A cracked tooth causes pain, and frankly, its lifespan is limited. What can you do to strengthen this damaged tooth? Your dentists in New 
York, Dr. Joseph Sachs and Dr. Robert Cruz, offer beautiful dental crowns that improve the aesthetics and durability of your injured tooth. Lasting many years, these reliable restorations from Dr. Joseph Sachs & Associates give new life to your smile.
The anatomy of a dental crown
A dental crown is shaped like a natural tooth and typically made of porcelain. It covers a damaged tooth from top to gum line, supporting the remaining healthy structure. Teeth which require crowns may be:
- Heavily restored with multiple fillings
- Cracked
- Infected
- Decayed
- Poorly shaped
Additionally, crowns anchor fixed bridgework (composed of one or more adjoining artificial teeth) and restore dental implants, replacement teeth placed directly into the patient's jawbone. Often, a crown finishes a tooth saved by root canal therapy.
How they're placed
To see if your tooth qualifies for restoration with a crown, your New York dentist examines your mouth and takes digital X-rays to determine if there's sufficient healthy structure left to support a crown. Once he prepares and shapes the tooth, he takes oral impressions and chooses a material best suited to your tooth and its location.
Then, Dr. Sachs or Dr. Cruz may do same day dentistry on the crown. That means a digital impression may be done. This is done with a digital scanner. If so then the crown can be inserted the same day. If the situation does not indicate that, a digital impression or standard impression may be taken. The doctor will then cover the tooth with a temporary restoration to protect it while the crown is made either in the office or at a trusted dental lab. The crafting process may take a week or two, after which you return to the office for placement.
The dentist removes the temporary restoration and using a permanent adhesive, bonds the new crown over the tooth. Crowns are constructed to fit perfectly within the space and to bite together well with the opposing arch of teeth. With some minor adjustments, the treatment is complete.
Caring for crowns
You must brush twice a day and floss daily to keep the area around your crown free of plaque and tartar. Also, continue your semi-annual cleanings and exams with your dentist. He'll check the crown for wear to ensure it's doing its job properly. Also, if you grind your teeth, ask your dentist about a protective mouth guard to extend the life of your crown and your other teeth as well.
Expect a beautiful smile
You can with a new dental crown from Joseph Sachs DDS & Associates in New York, NY. If you need work on a damaged tooth, call them today for an appointment: (212) 929-7718.