Dental Crowns & Bridges in Margate

Dental crowns are a type of restorative dental prosthesis that are intended to cover up and protect your natural enamel if it has been damaged by tooth decay, an oral injury, or other dental issues. Crowns are made of porcelain and they are crafted to look just like a natural tooth. When the crown is bonded into place, it covers your entire tooth, all the way down to the gum line, to protect it from further damage.

Dental crowns are the best way to restore and save a tooth that has been damaged. For that reason, they are commonly recommended if you have a cavity that is too large to be treated with a filling or to restore teeth that have been cracked, chipped or damaged by an oral injury.
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Dental crowns can also be used to replace large, failing dental fillings, and to restore and protect teeth that have been treated with root canal therapy. In some cases, dental crowns are used for cosmetic purposes to cover up a small, misshapen or severely-stained teeth.

The process of having a dental crown built and placed usually requires two visits to our office over a period of about 2-3 weeks. During your first visit, your tooth will be prepared for your dental crown. First, Dr. Jean will numb your mouth and clean your teeth. Once the treatment area is numb, Dr. Jean will remove any damaged enamel from your tooth. Then, he will trim it to make room for your crown and take dental impressions of your teeth.
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Your impressions will be sent to a dental lab where your crown will be made. This usually takes about 2-3 weeks, so Dr. Jean will send you home with a temporary crown to protect your tooth in the meantime. Once your crown arrives at our office, you will come back for your second appointment.
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During your second appointment, Dr. Jean will check the fit of your crown and ensure it’s perfect, making minor adjustments if necessary. Then, your crown will be bonded into place permanently using dental cement, and Dr. Jean will buff and polish it so that it matches the surrounding teeth.

This ultimately depends on many factors, such as:
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- The material of the crown
- The placement of the crown
- The health of the tooth and gums
- Oral hygiene
- Wear and tear
- Lifestyle habits

There are various materials that dental crowns can be made out of, such as zirconia, porcelain, gold alloy, stainless steel, or a combination of materials. Metal and zirconia materials are the most durable and long-lasting, while porcelain, ceramic, and resin are more prone to chipping, cracking, and becoming worn down.
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When choosing the material, you should consider the location of the tooth. While porcelain and ceramic are weaker materials, they have better aesthetics and can match the natural shade of your teeth. 
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You can also get porcelain fused to metal for a combination of superior aesthetics and durability. For the rear molars which withstand a lot of pressure, we recommend using metal or zirconia crowns that can withstand much more force, especially if you grind or clench your teeth. With proper care and the right materials, your dental crowns can last for 15 years and many patients experience durability that lasts for decades.
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Other tips to extend the lifespan of your dental crowns include:
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- Wearing a mouthguard if you grind your teeth
- Avoiding using the teeth as tools
- Avoiding chewing on hard foods or ice
- Abstaining from smoking and staining foods & drinks

No, the placement of a dental crown is completely painless. We administer a local anesthetic before preparing your tooth so your mouth will be completely numb while we remove a small amount of tooth enamel to fit the crown over top. 
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If you have low pain tolerance or dental anxiety, we may also use additional dental sedation if desired. Your mouth will remain numb for several hours after the procedure, after which your tooth and gums may feel a little sore or tender. 
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This is normal and is from the enameloplasty that is performed before we place the dental crown. Any pain or discomfort should be mild and only last about a day. This can be relieved with anti-inflammatory pain medication and a cold compress to reduce swelling.

There are a few alternatives to dental crowns depending on your reason for needing one. For teeth that are missing structure, a dental filling may be used instead of a dental crown in the meantime. This will rebuild the structure of the tooth so you can use it to chew and speak, but eventually, it’s best to protect vulnerable teeth with something sturdier.

Another alternative is a porcelain onlay which is like a partial dental crown that leaves the structure of your tooth intact and does not require the removal of any enamel. However, very few dentists are trained in the placement of porcelain onlays.
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To cover up dental imperfections such as chips, cracks, or discoloration, veneers can be placed over the front-facing surface of the teeth. Veneers also strengthen the teeth when they are bonded together with your natural teeth. However, veneers are made out of porcelain or composite resin which are not as durable as dental crowns and not recommended for molars.
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A provisional crown is a temporary crown that offers durability, strength, and restores the function and appearance of your tooth for a few weeks to a few months until you can get a permanent one. Other than these options, the only other alternative may be to get an extraction. Keep in mind that you will need to replace the missing tooth to prevent bone loss and shifting teeth.