When a Filling Is No Longer Enough
Many crowns start with a filling. Over the years a filling gets replaced, then replaced again, and each time a little more tooth goes with it. Eventually the walls around the filling get thin enough to crack under normal chewing.
That is usually the point where Dr. Kaceli talks about a crown. It holds what is left of the tooth together and lets you bite down without worrying about it.
Preserving natural tooth structure is the most important thing I do.Dr. Monika Kaceli
For crowns, that means she recommends one when the tooth truly needs it, and shapes only as much of the tooth as the crown requires.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A crown is a custom cap that fits over the whole visible part of a tooth, down to the gumline. It restores the tooth's shape and strength and is cemented in place, so it stays put when you eat and brush.
Crowns are made from porcelain, ceramic, metal or a combination of materials. Dr. Kaceli will help you choose based on where the tooth sits, how much it shows when you smile and how hard you bite.
Are You a Good Candidate for a Crown?
Dr. Kaceli may suggest a crown if you have:
- A large filling with little natural tooth left around it
- A cracked or fractured tooth
- A tooth that has had root canal therapy and needs protection
- A tooth that is badly discolored or misshapen
Your gums need to be healthy, and there has to be enough tooth structure for the crown to hold onto. If gum disease is present, Dr. Kaceli will treat that first. When too little tooth remains to support a crown, she will go over other options with you.
Your Two Crown Appointments in Newton
Crowns at our Newton office take two visits, with a temporary crown in between while your permanent one is made.
- Consultation and X-raysDr. Kaceli examines the tooth, takes X-rays and talks through material choices with you.
- Preparing the toothAfter numbing the area, she removes any decay and shapes the tooth so the crown can fit over it. An impression is taken for the final crown.
- Wearing a temporaryA temporary crown protects the tooth for the time between visits. Chew carefully on that side and skip sticky or very hard foods.
- Placing the final crownAt your second visit, the temporary comes off. Dr. Kaceli checks the fit, color and bite of the permanent crown, then cements it in place.
Looking After Your Crown
A crown can't get a cavity, but the tooth underneath can, especially where the crown meets the gum. Brush twice a day, floss along the edge of the crown and keep up with your regular cleanings.
If you clench or grind at night, ask about a custom night guard. Grinding wears on crowns the same way it wears on natural teeth.
Why Choose Kaceli Dental Studio in Newton?
You'll know the cost before the work starts. Amy Orsini at our Newton front desk handles insurance benefit questions and prepares pretreatment estimates, and we offer monthly payment plans through Cherry and Sunbit.
If a tooth breaks before your crown appointment, call us. The Newton office offers same-day emergency visits. Patients come to us from Newton Centre, Wellesley, Needham, Brookline and Dedham, and our team speaks seven languages between us.
