Crowns Specialist

New City Dental Care

Paul S Kim, DDS

Cosmetic & General Dentist located in Jersey City Heights, Jersey City, NJ

If you chip or crack a tooth or develop a deep cavity, crowns can prevent further damage and restore your smile. At New City Dental Care, cosmetic and general dentist Paul Kim, DDS, uses zirconia all-ceramic crowns to improve the health and aesthetics of your smile. To make an appointment at the practice in Jersey City, New Jersey, call the office or book online.

Crowns Q&A

What are crowns?

Crowns are dental restorations that repair damaged or decaying teeth. At New City Dental Care, Dr. Kim offers zirconia all-ceramic crowns. Ceramic looks and feels like your natural tooth enamel, ensuring the restoration blends in with your smile. 

Once bonded in place, a crown restores your tooth to its near-original size and condition. That limits the risk of future complications and allows you to bite and chew confidently.

Why might I need a dental crown?

 Dr. Kim regularly uses crowns to:

  • Protect weak teeth
  • Cover dental implants
  • Make cosmetic modifications
  • Hold dental bridges in place
  • Support teeth with large fillings
  • Protect a tooth after a root canal

You might also benefit from a dental crown if you have severely discolored or misshapen teeth.

What does getting dental crowns involve?

Getting dental crowns takes two appointments spaced several weeks apart.

At your first appointment, Dr. Kim conducts an oral exam and asks about your symptoms. Then, he takes a series of oral X-rays to assess your tooth and develop a treatment plan. 

After finalizing a plan, Dr. Kim administers a local anesthetic to numb your tooth and gums. He removes the damaged or decaying portion of your tooth and takes digital impressions with an intraoral scanner. Next, Dr. Kim sends your impressions to a dental laboratory. The laboratory uses your impressions to create a custom crown.

A week or two later, you return to the office. Dr. Kim once again administers a local anesthetic and lines the crown up over your tooth. He bonds the crown in place, polishes it, and provides you with care instructions.

How long do dental crowns last?

Dental crowns last an average of 12-15 years, but you can extend their lifespan with good oral hygiene. Dr. Kim recommends brushing and flossing daily and visiting the practice twice a year for an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning.  

To limit damage to your crown, avoid bad habits like nail-biting, chewing on ice, or opening objects with your teeth. If you grind your teeth during sleep or play contact sports, Dr. Kim recommends wearing a night guard or a mouthguard.

If you’re interested in learning more about dental crowns, make an appointment at New City Dental Care by calling the office or booking online today.