At Hamden Dental Care, dentists specialize in several ceramic restorations, particularly crowns and fillings.

Crowns are caps made out of either porcelain or zirconia — a translucent, metal-free material — that are fitted onto damaged teeth. Crowns strengthen tooth structure, prevent further damage, and can match the appearance of your natural teeth.

Zirconia crowns can provide certain benefits when compared to metal-fused porcelain crowns, such as:

• Good for patients with metal allergies
• Often more comfortable
• Less likely to cause gum recession
• Very strong, durable, mostly chip-resistant

Fillings, either made from powdered glass and acrylic resin or silver amalgam, are used to repair teeth affected by decay, cracks, or fractures. Your dentist removes the affected portion of your tooth then places the filling during a single appointment.

In most cases, your initial appointment to receive a crown involves taking an impression of your mouth. In between your first and second appointment, your crown is custom-made to fit your tooth and match its original appearance. Then you come in and get your crown placed during a relatively straightforward procedure.

For a filling, first, your dentist numbs your tooth then removes the decay as necessary. They then clean the space before placing your filling. If the decay was near the nerve of your tooth, your dentist applies a particular medication for added protection. The filling gets precisely placed, shaped, and polished, restoring your tooth to its original shape and function.

Take good care of your restorative dental appliances by maintaining regular visits to your dentist and brushing and flossing regularly. This will ensure they provide long-lasting restorative results.