Strong, Reliable Restorative Dentistry: Dental Crowns by Roosevelt Dental

Over time, teeth can become compromised by decay, trauma, cracks, or the failure of large fillings, weakening their structure and function. A dental crown is a cornerstone of restorative dentistry, designed to restore the strength, integrity, and appearance of a damaged tooth. By encasing the entire visible portion of the tooth, a crown acts as a protective shield, preserving the natural tooth structure underneath.

At Roosevelt Dental in Windham, ME, Dr. Jenny Miedema and our team specialize in fabricating and placing high-quality dental crowns using durable, aesthetically pleasing materials. Our approach is centered on long-term oral health, patient comfort, and achieving predictable, lasting results.

To learn how a dental crown can restore your tooth, schedule a consultation by calling (207) 894-5580.

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What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a custom-made, tooth-shaped "cap" that is permanently placed over a compromised tooth. It covers the tooth entirely, from the gum line up, serving two primary functions:

• Protection: The crown provides a durable outer layer that absorbs the forces of biting and chewing, protecting the weakened tooth structure from further fracture or decay.
• Restoration: It restores the tooth to its original size, shape, and function, allowing you to chew comfortably and maintain the proper alignment of your bite.

At Roosevelt Dental, we use modern materials like ceramic and zirconia for restorations, providing strength and a natural look that blends seamlessly with your surrounding teeth.

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When to Consider a Crown?

Dental crowns are a versatile restorative solution recommended for a variety of clinical situations.

Dr. Miedema may advise a crown to address issues such as:

• Severe Tooth Decay: When a cavity is too large for a standard filling to be a stable, long-term solution.
• Broken or Fractured Teeth: To hold together a cracked tooth, preventing the crack from propagating, or to restore a tooth that has already broken.
• Excessive Wear: For teeth that have been significantly worn down due to habits like grinding (bruxism) or acid erosion.
• Following Root Canal Therapy: A tooth becomes brittle after a root canal and requires a crown to protect it from fracture.
• Large, Failing Fillings: When an old filling is large and needs replacement, it leaves insufficient natural tooth structure to support a new filling.
• Cosmetic Enhancement: To improve the appearance of a severely discolored or misshapen tooth that cannot be corrected with more conservative treatments.
• Anchoring a Dental Bridge: Crowns are placed on the teeth adjacent to a gap to provide support for a dental bridge.

In many cases, placing a crown can prevent the need for a tooth extraction, preserving your natural tooth for years to come.

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The Dental Crown Process at Roosevelt Dental

Receiving a dental crown typically involves two appointments at our Windham office, ensuring a comfortable experience and successful outcome.

• Evaluation and Tooth Preparation: The process starts with a thorough examination, possibly using digital X-rays. After numbing the area with local anesthetic, Dr. Miedema reshapes the tooth and removes any decay, preparing a solid foundation for the crown.
• Digital Impression: We use an advanced intraoral scanner to create a precise 3D model of the prepared tooth, which is sent electronically to a specialized lab to craft your custom crown.
• Placement of a Temporary Crown: While the permanent crown is made (usually taking two to three weeks), a temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth and prevent sensitivity.
• Final Placement: In the second appointment, we remove the temporary crown and place the permanent one, checking fit, shape, and color. Once satisfied, Dr. Miedema bonds the crown to the tooth with strong dental cement.

Materials Used for Dental Crowns

We select crown materials based on the location of the tooth, the patient's aesthetic goals, and functional requirements.

• Porcelain and Ceramic: Ideal for front teeth, these materials offer the most natural and lifelike appearance, closely mimicking the translucency of tooth enamel.
• Zirconia: A type of ceramic known for its exceptional strength and durability, making it an excellent choice for molars that endure heavy chewing forces. It can be layered with porcelain for improved aesthetics.
• Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM): These crowns have a metal substructure for strength, covered by a layer of porcelain for a tooth-like appearance. They offer a good balance of durability and aesthetics.

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Meet Dr. Jenny Miedema

Dr. Jenny Miedema leads the clinical team at Roosevelt Dental. She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from the University of New England College of Dental Medicine and completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency at the VA Dental Clinic in Togus, ME. With over seven years of clinical experience, Dr. Miedema has extensive skills in all aspects of restorative dentistry, including the precise design and placement of dental crowns.

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Insurance and financing

Roosevelt Dental believes quality restorative care should be accessible. Our office is in-network with many PPO insurance plans, and our administrative team is skilled at helping patients maximize their benefits to lower out-of-pocket costs.

For any remaining balance, we offer financing through CareCredit, which allows patients to divide treatment costs into manageable monthly payments.

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Schedule Your Cosmetic Dentistry Consultation

If you have a damaged or weakened tooth, a dental crown may be the ideal solution to restore its health and function. Contact Roosevelt Dental to schedule a comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Miedema.