Routine Care

Dental Crowns in Long Island City

At Hunters Point Dentistry in Long Island City, dental crowns stand as a testament to modern dentistry’s ability to restore and enhance smiles. Led by the skilled and compassionate Dr. Elena Cho, this clinic excels in providing dental crown solutions tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Dental crowns, often regarded as a cornerstone in restorative dentistry, are meticulously crafted here to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, both in function and appearance. Dr. Cho’s expertise in this field ensures that every crown is not just a dental restoration, but a work of art, enhancing the oral health and confidence of her patients in Long Island City.

Treatment Overview

Treatment Duration

30 to 40 min

No.of Visits

2 to 3 visits​

Clinic Stay

Not required

Effects

Sensitivity

Cost (approx.)

$$

Normal diet

Avoid sticky and hard food for temporary crown

Benefits

Dental crowns offer several benefits, making them a popular choice for dental restoration and cosmetic improvements:

  1. Protection for Damaged Teeth: Crowns provide a sturdy cover for teeth that are cracked, decayed, or otherwise damaged, safeguarding them from further deterioration.

  2. Restoration of Tooth Function: By encasing the damaged tooth, a crown restores its strength and functionality, enabling normal chewing and biting without discomfort.

  3. Aesthetic Improvement: Dental crowns are crafted to match the natural color and shape of your teeth, improving the appearance of discolored, misshapen, or otherwise aesthetically displeasing teeth.

  4. Durability: Made from robust materials like porcelain, ceramic, or metal alloys, crowns are long-lasting and can endure the wear and tear of daily use.

  5. Support for Dental Bridges: Crowns can anchor dental bridges securely in place, replacing missing teeth and restoring dental function.

  6. Covers Dental Implants: Crowns are often the final step in a dental implant procedure, covering the implant for a natural look and feel.

  7. Customizable: They can be customized in size, shape, and color to seamlessly blend with your natural teeth, enhancing your smile’s appearance.

  8. Protection After Root Canal: Following a root canal, a tooth is typically weaker and more prone to breakage. A crown helps protect and strengthen the tooth.

By addressing both functional and cosmetic issues, dental crowns play a crucial role in maintaining oral health and enhancing the overall aesthetics of your smile.

Procedure

The procedure for getting a dental crown typically involves several steps and may require a couple of visits to the dentist:

  1. Initial Examination: The dentist examines the tooth needing the crown and may take X-rays to assess the roots of the tooth and surrounding bone. If the tooth is severely decayed or there’s a risk of infection or injury to the tooth’s pulp, a root canal treatment may be necessary first.

  2. Preparing the Tooth: The tooth receiving the crown needs preparation. This involves reshaping the tooth along its top and sides to make room for the crown. The amount removed depends on the type of crown used. If the tooth is severely damaged or broken, the dentist may use a filling material to “build up” the tooth to support the crown.

  3. Impressions: After reshaping the tooth, the dentist makes an impression of the tooth that will receive the crown. Impressions of the teeth above or below the tooth to receive the dental crown may also be made to ensure the crown will not affect your bite. These impressions can be made using a putty-like material or digitally with advanced scanning technology.

  4. Temporary Crown: If the crown is being made in a lab, the dentist will place a temporary crown to protect the tooth while the permanent crown is being made. The temporary crown is usually made of acrylic and is held in place using temporary cement.

  5. Creating the Crown: The impressions are sent to a dental lab where the crown will be manufactured. It can take a couple of weeks for the dental crown to be ready. The crown can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramics, metal alloys, or a combination of these materials.

  6. Permanent Crown Placement: Once the crown is ready, you’ll have your second visit. The dentist removes the temporary crown and checks the fit and color of the permanent crown. If everything is acceptable, a local anesthetic is used to numb the tooth, and the new crown is permanently cemented in place.

  7. Follow-Up: Some dentists may schedule a follow-up visit to ensure the crown is fitting well and you’re comfortable with it.

