Dental Crowns in Somersworth

Godfrey Dentistry provides dental crowns in Somersworth, NH. Call 603-692-2045 to learn more and schedule your appointment.

Dental crowns have a number of purposes in dentistry, but their most common use is for restoring a tooth that has sustained more decay or damage than can be treated with a dental filling. Today’s dental crowns are both functional and aesthetic, so they’ll restore your bite and blend in naturally with the rest of your smile. A crown protects the remaining structure of your tooth, helps keep your jawbone strong, and stabilizes adjacent teeth.

Dental crowns usually require two appointments. During your first visit, impressions are taken of your tooth and your overall bite, which allows us to design a crown that matches the natural shape and size of your tooth and that interacts properly with your other teeth. Next, Dr. Godfrey prepares your tooth for your crown by removing areas that are decayed and damaged. Another impression is taken at this time, which ensures that your restoration will fit onto the prepared tooth.

Dr. Godfrey will place a temporary restoration onto your tooth to protect it while your permanent crown is being fabricated by a dental laboratory known for its artistry and realism. When your crown is ready for placement, you’ll return to our office so it can be fitted and bonded to your tooth. Many crowns can last for decades with good oral hygiene habits and regular visits to the dentist.

To select the right crown for you, Dr. Godfrey will determine your needs, then listen to your goals and preferences. Not all crowns are a fit for all patients, but no matter the material your crown is made from, we will ensure that it fits properly, feels comfortable, and functions like your natural tooth.

Ceramic crowns are made with a porcelain material carefully chosen to match your adjacent teeth for a realistic appearance. These crowns are often recommended for front teeth, but modern ceramic crowns are strong enough to be used elsewhere in the mouth as well. A well-designed ceramic crown combines science and artistry for natural-looking results.

A porcelain fused to metal crown is a hybrid option made from a metal frame that is then covered with dental porcelain. This type of restoration is popular because it is strong enough to withstand biting and chewing forces, making it a great choice for molars. The metal framework can sometimes result in a dark line along the gums, so this type of restoration is not recommended for front teeth.

Gold alloys have a long history of use in dental crowns, likely because of their exceptional strength. Gold crowns may be recommended for the molars of patients who have a history of chronic teeth grinding or jaw clenching.

Like gold alloys, base metal alloys are strong and often used for molars that might otherwise need to be extracted. Metal crowns are resistant to corrosion and prized for their durability, but with so many affordable, aesthetic crowns available these days, they are becoming less commonly used.

The average dental crown lasts five to 15 years, but they can last decades with proper care and maintenance. The lifespan of a crown is usually determined by the location of the tooth, the material used, and a patient’s oral habits.

No, local anesthetic is used to numb your tooth when it is being prepared for your crown, so you won’t experience any discomfort.

There’s no difference between a crown and a cap—a cap is just another term sometimes used for a crown.

No, not all crowns need posts. If a large amount of tooth structure needs to be removed, you may need a post to add support for your restoration.

If you choose a high quality ceramic crown, it will blend in naturally with your other teeth. No one will realize that you have a crown when you smile!

Call 603-692-2045 to schedule your appointment.