Dental crowns in Saratoga Springs

A filling works well for small repairs. When too much of a tooth is missing or weak, a filling may not have enough tooth to hold on to. That is often when your dentist will talk with you about a crown. A crown may help if you have:

• A cracked tooth, or one missing a big chunk
• A large filling that is wearing out or breaking down
• A back tooth treated with a root canal
• A tooth that is badly worn from grinding
• A tooth that looks very different in shape or color from its neighbors
• A missing tooth that will be replaced with a bridge or an implant

First, your dentist examines the tooth, reviews x-rays and watches how your upper and lower teeth meet. If a larger filling or bonding would do the job, they will tell you. The goal is to keep as much of your own tooth as possible.

The temporary is only held on lightly. Favor your opposite side for meals and pass on caramel, taffy and gum for now. When you floss near it, slide the floss out to the side instead of pulling up. If the temporary comes off, call us and keep it in a safe place.

Once the final crown is on, some tenderness in the first days is common. Brush and floss around it like any other tooth. The edge where the crown meets your gum still needs daily cleaning, since decay can still start at that seam. Clenching or grinding while you sleep puts heavy force on a crown, and a night guard can cushion it.