Crowns can be made from porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or a full gold crown. To maintain a natural look and feel a porcelain finished crown is best, as it can be matched to the shade of your other teeth. This will allow it to blend in and appear just like one of your natural teeth.

The process of installing a crown will take 2-3 visits with your Nesconset / St. James dentist — Dr. Lotardo or Dr. Caesar. During the first visit, the tooth will be reshaped by filing down the enamel so that the crown can be placed over it. You will be given a local anesthetic before this part of the procedure so that you do not experience any discomfort. Once the tooth has been reshaped, a mold will be taken of that tooth and the surrounding teeth. This mold will be sent to a dental lab so that your new crown can be made. The new crown will fit in the spot created for it, and it will look proportionate in relation to the surrounding teeth. Before you leave, Dr. Lotardo or Dr. Caesar will fit you with a temporary crown to use until your permanent crown is ready.

Your new, permanent crown will be ready in about 2-3 weeks. At this time you will have another appointment to place and fit the permanent crown. You will again be given a local anesthetic to numb the area, and the tooth will be placed using a special cement to ensure the tooth sets in place. When you look in the mirror, you will see your old smile back.

Crowns are durable and will usually last about 10-15 years. You should care for them as you would any of your other teeth with regular brushing and flossing. Call our general and cosmetic dentistry Hauppauge / Nesconset offices today at (631) 865-4361 if you would like to learn more about how crowns can help restore your smile.