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New York Dentist, Dental Visits NYC Midtown Manhattan Center for Cosmetic Dentistry accepts dental insurance payments for most dental care, e.g. dentures, dental braces, fillings, root canals, bad breath etc, NYC PPO dentist visits are classified general dentistry, so cosmetic teeth whitening is not a covered expense.
*Please read the disclaimer notice carefully and in its entirety*
Dental crownsA crown is a restorative that covers, or "caps," a tooth to restore it to its normal shape and size, strengthening and improving the appearance of a tooth. Crowns are necessary when a tooth is generally broken down and fillings won't solve the problem. If a tooth is cracked a crown holds the tooth together to seal the cracks so the damage doesn't get worse. Crowns are also used to support large fillings when there is not enough tooth surface remaining to attach a bridge. Crowns protect weaker teeth from fracturing or restore fractured teeth and they also cover badly shaped or discolored teeth.
Crown PlacementTo prepare the tooth for a crown, it is reduced so the crown can fit over it. An impression of the teeth and gums are made and sent off to the lab for the crown fabrication. A temporary crown is fitted over the tooth until the permanent crown in made. On the next visit, the dentist removes the temporary crown and cements the permanent crown onto the tooth.
Dark line at gum linesThis is usually caused by the metal margin of porcelain fused to metal (or PFM) crown. In the "old days," many dentists used PFM crown, but now in most cases, cosmetic dentists use all porcelain crowns, which provide virtually the same strength but are highly superior in their aesthetic result.
All-porcelain crownsSome restorations are designed with a metal lining, covered with porcelain (porcelain fused- to-metal or PFM). At one point in time, most restorations were made this way. When placed, they usually look opaque or "flat" because they do not let light pass through like a natural tooth. There is often a tell-tail dark line next to the gum-line that is undesirable (often the darkness invades the adjacent gum tissue as an adverse reaction). All-porcelain restorations are what we chose to use unless there is a compelling reason otherwise. Again, when properly seated, they are as strong or stronger than their metal predecessor. And the appearance can be identical to a natural tooth, allowing light to pass through (referred to as translucency).
Crowns vs. veneersCrowns require more tooth structure removal; hence, they cover more of the tooth than veneers.
Crowns are stationary and are customarily indicated for teeth that have sustained significant loss of structure, or to replace missing teeth. Crowns may be placed on natural teeth or dental implants.
First visitAs soon as you are seated, we will numb the area to be worked on using a local anesthetic.
Depending upon the type of local anesthetic used, you can expect to feel numb for one to four hours. If your anesthesia should last longer, do not be concerned. Individuals react differently to anesthesia. While the area is numb, please be careful not to bite your lip or tongue. You may want to consider a soft diet or no meal at all while until your sensation returns in the affected area. Once the appropriate area is numb, one of our dentists will prepare the tooth to maximize the function, retention and aesthetics of your new crown. After the tooth is fully prepared, we proceed to the impression stage where we create a model of your prepared tooth for our lab to custom-fabricate your crown. Should you experience any discomfort you can take a mild analgesic (Tylenol, Advil, or aspirin, etc.) as long as there is no medical contraindication based upon your medical history. Typically, you can take anything you would normally take for a headache. If the discomfort persists, please call our office.
Crown careTo prevent damaging or fracturing the crowns, avoid chewing hard foods, ice or other hard objects - just like you should avoid for your natural teeth. You also want to avoid teeth grinding. Besides visiting your dentist and brushing twice a day, cleaning between your teeth is vital with crowns. Floss or interdental cleaners (specially shaped brushes and sticks) are important tools to remove plaque from the crown area where the gum meets the tooth. Plaque in that area can cause dental decay and gum disease.
Replacing missing teethCosmetic dentistry now offers options beyond having a partial denture. One option is to have an implant and crown placed. An implant is a titanium cylinder that is placed in the bone (under the tissue) and functions to replace what was once the root of the tooth. After a period of 5-6 months a stress or load can be placed into this implant and then the crown is placed over the abutment. This tooth is now cared for like all the other teeth in your mouth. Another option is a bridge. A bridge is like a crown that is bonded to the teeth on either side of the missing tooth. Some people prefer to not go through the surgical procedure of having the implant placed. Others prefer to have a quick fix and to not go through the waiting period of 5-6 months before a crown can be placed on the implant.
Temporary crownIf your temporary dental crown does happen to come off give our office a call so we can provide you with specific instructions and also make arrangements for you to come in and have it re-cemented. In regards to that time period before you can get in to see your dentist, we will usually suggest that you simply place the temporary crown right back on your tooth. Doing so will protect the tooth from irritating stimuli such as hot or cold foods and liquids. Wearing the temporary crown will also hold the tooth in place and keep it from shifting position (an important factor in how well or how easily your permanent dental crown can be fitted). If the bite on your temporary crown seems incorrect when it is placed back on your tooth then most dentists would probably advise that you should leave off the temporary crown. If your temporary dental crown doesn't seem to stay in place very well many dentists will suggest that you fill it with toothpaste, Vaseline, or denture adhesive before you place it over your tooth (this technique should only be used for a few days). You will need to be careful with your temporary crown in this state. So you don't end up swallowing or biting on it unexpectedly, your temporary crown should be removed when you sleep and eat. Anytime your crown is not in your mouth you should keep it wet. Put it in a glass of water or close it up in a baggie containing a moist paper towel.
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