Tooth Restoration with Dental Crowns at Androscoggin Dental Care

At Androscoggin Dental Care, we are dedicated to giving high-quality restorative dentistry that protects and strengthens natural teeth. Dental crowns are one of the most reliable and effective forms of treatment for decayed teeth. Keeping in mind the restorative functions, esthetics, and prolonged oral health, the dental crowns have become one of the cornerstones for restoration services in this exercise. Under the supervision of Dr. Yanling "Lina", DMD, each patient receives a custom restoration created with the latest technology and focusing on long-lasting durability.

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What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a custom-made restoration that surrounds the entire visible part of the damaged or weak tooth. Unlike a filling, which only addresses an area inside the tooth, a crown is like a protective cap that covers the tooth completely. Dental crowns are generally indicated when a tooth is too structurally impaired to be restored with a standard filling, yet strong enough to resist extraction.

Included in most of the crowns available at Androscoggin Dental Care are high-grade porcelain or zirconia. Even the strongest materials capable of withstanding wear and tear in biting and chewing can blend with neighboring teeth.

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When Is a Dental Crown Needed?

Many of the situations for which crowns may be most valuable can be seen through the eyes of Dr. Yue. Some typical situations in which she might recommend a crown are the following:

• Tooth repairs with fillings that are too big for proper restoration
• Tooth preservation after root canal therapy is necessary because the tooth becomes somewhat weakened
• Restore a fractured or chipped tooth
• Replacement of the failed or too-old restorations
• Cover a tooth that has experienced considerable wear or erosion
• Anchor achievement on a bridge
• Completing a dental implant restoration

Crowns can help achieve better long-term oral health by providing support for preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible.

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The procedure for receiving a dental crown

Crown procedures, however, tend to be rather straightforward and not very uncomfortable for the majority of patients. At Androscoggin Dental Care, the procedure usually requires two appointments:

1. Preparation appointment and temporary crown

During the first appointment, Dr. Yue removes developing or decayed portions of the tooth damage and alters the shape of the tooth for a solid base upon which the crown may rest. Digital impressions are then created using new scanning technology, eliminating messy putty impressions. Accurate digital impressions create a highly accurate custom crown for you while creating a temporary crown to sit on your tooth and maintain everyday function while your permanent crown is in production at the lab.

2. Placement of the Permanent Crown

The permanent crown is usually ready within about two weeks. During the second appointment, Dr. Yue checks the crown's fit and makes the final adjustments before the permanent cementation of the crown. When secured, it functions like a natural tooth, bringing strength, durability, and long-term protection.

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Better Results with Advanced Technology

Our office in Topsham is equipped with state-of-the-art dental technology that improves accuracy while providing maximum patient comfort during the crown procedure. Two cornerstone tools we rely on are:

• Digital Impressions: Rather than a traditional mold, the teeth are digitized by scanning, which produces highly accurate impressions and makes the whole effort less burdensome for the patient.
• Intraoral Cameras: These cameras help patients see exactly what Dr. Yue sees, enabling them to better understand the need for a crown and how it will restore function to their teeth.

This combination of modern technology ensures that the crowns will be produced according to specifications and hence will be improved in fit and longevity.

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Materials Used for Crowns

Not all crowns are the same, and the choice of material holds a vital role in long-term results. Therefore, at Androscoggin Dental Care, we use and focus on advanced, tooth-colored materials like:

• Porcelain crowns: Best suited for the anterior areas and visible surfaces of the tooth for a natural look in harmony with neighboring teeth.
• Zirconia crowns: They boast great strength and durability; hence, they are excellent for use on back teeth that tend to undergo heavier chewing forces.

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Advantages of Dental Crowns

These include multiple advantages of restoring a tooth with a dental crown:

• Durability: They can last 10–15 years or more, depending on how they are maintained.
• Protection: They shield weakened teeth from further damage, reducing the risk of extraction.
• Restoration of functionality: Patients can enjoy a complete diet with the ability to chew.
• Custom-fit: Each crown is shaped to fit the size and shape of the person's tooth.
• Versatility: By addressing various dental problems, crowns can offer all solutions under a single treatment.

The crowns provide patients with confidence in chewing comfortably and protecting their health from long-term problems through filling the damaged parts.

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Meet Dr. Yanling "Lina" Yue, DMD

Dr. Yue is committed to top-notch dentistry that will improve the health of their patients. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Studio Arts at the University of Pittsburgh before getting her Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) from Temple University Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry, graduating Magna Cum Laude.

Her experience in both science and art enables her to approach dentistry with a unique perspective that manifests itself in the functionality and precision of her restorations. With a strong inclination towards technology and a patient-centered paradigm of care, Dr. Yue ensures that crowns will be made with meticulous attention to detail and care.

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Dental Insurance and Financial Options

We know that cost has a big impact on dental care decisions. Androscoggin Dental Care accepts nearly all PPO dental insurance plans and enables patients to save on per-crown costs, as well as other restorative services. On top of that, we offer patients without insurance or who have expenses that are not covered by their insurance options the option of financing through CareCredit, which allows them to pay over several monthly installments.