Everything You Need to Know About Dental Crowns at Santo Dental Group

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Dental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, and when it comes to protecting and restoring damaged teeth, dental crowns are one of the most effective solutions available. Whether you're dealing with tooth decay, cracks, or other forms of damage, dental crowns can help restore both the function and appearance of your teeth. At Santo Dental Group, a leading Red Bank, NJ dental office, we offer a range of dental crown options to meet the unique needs of our patients. If you're considering dental crowns in Red Bank, here's everything you need to know.

What Are Dental Crowns?

A dental crown is a cap placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are an excellent option for patients who have experienced significant tooth damage due to decay, injury, cracks or other issues. At Santo Dental Group, our experienced dentists utilize the latest technique and materials to create dental crowns that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, providing both protection and aesthetic enhancement.

Types of Dental Crowns Available at Santo Dental Group

Understanding the different types of dental crowns can help you make an informed decision about your dental care. Here are the most common types of dental crowns.

1. Full Zirconia Crowns: Zirconia is a white solid ceramic material that combines the tooth like appearance of porcelain with the strength and durability comparable to metal. Zirconia is thinner than the traditional ceramic fused to metal crowns, requiring less of your tooth to be removed. Zirconia is also a very biocompatible material so no worry for your crown causing any adverse reactions. Zirconia’s natural toothlike appearance makes for effortless, aesthetically pleasing restorations and blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
2. All-Porcelain Crowns (E-Max): Made entirely of porcelain, these crowns offer the most natural appearance, making them ideal for front teeth. They are slightly translucent mimicking the natural appearance of teeth. All-porcelain crowns are metal-free, making them an excellent option for patients with metal allergies. These crowns eliminate the unsightly metal showing through at the gum line like crown in the past. They are also highly resistant to staining and provide a strong, long-lasting solution.
3. Metal Crowns: Metal crowns are made from metals like gold, platinum, or base metal alloys. They are incredibly durable and resistant to wear, making them a great option for molars and teeth that endure heavy chewing. However, their metallic appearance makes them less popular for visible teeth.
4. Layered Porcelain to Zirconia Crowns: For situations that require the strength of zirconia and the esthetics of porcelain.

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Why You Might Need a Dental Crown

Dental crowns serve multiple purposes, making them a versatile solution for various dental issues. Some of the most common reasons our patients at Santo Dental Group, might need a dental crown include:

• Protecting a weak or cracked tooth: Crowns can prevent further damage and provide structural support.
• Restoring a broken or severely worn-down tooth: A crown can restore the tooth's function and appearance.
• Covering and supporting a tooth with a large filling: When there isn't enough tooth structure left, a crown can hold the filling in place.
• Covering a dental implant: Crowns are used to restore the appearance and function of a dental implant.
• Holding a dental bridge in place: Crowns on adjacent teeth can anchor a dental bridge.
• Covering a tooth after a root canal: A crown can protect the tooth after the root canal procedure.

The Dental Crown Procedure at Santo Dental Group

Getting a dental crown typically requires two visits. During your first visit, your dentist will prepare the damaged tooth by removing a portion of the outer layer. This step ensures that the crown will fit properly and stay in place.  Next, a scanned digital impression of the tooth is taken using digital scanning, which is then sent to a dental lab where your custom crown is created. A temporary crown is placed to protect your tooth until the permanent one is ready.

On your second visit, the temporary crown is removed, and your new, custom-made crown is fitted, adjusted, and securely cemented into place. The result is a tooth that looks and functions just like your natural teeth.

Caring for Your Dental Crowns

Proper care is essential to ensure the longevity of your dental crowns. Here are some tips from our dentists at Santo Dental Group:

• Brush and floss daily: Regular oral hygiene helps prevent plaque buildup around the crown. Remember your natural tooth is still under your new crown and can be susceptible to decay.
• Avoid sticky or hard foods: These can damage or dislodge your crown.
• Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth: This protects your crown and natural teeth from excessive wear.
• Schedule regular dental checkups: Routine visits to Santo Dental Group help ensure that your crowns and the surrounding teeth remain healthy.

Schedule Your Consultation at Santo Dental Group

If you're in need of a dental crown or are considering your options, the team at Santo Dental Group in Red Bank, NJ, is here to help. Our experienced dentists will guide you through the process and help you choose the best type of crown for your needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile. Remember, whether you're looking for a dentist in Red Bank, NJ, or seeking specific treatments like dental crowns in Red Bank, Santo Dental Group is your trusted partner in dental care.

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