Restore Your Smile with Dental Crowns At Agawam Dental Arts

At Agawam Dental Arts, we recognize the immense value of a beautiful, strong, and healthy smile. Dental crowns are ideal for restoring broken or damaged teeth, providing protection, strength, and a natural appearance. When your tooth becomes worn, decaying, or cracked, a dental crown will stabilize its shape and restore its look. Our experienced staff, led by Dr. Michael J. Calabrese, is dedicated to providing you with high-quality crowns for your teeth, ensuring you receive the most effective oral treatment available.

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What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are custom-made caps that cover and protect a chipped or cracked tooth. It restores the tooth to its standard shape, size, and strength by correctly positioning it and improving its appearance. Crowns typically cover:

• Shields brittle teeth from fracturing
• Restore already cracked or worn-out teeth
• Support a tooth with an extensive filling
• Hold a dental bridge in position
• Seal unusually colored or formed teeth
• Cover and restore a dental implant

At Agawam Dental Arts, we offer various types of dental crowns, including:

• All-Ceramic: Natural-looking options like porcelain and Emax closely mimic tooth enamel. Great for front teeth but may not be ideal for heavy chewing or grinding.
• Ceramic-Over-Metal (PFM): Strong metal base with tooth-colored porcelain. Good strength and appearance, suitable for both front and back teeth. Occasionally, a dark line may show near the gums.
• All-Metal: Typically gold or alloys, very durable, and requires less tooth reshaping. Best for molars but lacks aesthetic appeal due to its metallic color.

Dr. Calabrese will help you evaluate the best option based on your needs.

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The Dental Crown Procedure at Agawam Dental Arts

1.) Consultation and Exam

During your initial visit, Dr. Calabrese will conduct a comprehensive oral examination, including X-rays, to assess the health of your teeth. If you are a suitable candidate for a dental crown, we will select the most appropriate material options for you.

2.) Tooth Preparation and Impressions

To prepare your tooth for a crown, we shape it by removing part of the enamel, creating space for the crown. Impressions of your teeth are taken so that the crown fits you just right. A temporary crown is placed to protect your tooth while your permanent crown is being crafted.

3.) Fitting the Permanent Crown

After your crown is ready, you will return for a second appointment. The temporary crown is removed, and the new crown is cemented onto your tooth, which has the same function and strength as before.

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Teeth Whitening Before Getting a Dental Crown

If you need to whiten your teeth, it's best to do so before getting a dental crown. The crown is stain-resistant and does not respond to bleaching, so when you whiten your teeth, the crown will retain its original color. We can match your new crown to your brighter smile by whitening your teeth first.

Could a Dental Crown Be Right for You?

How do you know if you need one? Dr. Calabrese might suggest a crown if you're dealing with:

• Significant Decay: More than a simple filling can handle.
• Cracks or Breaks: Especially if the tooth's structure is compromised.
• Heavy Wear: Often from grinding (bruxism) or just years of use.
• After a Root Canal: To safeguard the treated tooth.
• Failing Large Fillings: When old fillings need replacing, and the tooth is weak.
• Aesthetic Concerns: When other methods like veneers aren't enough for major shape or color issues.
• Finishing a Dental Implant: Providing the functional tooth on top.

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Aftercare of Your Dental Crown

With proper care, dental crowns can last for decades. Here's how to maintain them:

• Brush and floss your teeth regularly
• Steer clear of hard foods, ice, and other items you shouldn't eat with your teeth
• Schedule regular cleanings and check-ups with us
• Wear a night guard if you grind

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Meet The Doctor

Dr. Michael J. Calabrese, DMD, MS, MAGD

Dr. Calabrese was born in Agawam, Massachusetts. He graduated with a degree in Biology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. As a graduate teaching assistant at the Bermuda Biological Station in St. George's, Bermuda, he earned his Master's degree in Health Sciences.

Before establishing his dental practice, Dr. Calabrese worked as a cancer research scientist at the National Institutes of Health in Washington, D.C. He earned his Doctor of Medical Dentistry degree in 1987 from the University of Connecticut. Dr. Calabrese completed a one-year residency at Yale University's Danbury Hospital in Connecticut.

Dr. Calabrese completed his Mastership at the Academy of General Dentistry in 2006. He is also a member of some professional organizations, including:

• American Dental Association
• American Academy of Implant Dentistry
• American Academy of Sleep Medicine
• American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
• Massachusetts Dental Society
• Valley District Dental Society
• Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society

His areas of interest are aesthetic dentistry, implant dentistry, TMJ therapy, sleep apnea treatment, bite relations, crowns and bridges, periodontal therapy, and restorative and preventive dentistry.

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New Patient Information

Our staff is dedicated to delivering exceptional dental care in a caring and compassionate environment. At your initial visit, you can expect:

• A comprehensive oral exam
• Assessment of your needs and wishes for your teeth
• A customized treatment plan tailored specifically to you for your individual needs

New patients are asked to download and complete the New Patient Form before their visit, enabling a more streamlined experience.

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Payment and Insurance Options

We want to provide you with affordable, quality dental care. We welcome you to our dental clinic, and we accept:

• Insurance Plans: We accept a wide range of insurance plans and strive to accommodate patients' individual needs and requests.
• Payment Options: Check, cash, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and CareCredit
• Flexible Payment Options: We will understand and determine a payment plan that fits your budget

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Book Your Appointment Now!

If your tooth has been cracked or broken, a dental crown may be the ideal way to restore it to its original function and appearance. Please schedule your appointment today by calling us or visiting our website.