The value and versatility of well-made dental crowns
Many dental offices in Forest Hills, New York, and beyond claim their services are distinctive. However, Timeless Dentistry has the unique capabilities and expertise to support that claim. Notably, we have built an on-site dental lab. This means we can precisely craft 99% of all dental restorations (and some dental/oral appliances) right here at our office. We don’t have to partner with an outside lab in another part of the state, country, or world. Our team designs, creates, and adjusts restorations on-site, with the highest level of communication and collaboration, ensuring the highest quality control of the final result, even while providing exceptional convenience for our patients. Hence, our crowns and all our other restorations are always made to the highest quality standards, and even the most difficult match of shape, shade, or texture can be perfected quickly without you having to wait for another visit while the crown is shipped elsewhere for modification.
Why would I need a crown in the first place?
There are many reasons a dental crown may be in your future. Crowns can reinforce the structure, health, and function of a broken, weak, or damaged tooth. We can also use a crown for certain cosmetic and reconstructive cases; for instance, minimally invasive crowns may be placed on top of teeth that have been worn down by tooth grinding, sleep apnea, and acid reflux, transforming their appearance. It can also be used to replace teeth that cannot be preserved through other means, such as root canal therapy alone. However, it is critical that a crown not be a one-size-fits-all procedure. This is because a traditional crown involves removing up to 70 percent of the visible tooth structure. This is why we almost never make old-fashioned crowns like these unless we are replacing an existing crown that has failed. Studies show that by making minimally invasive crowns, veneers, and onlays, we remove up to 77% less tooth structure than it takes to create old-fashioned traditional crowns, making the tooth as a whole much stronger in the long run, even while achieving the same goals.
Are crowns needed after all root canal treatments?
In most cases, crowns are highly recommended following root canal therapy of back teeth. While root canal treatment has a very high success rate, the tooth is left more fragile following this procedure. When a tooth is weakened by dental treatments, it may be vulnerable to future damage, such as fractures or cracks. This is especially true for back teeth (premolars and molars). This is because they absorb biting forces exactly where a hole has to be made in order to complete root canal therapy, so covering this area with an onlay or crown helps to reinforce the weakened tooth. Placed on top of the remaining, treated tooth structure, it provides a protective barrier – just like a helmet, it absorbs the forces from chewing, protecting against damage caused by stress from the pressure associated with these and other functions.
Lastly, the crown provides a beautiful aesthetic result. Treated teeth may be discolored or otherwise cosmetically “imperfect.” A crown is designed to look like a healthy, natural tooth. It blends in beautifully with the natural teeth, eliminating lingering effects from the damage that necessitated root canal treatment. Of course, there are times when the esthetics of the tooth are not as important to the patient as maximizing the tooth’s structural integrity. For instance, only your dentist and hygienist will ever see your wisdom tooth. This is why, every time we complete a crown or onlay restoration, we discuss all options with the patient, including veneers, onlays, and ¾ crowns, among others.
How do crowns restore teeth?
The words “crown” or “cap” are used in several situations, including when describing the part of a bridge that holds a replacement tooth or the replacement tooth that sits on top of an implant. For bridges, crowns are placed on top of the neighboring anchor teeth. These anchor teeth hold the bridge (which includes at least one artificial tooth) in place. By adding crowns, these teeth can adequately support a dental bridge. Crowns are also attached to implants. The implant can then hold the prosthetic tooth or crown in place, as it is fixed securely in the jawbone (like a natural tooth root). An implant is generally our first choice for tooth replacement because it looks, feels, and functions more like a natural tooth. It has a longer lifespan on average than a bridge, is easier to keep clean, and requires no damage to your neighboring teeth. Due to these advantages, we will virtually always recommend an implant over a bridge, except in rare cases where medical conditions prevent us from recommending implant surgery.
Why should I choose Timeless Dentistry for my crowns?
Our on-site lab not only guarantees the highest quality crowns but also ensures that they resemble natural teeth and are built to last. Our crowns are indistinguishable from neighboring teeth in a normal social setting, and they are made with the crown materials proven to have the longest lifespan of any dental restoration. Additionally, our crown-making process is designed to provide a streamlined and pleasant experience at our office in Forest Hills, NY. For example, when crowns require attention to replicate an unusual color or texture, our in-house laboratory technologist or your dentist can examine the characteristics of the neighboring tooth and make the necessary adjustments to the crown while you wait. Since we handle everything in-house, there’s no need to send it to an outside lab, and you won’t have to wait weeks for your improved crown to be ready. To learn more about this process, call (718) 310-3866 to speak with a team member today and to schedule your consultation.
Timeless Dentistry is a remarkable practice lead by Dr Paul Springs. Everyone in the practice is warm, friendly and welcoming. I’ve never experienced a practice that’s committed to providing a total dental experience that focuses on an accurate professional diagnosis, personalized care and concern for your comfort & satisfaction. I needed and received implants. Like most I was concerned about pain (which was minimal to nonexistent) and what was the process. Everything was clearly explained and what resulted was a set of beautiful “new teeth” and a smile that has restored my confidence and ability to enjoy the foods my old teeth couldn’t have handled! I can’t stop singing Dr. Paul and his staff’s praises —they are totally AWESOME!! I would highly recommend them if you’re in need of a dental practice. 
