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Friendly, knowledgeable, and caring staff. They made me feel at ease as a new patient. I'm glad I found a very good dentist office.

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Great dental services! Everyone in the practice is friendly and professional and attentive to the patients needs and concerns.

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Cares about patients. The staff is very helpful and accommodating. Scheduling was easy. The practice is outstanding and deserves 10 stars!

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Made me comfortable knowing I had a lot of anxiety Everything was explained really thoroughly which made me feel even more at ease

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Dentist and dental tech are very kind and professional. Work is done gently . Great experience.

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Staff is wonderful, Alex does a great job cleaning my teeth 😁 I'm not one that enjoys the dentist but Riverdale makes me feel at ease. Thank you!!

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First visit. Everyone was so nice and made me comfortable knowing I had a lot of anxiety Everything was explained really thoroughly which made me feel even more at ease.

5/5

Excellent customer service. Extremely kind, courteous and caring about their patients. They do an awesome job communicating the treatment and patient out of pocket cost for a procedure.

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Great dentist. Thorough, explained everything, reasonable pricing, warm and friendly staff. So happy I found you.

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Dental Crown

If you have a damaged tooth, cracked tooth, or severely worn or weakened natural tooth, dental crowns may be the ideal solution to restore strength, function, and appearance. At Riverdale Dental, we design custom dental crowns to protect and rebuild compromised teeth using durable materials such as porcelain crowns, ceramic crowns, and porcelain fused to metal options.

Whether you need a permanent crown after a root canal, a crown for a dental implant, or restoration for a large cavity or broken tooth, our team ensures a precise crown placement that blends naturally with surrounding teeth and restores comfortable chewing and biting forces.

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are fixed “caps” that cover your teeth to restore strength and beauty. We generally recommend crowns when a tooth is too damaged or decayed to be treated with bonding or composite fillings. Similarly, we can use a dental crown to preserve a tooth after root canal therapy or to restore a permanent dental implant. We’ll take impressions of your tooth, which are used by a specialized dental lab technician to design your new restoration. Then, we’ll be sure your new dental crown fits securely over your tooth and the color blends in with your surrounding teeth. The advantages of dental crowns include:

  • Improve tooth size, shape, and color
  • Fix a cracked or chipped tooth
  • Repair tooth after severe decay
  • Preserve tooth after a root canal
  • Restore a dental implant

What Can Metal Crowns or Porcelain Crowns Address?

Dental crowns are commonly used to restore teeth that have been severely worn, broken, or affected by decay or gum disease. If a filling material is not sufficient to support the tooth, a crown provides full-coverage protection.

Crowns are often used for:

  • Large cavities or large fillings that weaken the tooth
  • Broken or cracked tooth structures
  • Teeth that have undergone root canal therapy
  • Severely worn teeth from grinding or chewing ice
  • Cosmetic improvement of discolored or misshapen teeth

Crowns also help protect neighboring teeth by maintaining proper bite alignment and preventing shifting. A crowned tooth helps distribute chewing forces evenly, reducing stress on opposing teeth and supporting long-term dental health.

Who is a Candidate for Dental Crowns?

Most patients with a weak, damaged, or treated tooth may be candidates for dental crowns. Ideal candidates include those with cracked teeth, worn enamel, or teeth that cannot be restored with a filling alone.

Crowns may also be recommended for patients with a dental implant or those needing a dental bridge. In some cases, patients with metal allergies may require all-porcelain or ceramic crowns as a more biocompatible option. Your dentist at Riverdale Dental will evaluate your condition with X-rays and a comprehensive exam to determine the best type of crown for your needs.

What is the Dental Crowns Process Like?

The dental crown procedure typically takes two visits to the dentist’s office. During the first visit, the tooth is prepared by reshaping it so the crown fits securely. This may involve removing decay or old filling material. Impressions are then taken and sent to a dental lab, where your new crown is custom-made. A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while your final crown is being created, usually within two to three weeks.

At the second visit, the temporary crown is removed, and the final crown is carefully fitted. Your dentist will check that the crown fits properly, ensure it does not interfere with biting and chewing, and make any necessary adjustments before permanently cementing it into place.

Recovery from Dental Crowns

Most patients experience minimal discomfort after crown placement. Mild sensitivity is normal as the tooth adjusts. You may be advised to avoid sticky foods, hard foods, or chewy foods for a short period.

Good oral hygiene is essential to protect your crowned tooth. Brushing, flossing, and using antibacterial mouthwash can help maintain gum health and prevent decay around the crown line. If a loose crown, chipped crown, or crown that feels loose occurs, patients should call their dentist right away for evaluation.