Throughout the process, comfort and precision are key considerations, ensuring the crown not only fits well and is functional but also aesthetically pleasing.

instructions

Placing a dental crown is a precise procedure that should be carried out by a qualified dentist. Here’s a general overview of the instructions a dentist might follow:

  1. Preparation of the Tooth:

    • Administer a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding gum tissue.
    • Reshape the tooth by filing down the enamel to make room for the crown. The amount removed depends on the type of crown being used.
    • If there is significant tooth decay or risk of infection, perform any necessary treatments, such as a root canal.

  2. Taking Impressions:

    • Make an impression of the reshaped tooth and surrounding teeth. This can be done with a dental putty or digitally.
    • Send the impressions to a dental lab where the crown will be made.

  3. Placement of a Temporary Crown:

    • While the permanent crown is being made, place a temporary crown to protect the tooth.

  4. Receiving the Permanent Crown:

    • Once the permanent crown is ready, remove the temporary crown.
    • Clean the tooth to prepare for the new crown.

  5. Fitting the Permanent Crown:

    • Check the fit, color, and bite of the new crown. Adjust as necessary for a perfect fit.
    • Once the fit is confirmed, numb the tooth again if needed.

  6. Cementing the Crown:

    • Apply dental cement to the inside of the crown.
    • Place the crown over the tooth, ensuring it fits snugly and aligns correctly with adjacent teeth.
    • Ask the patient to bite down to ensure the crown is set in the right position.

  7. Final Adjustments and Polishing:

    • Once the cement has hardened, make any necessary adjustments to the bite.
    • Polish the crown for a smooth finish.

  8. Post-Procedure Care Instructions:

    • Provide the patient with instructions for caring for their new crown, such as avoiding hard or sticky foods initially and maintaining good oral hygiene.

It’s important to note that these steps can vary slightly depending on the specific situation and the type of crown being used. Regular follow-up appointments are also recommended to ensure the health and longevity of the crown.

Cost of Dental Crown in Long Island City

The cost of dental crowns in Long Island City can vary widely, largely depending on the material used for the crown and the specific needs of the patient. The average cost range is typically between $800-2200. It’s important to note that these costs can be influenced by several factors, including the dental practice, the complexity of the procedure, the type of crown material (such as porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination), and whether a root canal or other preparatory work is required.

Dr. Elena Cho's recommendation

As the lead dentist at Hunters Point Dentistry, I, Dr. Elena Cho, highly recommend dental crowns for patients seeking to restore or enhance their dental health. Crowns are not just a solution for damaged or decayed teeth; they are a cornerstone of dental restoration that can dramatically improve both the functionality and aesthetics of your smile. Tailored to each patient, crowns provide strength, durability, and a natural appearance. Whether you’re looking to protect a weak tooth after a root canal, cover a dental implant, or simply wish for a more uniform smile, dental crowns are an excellent, long-lasting solution.

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FAQ for Dental Crowns in Long Island City

A dental crown is a custom-made restoration that covers the entire surface of a tooth above the gum line. It’s used to restore strength, shape, size, and appearance of a damaged or decayed tooth.

 

Crowns are recommended for various reasons, including protecting a weak tooth from breaking, restoring a broken or worn tooth, covering and supporting a tooth with a large filling, holding a dental bridge in place, covering misshapen or severely discolored teeth, and covering a dental implant.

 

Crowns can be made from various materials, such as porcelain, ceramic, gold, metal alloys, or composite resin. The choice depends on aesthetic preferences, strength requirements, and cost considerations.

 

With proper care, dental crowns can last between 5 to 15 years or more. The lifespan depends on the material used and personal dental habits.

The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the process. Some sensitivity or discomfort may be experienced after the procedure, but it usually subsides quickly.

Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly. Avoid chewing hard foods, ice, or other hard objects to prevent damage to the crown.

 

The cost varies depending on the material used and the complexity of the procedure. It’s best to consult with your dentist for an accurate estimate.

 

Many dental insurance plans partially cover the cost of dental crowns, especially when they are needed for medical reasons. Check with your insurance provider for specifics.

 

The procedure involves reshaping the tooth, taking an impression, and placing a temporary crown if needed. The permanent crown is then crafted and cemented onto the tooth in a subsequent visit.

 

Depending on the extent of the damage, a crown can sometimes be repaired. However, in some cases, a new crown may be necessary.