Crowns

Crowns are an excellent example of dentistry’s ability to blend art and science. At Melillo Dental, James Melillo, DDS, Dasny Castillo-Beltran, DDS, and the team provide state-of-the-art, same-day crowns at their clinic in Yonkers, New York. To learn more about what a crown can do for your smile, call the office or request an appointment online today.

What is a crown?

A crown is an artificial tooth cap that the team at Melillo Dental permanently seals to an existing root structure, like a natural tooth root or a dental implant. Your prosthetic crown covers up your entire tooth that’s above the gum line and works to restore its appearance and reinforce its structural integrity.

When do you suggest getting a crown?

The team at Melillo Dental might recommend a crown for a number of reasons, including:

• Protecting a tooth that’s likely to break
• Replacing a tooth with a large filling
• Covering up a tooth that’s worn down
• Improving the appearance of a misshapen or discolored tooth

Your dentist also frequently fits your tooth with a crown after you’ve had root canal therapy to strengthen it and restore its structural integrity.

What are crowns made of?

Melillo Dental also offers metal-free crowns for its restorations. The ceramic or porcelain used in these crowns looks similar to your natural tooth enamel, so they blend in seamlessly with your smile and restore your tooth without compromising any aesthetic integrity. 

Unlike porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, which can show a dark line near your gums where the metal connects to the porcelain, metal-free crowns look just like a natural tooth. The materials used are also stronger than those used in porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, which makes you less likely to fracture your restoration.

And because Melillo Dental uses state-of-the-art scanners and milling machines, the team can design, fabricate, and place your crown during a single office visit.

What happens when I get a crown?

First, your dentist uses a local anesthetic to numb your tooth and the surrounding area. Then, they shave some enamel to make way for your crown.

Once your tooth is prepared, your dentist takes an impression of your smile with a digital scanner and uses 3D imaging technology to design your crown. They upload that information into a machine that mills your crown from a small porcelain block so it fits comfortably among the rest of your teeth.

The machine fabricates your tooth in a short time while you wait in the chair. This is a significant advantage over the traditional way of fitting crowns, which involves sending your impression to an off-site lab that can take weeks to make your restoration while you wear a temporary crown.

When the machine is finished fabricating your crown, your dentist bonds it to your smile with dental cement, giving you a beautiful and functional new tooth.

Get started with your crown today by scheduling an appointment with Melillo Dental. You can book your visit by calling the office or using the online booking tool.