How Much Do Dental Crowns Cost?

Most patients experience minimal discomfort after crown placement. Mild sensitivity is normal as the tooth adjusts. You may be advised to avoid sticky foods, hard foods, or chewy foods for a short period.

Good oral hygiene is essential to protect your crowned tooth. Brushing, flossing, and using antibacterial mouthwash can help maintain gum health and prevent decay around the crown line. If a loose crown, chipped crown, or crown that feels loose occurs, patients should call their dentist right away for evaluation.

Dental Crown FAQs

Can crowns last 30 years?

Dental crowns have the potential to last for 30 years or more, though this largely depends on several key factors, including the quality of the crown material and your oral hygiene practices. Crowns made from high-quality materials, like porcelain or metal alloys, typically offer enhanced durability. Regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups can also significantly prolong the lifespan of a dental crown.

Can food get trapped under a crown?

Yes, food can occasionally get trapped under a dental crown. Crowns are designed to fit snugly over the tooth, but over time, factors such as natural tooth movement, gum recession, or poor fitting can create small gaps that allow food particles to get lodged. When food gets trapped, it can lead to discomfort, decay, or gum problems if not addressed properly. Its important to maintain regular dental hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing around the crown, to minimize the risk.

Can front teeth be crowned?

Yes, front teeth can be crowned, and it is a common dental procedure in restorative dentistry. Crowning front teeth involves placing a cap or cover over a damaged or aesthetically unappealing tooth, which improves its appearance and functionality. This procedure is particularly useful for teeth that are cracked, chipped, discolored, or weakened due to decay. Porcelain and ceramic crowns are popular choices for front teeth because they closely mimic the natural look and translucence of teeth.

Can I floss around my crown?

Yes, you can floss around a dental crown, and it is important to maintain good oral hygiene practices to keep your crown in optimal condition. Flossing helps prevent plaque buildup and gum disease, which can affect both the crown and the surrounding natural teeth. When flossing around a crown, its essential to do so gently to avoid dislodging it. Instead of forcing the floss up and down, slide it out gently after cleaning each side of the crown.

Can you eat normally with a crown?

Yes, you can generally eat normally with a dental crown once it has been properly placed and has had time to settle. Initially, after the crown placement, it is advisable to avoid hard or sticky foods for a day as the adhesive sets, ensuring that the crown stays in place. Once the crown is secure, you can return to your regular diet.

How do I keep my crown white?

Start by brushing your teeth at least twice daily using a non-abrasive toothpaste, as abrasive formulas can scratch or dull the surface of the crown. Flossing daily helps to remove plaque or food particles between the teeth, preventing stains from accumulating on the edges of the crown. Youll also want to limit consumption of staining substances like coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco, as these can cause discoloration over time. When you do consume such items, consider rinsing your mouth with water afterward to minimize staining.

How long after a crown is cemented can I eat?

After a dental crown is cemented, it is generally recommended to wait at least one hour before eating to ensure the cement has adequately set. Eating too soon can affect the bond between the crown and the tooth, potentially compromising its stability. Its best to start with soft foods and avoid anything sticky or hard that might dislodge or damage the crown.

How often do crowns fall out?

While a well-fitted crown can last many years, various factors may contribute to a crown occasionally becoming loose or falling out. These factors can include tooth decay under the crown, trauma to the tooth, or the gradual wear and tear of the adhesive.

Is it painful to have a crown put on your tooth?

Having a dental crown placed on a tooth typically involves minimal discomfort. During the first step, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping it to fit the crown. This part of the process is usually done under local anesthesia, ensuring that the area is numb and pain-free. When you return for the placement of the permanent crown, your dentist will ensure it fits correctly and then cement it in place. This part of the procedure is generally quick and straightforward, with little to no discomfort.

What type of crown lasts the longest?

When considering the longevity of dental crowns, several materials are recognized for their durability and performance. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns have been a popular choice for decades due to their long-lasting nature and strength, often lasting between 10 and 15 years with proper care. However, advancements in dental materials have introduced all-ceramic and zirconia crowns, which are becoming increasingly favored for their excellent durability and aesthetic appeal.

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About Riverdale Dental

At Riverdale Dental, we provide high-quality restorative care designed to protect and restore your natural teeth. Our dental crowns are custom-made for strength, durability, and a natural appearance. Whether you need a same-day crown, a permanent crown, or restoration after a tooth implant, our team is here to help you regain a healthy, confident smile.

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If you have a cracked tooth, damaged tooth, or are experiencing discomfort, contact Riverdale Dental today. Our team will evaluate your needs and determine whether dental crowns are the right solution to protect and restore your smile.

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