Dental Crowns
Crowns: Revolutionizing Dental Restorations when you need it most.
What is a Dental Crown?
A
dental crown is a cap that is placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to
restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns can be made from
various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination
of materials.
When are Dental Crowns Needed?
Dental
crowns are recommended in the following situations:
- To protect a weak tooth from further damage.
- To restore a broken or severely worn-down tooth.
- To cover and support a tooth with a large filling.
- To anchor and complete a dental bridge.
- To cover a dental implant.
- To improve the appearance of misshapen or discolored teeth
The Crown Placement Process:
Dental emergencies don’t always happen during regular office hours. For after-hours emergencies, we provide information on how to reach our on-call dentist and offer guidance on managing the situation until you can receive professional care.
- Consultation: Your dentist will assess your oral health and discuss the need for a dental crown.
- Preparation: The tooth is prepared by removing a portion of the enamel to make room for the crown.
- Impressions: Traditional impressions or digital scans may be taken to create a mold for the crown.
- Temporary Crown (if needed): In some cases, a temporary crown may be placed while the permanent crown is being fabricated.
- Crown Placement: Once the crown is ready, it is securely bonded to the prepared tooth.
If you opt for dental crowns, our team at Dr. Matt Miller
is dedicated to providing you with the highest standard of care and restorative
solutions. If you have any questions or would like to explore your options for
dental crowns, contact us to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are dental crowns, and why might I need one?
A dental crown is a custom-made “cap” that is placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. It fully covers the visible portion of the tooth above the gum line.
You may need a crown if you have a severely decayed tooth, a cracked or broken tooth, a large filling that weakens the tooth, or after a root canal treatment. Crowns also help improve the look of discolored or misshapen teeth while restoring normal function for chewing and speaking.
How is the process of getting a crown done?
Getting a dental crown usually involves two visits: during the first visit, the tooth is examined, reshaped, and prepared, and impressions or digital scans are taken to create a custom-fit crown, followed by placement of a temporary crown to protect the tooth; in the second visit, the permanent crown is carefully fitted, adjusted for comfort and bite alignment, and then securely cemented in place to restore the tooth’s strength and appearance.
How long does it take to get a dental crown?
The process of getting a dental crown typically takes about one to two weeks when done in two visits. The first appointment involves preparing the tooth and taking impressions, while the second visit is used to place and adjust the permanent crown. However, in some cases, same-day crowns may be available using advanced technology, allowing the entire procedure to be completed in a single visit.
What materials are used to make crowns?
Dental crowns can be made from several different materials, depending on the tooth’s location and your specific needs. Common options include porcelain or ceramic (for a natural, tooth-colored appearance), metal alloys such as gold or other strong metals (for durability), porcelain-fused-to-metal (which combines strength with aesthetics), and zirconia (a strong, long-lasting, and natural-looking material). Your dentist will recommend the best option based on strength requirements, appearance, and function.
Are dental crowns painful to get?
Getting a dental crown is generally not painful because the procedure is performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the tooth and surrounding area. You may feel some pressure or mild discomfort during the preparation stage, but it should not be painful. After the procedure, it’s normal to experience slight sensitivity or soreness for a few days, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief and should gradually improve on its own.
How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns typically last between 10 to 15 years, and in many cases even longer, depending on the material used, your oral hygiene habits, and overall dental care. Maintaining good brushing and flossing habits, avoiding hard or sticky foods, and attending regular dental check-ups can significantly extend the lifespan of your crown.