Do you have a worn or broken tooth? Dental crowns can keep teeth healthy and strong. At North Dental Professionals, we provide high-quality dental crowns to our Skokie and Chicago, IL, patients. Dental crowns are custom-made caps that save damaged teeth and improve your smile. Dr. Chaiken and our North Dental Professionals team are here to help with all your restorative dentistry needs.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a custom-made “cap” that goes over a damaged or weakened tooth. A crown is designed to look and feel like a natural tooth, fitting securely on top of your existing tooth. Crowns can restore the shape, size, and strength of a tooth that has been broken, worn down, or treated with a large filling. They also improve the appearance of a tooth, making it look smooth and healthy again.
Types of Dental Crowns
Porcelain and ceramic crowns are popular choices for front teeth because we match them to your natural tooth color. These materials reflect light like real tooth enamel so they blend in with your other teeth. They provide both strength and excellent appearance for teeth that show when you smile.
Metal crowns use gold alloy or silver-colored metals. These types of crowns are best for the back teeth because they use harder materials. However, metal crowns are more noticeable.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal or PFM crowns provide the strength of metal and the natural look of porcelain. While these crowns are strong, the metal inside them can still show at the gum line.
When Do You Need a Dental Crown?
A crown is a great option for patients with damaged, infected, or worn teeth. You might need a dental crown for several reasons:
- Tooth Decay: If a tooth has a large cavity, a regular filling may not be strong enough to protect it. A dental crown covers the entire tooth, providing a strong shield that protects the remaining healthy structure. Crowns prevent the decay from spreading and restore the tooth’s function, allowing you to chew and speak comfortably. This is especially important for back teeth that handle most of the chewing pressure.
- Cracked or Broken Teeth: Damaged teeth can cause pain and make chewing difficult. A dental crown acts like a protective shell to hold the broken pieces together and keep the crack from getting worse. Crowns also restore the tooth’s strength, so you can bite and chew normally without worrying about further damage.
- Worn Down Teeth: Teeth can wear down over time due to grinding, clenching, or natural wear and tear. Crowns rebuild these flattened or worn teeth to their original shape and size. This not only improves your ability to chew properly but also restores the overall appearance of your smile, making it look healthier and more balanced.
- After Root Canal Treatment: A root canal can save a tooth but sometimes leaves it weaker than before. Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment are more prone to cracking or breaking. Placing a crown over the tooth adds strength and protection, ensuring that you can bite and chew safely without risking further damage.
- Cosmetic Improvements: Crowns are also a great option for improving the appearance of your teeth. They can completely transform stained, misshapen, or misaligned teeth. Each crown is custom-made to match the color, size, and shape of your natural teeth.
The Dental Crown Procedure in Chicago, IL
Getting a dental crown usually takes two visits to the dentist. At North Dental Professionals, we aim to make this process as smooth as possible. You can expect during each visit
Examination and Preparation
Dr. Chaiken will examine your tooth and take X-rays to check its roots and surrounding bone. If the tooth has extensive decay or there is a risk of infection, you may need a root canal before placing the crown.
He’ll file down the top and sides of the tooth to make space for the crown. If a large part of the tooth is missing, our dentist might use a filling material to build up the tooth and provide a strong foundation for the crown.
Impressions and Temporary Crown
After reshaping the tooth, our dentist will take an impression of the tooth and the surrounding teeth. We then send this to a dental lab to make the crown. This process can take a few weeks.
While you wait for your permanent crown, our dentist will place a temporary crown over the prepared tooth. The temporary crown protects the tooth and prevents sensitivity. We recommend that you avoid hard and crunchy foods while you wear your temporary to prevent damage.
Fitting the Permanent Crown
Once your final crown is ready, Dr. Chaiken will remove the temporary crown and check the fit and color of the permanent crown. Once everything looks good, he will cement the crown in place. He will make adjustments as needed so the crown fits perfectly and feels comfortable.
How To Care for Your Dental Crown
Getting a dental crown is a great way to protect and restore a damaged tooth. With proper care, your crown can last for many years. Here’s how to keep it in good condition:
Brush and Floss Every Day
Just like your natural teeth, your crown needs regular cleaning. Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss at least once a day to remove plaque and food particles around the crown and gumline. This helps prevent gum disease and keeps your mouth healthy.
Be Careful with Hard or Sticky Foods
While crowns are strong, they can still break. Don’t bite down on hard foods like ice, nuts, or hard candy. Sticky foods like caramel or gum can also pull on the crown. Try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth when you eat these foods.
Visit Our Dentist for Regular Checkups
Dr. Chaiken will check your crown during routine cleanings to make sure it’s still secure and in good shape. He can spot small problems before they turn into bigger ones. Professional cleanings also help keep the tooth underneath the crown healthy.
Protect Your Crown from Grinding or Clenching
If you grind or clench your teeth at night (a habit called bruxism), it can damage your crown over time. Ask our dentist about getting a custom nightguard. This soft mouthpiece protects both your crown and teeth while you sleep.
Watch for Warning Signs
Contact us if your crown feels loose, causes pain, or changes your bite. These could be signs that we need to adjust or replace the crown. Don’t try to fix your crown at home. Call us immediately for dental care.
Protect and Cover Your Teeth
Get custom dental crowns in Chicago, IL, and Skokie, IL. Call our Skokie office at 224-267-8083 or request an appointment in Skokie on our website. You can call 708-274-4192 or request an appointment in Chicago online. We’re proud to provide dental crown treatment in the Chicago loop.