Protecting a Fragile Tooth in Norwood
Some teeth give warning signs: a twinge when you bite, a sharp edge your tongue keeps finding. Others crack without any notice. Either way, a tooth that has lost a lot of its structure tends to keep breaking down until something holds it together.
A crown does that job. Dr. Kaceli's aim is to keep as much of your own tooth as she can, so she reaches for a crown when a filling would not be strong enough to protect what is left.
How a Crown Works
A crown slips over the top of a prepared tooth like a cap and is bonded in place. Once it is on, it takes the force of chewing so the tooth underneath doesn't have to.
Crowns come in porcelain, ceramic, metal or combinations of these. Porcelain and ceramic can be matched closely to your other teeth, which matters most toward the front of the mouth. Metal is very strong and is sometimes chosen for back teeth that do heavy chewing.
Reasons Dr. Kaceli May Recommend a Crown
- Decay too large to repair with a filling
- A fractured or broken tooth
- A tooth that has had a root canal and needs to be protected
- A tooth that is discolored or misshapen and doesn't respond to other treatment
- Replacing a missing tooth on top of a dental implant
Crowns are also part of dental bridges, where crowns on the teeth beside a gap hold a replacement tooth between them.
Crowns on Implants
If a tooth is already gone, an implant-retained crown can replace it. An implant post is placed in the jaw first and left to heal for about two to three months. Impressions are then taken and the crown is attached to the implant.
Our Norwood office has CBCT 3D imaging, which helps with planning where an implant goes. Periodontist Dr. Milagros Serrano, whose focus includes implants and bone augmentation, is part of our team. Learn more about dental implants in Norwood.
What to Expect at Your Crown Visits
A crown on a natural tooth takes two appointments. The tooth is numbed before it is shaped, and sedation is available if you get nervous in the chair.
- Exam and planningDr. Kaceli looks at the tooth and your bite and helps you pick a crown material.
- Shaping the toothShe removes decay or damaged areas and shapes the tooth, then records its size and shape for the lab.
- Temporary crownYou leave with a temporary crown that protects the tooth until the permanent one is ready.
- Fitting the permanent crownAt the second visit, Dr. Kaceli checks the fit, shade and bite and bonds the crown in place.
Each treatment room has a flat-screen TV, which helps the time pass.
Making Your Crown Last
With good care, many crowns last 10 to 15 years or longer. Brush and floss as you would around natural teeth, paying attention to the gumline. Avoid chewing ice, pens or other hard objects.
Crowns on implants can also wear over time and may eventually need replacing, even when the implant underneath is healthy.
Why Choose Kaceli Dental Studio in Norwood?
Two appointments are easier to fit in when you have options. Our Norwood office is open Tuesdays and Thursdays, plus the third Friday and third Saturday of each month. Call (781) 762-6688 to find a time.
Norwood is Dr. Kaceli's first practice, and we see patients from Norwood, Westwood, Dover and Needham. Payment plans are available through Cherry and Sunbit.
