dentist in Aberdeen, NJ, we use the latest technology and materials to ensure your dental crown is both functional and beautiful.

If you’re experiencing issues with a damaged or weakened tooth, contact us today to schedule a consultation. We’ll work with you to determine the best treatment plan and get your smile back on track.

Contact Us

Dental crowns are an excellent solution for protecting, restoring, and improving damaged teeth. Whether you need to restore a tooth after a root canal, improve its appearance, or prevent future damage, a crown can offer lasting benefits. At Friendly Dental, we commit to delivering exceptional care and providing the best dental crowns for our patients in Aberdeen, NJ.

Reach out today to find out how we can help you restore your smile and maintain optimal oral health.

What Are Dental Fillings?

What Are Dental Fillings?

What Are Dental Fillings?

What Are Dental Fillings?

Everything You Need to Know About Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are one of the most common restorative treatments in dentistry. They repair cavities, restore damaged teeth, and help maintain oral health. Whether you’re dealing with a minor cavity or a slightly chipped tooth, dental fillings provide a durable solution to protect your teeth from further decay. At Friendly Dental, we offer high-quality fillings to help you achieve a healthy smile. If you’re searching for the best dentist in Aberdeen, NJ, our team is here to provide expert care tailored to your needs.

Why Do You Need a Dental Filling?

Cavities, or tooth decay, occur when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that erode the tooth’s enamel. If left untreated, decay can worsen, leading to tooth pain, infection, or even tooth loss. Dental fillings are used to remove the decayed portion of the tooth and restore its structure. Fillings also prevent further damage by sealing off spaces where bacteria can enter.

Aside from cavities, dental fillings are also useful for repairing:

  • Chipped or cracked teeth

  • Worn-down teeth from grinding

  • Small fractures that weaken tooth integrity

Types of Dental Fillings

There are several types of dental fillings available, each with unique benefits. Your dentist will recommend the best option based on your specific needs.

1. Composite Resin Fillings

Composite fillings are made from a tooth-colored resin material that blends naturally with your teeth. They are ideal for small to mid-sized cavities and are often used for front teeth or visible areas of the mouth.

Pros:

  • Aesthetic appeal; matches the natural tooth color

  • Bonds directly to the tooth, providing additional support

  • Requires less removal of healthy tooth structure

Cons:

  • Less durable than metal fillings, especially for large cavities

  • Can wear down over time and may need replacement

2. Amalgam (Silver) Fillings

Amalgam fillings are made from a mixture of metals, including silver, mercury, tin, and copper. They have been used for decades due to their strength and durability.

Pros:

  • Extremely durable and long-lasting

  • Resistant to wear and tear

  • Cost-effective option

Cons:

  • Silver color makes them more noticeable

  • Requires more removal of the tooth structure

  • Some people may have concerns about mercury content

3. Ceramic (Porcelain) Fillings

Ceramic fillings, often made of porcelain, are highly aesthetic and resistant to staining. They are a popular choice for patients looking for a natural-looking and long-lasting solution.

Pros:

  • Matches natural teeth

  • Stain-resistant

  • Durable and long-lasting

Cons:

  • More expensive than composite and amalgam fillings

  • Requires multiple visits in some cases

4. Gold Fillings

Gold fillings are made from a gold alloy and are one of the most durable filling materials available.

Pros:

  • Extremely strong and long-lasting

  • Won’t corrode over time

  • Well-tolerated by gum tissues

Cons:

  • Expensive compared to other fillings

  • More noticeable due to gold color

  • Requires multiple visits

What to Expect During a Dental Filling Procedure

Getting a dental filling is a straightforward process that typically takes one visit to complete. Here’s what you can expect:

  1. Examination and Diagnosis – Your dentist will examine your teeth, possibly using X-rays to determine the extent of decay or damage.

  2. Numbing the Area – A local anesthetic is applied to numb the area around the affected tooth, ensuring a pain-free experience.

  3. Removing Decay – The dentist will remove the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth.

  4. Cleaning and Preparation – The cavity is cleaned to eliminate bacteria and debris before placing the filling.

  5. Filling Placement – The chosen filling material is applied and shaped to restore the tooth’s natural structure.

  6. Polishing and Adjustments – The filling is polished, and your bite is checked to ensure comfort and functionality.

Caring for Your Dental Fillings

Proper care and good oral hygiene can extend the life of your fillings and protect your overall oral health. Here are some tips:

  • Brush and Floss Daily – Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing regularly to prevent further decay.

  • Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods – Certain foods can damage fillings, so be cautious with hard candies, ice, and sticky snacks.

  • Regular Dental Checkups – Visit the best dentist in Aberdeen, NJ, for routine exams and professional cleanings to monitor your fillings and overall dental health.

  • Watch for Signs of Wear – If you notice sensitivity, pain, or a rough surface on your filling, contact your dentist for an evaluation.

Schedule Your Appointment at Friendly Dental

If you suspect you need a dental filling or have concerns about your oral health, Friendly Dental is here to help. Our skilled team provides top-quality care and personalized treatment to restore your smile. As the best dentist in Aberdeen, NJ, we are committed to ensuring your comfort and long-term dental health.

Schedule an appointment with us today and take the first step toward a healthier, stronger smile!