A damaged or decayed tooth can affect your confidence and your ability to eat comfortably. At Dental Distinction, Dr. Jason Petkevis provides expert dental crown treatment for Main Line, PA dental patients, designed to restore both the function and beauty of your smile. Dr. Jason Petkevis explains why dental crowns are such a useful option for both cosmetic and restorative dental issues.
What is a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns can also be known as tooth caps. They’re a custom-made dental restoration that completely covers the existing tooth. They can also replace missing teeth as the final restoration of a dental implant.
A crown can be made of many different materials. Porcelain crowns are the option we recommend at our practice. A dentist color-matches the porcelain crown to your teeth. It blends in perfectly with your smile. They’re durable and stain-resistant and are designed to last a long time. Plus, you don’t have discoloration at the gum line like with traditional metal crowns.
What Can Dental Crowns Treat?
Dental crowns are one of the most useful tools a dentist has. They’re ideal to take care of a variety of different dental problems, both cosmetic and restorative. Because they cover the entire tooth, they can address issues that other treatment options may not.
Here are some of the most common reasons patients choose crowns:
- Stubborn stains: If your teeth are deeply discolored and whitening treatments have not worked, a crown can cover the stain completely. We will color-match it to blend perfectly with your smile.
- Misshapen or defective teeth: A crown can reshape a tooth that is oddly sized, pointed, or has other defects, so it looks natural and fits in with the rest of your smile.
- Cracked or broken teeth: A crown holds the pieces of a cracked tooth together and protects it from further damage. It also restores the lost portion so you can chew normally again.
- Severe decay or damage: When a tooth is too damaged for a filling, a crown can salvage what is left and allow you to keep your natural tooth root.
- After a root canal: A tooth that has had a root canal becomes more fragile. A crown protects it, restores full function, and helps seal out any future decay.
- Completing a dental implant: A crown is the final piece that sits on top of a dental implant so it looks and feels just like a natural tooth.
Why Choose Dr. Petkevis?
Dr. Petkevis is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), a credential held by fewer than 6% of general dentists in the US and Canada. He is also a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (FICOI) and an Ambassador and Study Club Leader for the prestigious Dawson Academy. When you choose Dental Distinction for your dental crown, you are choosing a dentist with elite training and a commitment to excellence.
Getting a Dental Crown in Main Line PA
A crown will require a couple of visits to our office. Dr. Petkevis may remove any fillings, existing crowns, and some of your tooth structure to make room for the new addition. Then he takes impressions so that the crown can be custom-made to fit your smile perfectly. We send your dental impressions to an experienced dental lab to fabricate your crown. In the meantime, you’ll wear a temporary crown to protect your prepared tooth.
When your crown is ready, you’ll come back into our Main Line dental office to have it fitted. If you want small adjustments made, Dr. Petkevis can make them so they fit your liking. Then he’ll permanently cement the crown to your tooth.
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Dental Crowns FAQs
Read answers to common questions about dental crown treatment in Main Line, PA.
How do you care for dental crowns?
Caring for a dental crown is just like caring for your natural teeth. Brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings. Avoid chewing hard items like ice or pens, which could damage your crown.
What teeth do crowns cover?
You can place crowns on any tooth that needs protection or cosmetic improvement. They are most common on molars (back teeth) that take the most force from chewing. But crowns can also be placed on front teeth for cosmetic reasons, like covering stains or misshapen teeth.
Does getting a dental crown hurt?
No. Dr. Petkevis uses local anesthesia to numb the tooth and the surrounding area. You may feel pressure, but not sharp pain. Dr. Petkevis may also recommend that you take pain relievers if you feel discomfort after treatment.
How long do dental crowns last?
With proper care, dental crowns can last 10 to 15 years or longer. Continuing to brush, floss, and visit our office for routine visits can ensure your crowns last.
What is the difference between a crown and a filling?
A filling repairs a small area of a tooth. A crown covers and protects the entire tooth. Crowns are used for teeth that are too damaged for a filling.
What is the difference between a cosmetic tooth crown and a traditional crown?
A cosmetic crown is designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth using porcelain or ceramic materials. Our modern crowns mimic natural translucency. A traditional crown may use metal or metal-porcelain combinations and is often used for back teeth where appearance is less of a concern.
Call for a Dental Crown Consultation Today
Do you need a dental crown for worn or broken teeth? Call Dr. Petkevis at Dental Distinction for crown treatment in Main Line PA at 610-904-9274. You can also schedule an appointment online to learn more. We’re proud to serve patients near Bryn Mawr, Chester Springs, and along the PA Main Line.