Dental Crowns – Dedham, MA

Optimal Protection for Vulnerable Teeth

A middle-aged man

Tooth enamel may be considered the hardest substance in the body, but it’s no stranger to tooth decay and damage. Although highly durable, it can become cracked, chipped, broken, and cavity-stricken. While no one sets out to have their teeth succumb to these dangers, it’s a common occurrence that many dentists see (and treat) every day. Dr. Patil is one of these professionals, and she and our team are here to deliver custom dental crowns to ensure optimal protection for vulnerable teeth. If you suspect that you might be a candidate for this type of restorative treatment, call our office today to schedule an appointment.

Why Choose Dr. Gauri Patil for Dental Crowns?

  • Advanced Digital Impression System Used for Less Mess
  • Natural-Looking, High-Quality Materials
  • Dental Membership Plan for Uninsured Patients

What is a Dental Crown?

Two dental crowns

When a vulnerable tooth that has been plagued by tooth decay or damage needs protection against future reinfection or harm, most dentists will turn to custom dental crowns. Designed using digital impressions, Dr. Patil and our team can create uniquely fabricated tooth coverings that mimic the size and shape of natural teeth.

Our dental crowns are made of zirconia and can be crafted by lab technicians offsite or with our in-house milling unit. Depending on your preference, we can create a crown that is delivered the same day so that you don’t have to travel back and forth for multiple visits.

Do I Need Dental Crowns?

Image of decayed teeth on the upper arch

The only way to know if you need a dental crown is to meet with Dr. Patil. It is during this visit that she will carefully examine the tooth to determine if additional problems exist. It is important that we address underlying issues as well so that the tooth has the best chance to thrive.

Your appointment will involve a complete evaluation using diagnostic images and a visual exam. Once she gathers all the necessary information, she will determine if you need a dental crown based on:

  • Whether you have a tooth that is broken or damaged
  • Whether you have a filling that is expanding and damaging your tooth
  • Whether you received a root canal and need additional tooth protection
  • Whether you received a dental implant and need a crown to be placed on top
  • Whether there is extreme dental decay that is causing problems for nearby teeth

The Dental Crown Process

A dental crown created with an in-house milling unit

When receiving a dental crown, there are two ways that we can approach the placement process. Most dental offices that offer crowns as a restorative form of treatment tend to send digital impressions to lab technicians, as they are often responsible for crafting the custom dental crown. After several weeks, the crown is returned to the dental office, and you come back in to have it put into place.

There is also the other option of having your new crown placed on the same day. Through this process, Dr. Gauri will clean the tooth and prep it for final crown placement. Using specialized CAD/CAM technology, she will scan the tooth so that a digital model forms on a nearby monitor. After making the necessary adjustments, she will place a block of zirconia into the milling unit and transfer the image to the machine for fabrication.

While you wait, your new crown will be created. When finished, Dr. Patil will examine the tooth and give it a final polish before placing it over the vulnerable tooth and securing it into place.

The Benefits of Getting a Dental Crown

A woman wearing glasses and smiling

Although the goal is to maintain your natural teeth as long as possible, having a customized dental crown added to your smile can provide many great benefits, such as:

  • The confidence of knowing that your new tooth (or teeth) can last 10-15 years before needing to be replaced.
  • The ability to use your teeth like normal when it comes to eating and speaking.
  • Greater confidence in your appearance, no longer having to hide your smile to keep others from noticing the damaged tooth.
  • A restoration that blends in with your existing smile so that others never have to know you received dental work.