A dental crown is one of the most important treatments for addressing many concerns. Dental crowns can be placed for cosmetic and restorative dental reasons and will stabilize your dental health with a lasting result. Dr. Matthew Jenne is an experienced dentist in Garner, NC, who treats common and complex dental problems.
Getting Dental Crowns in Garner, NC
The process for placing a dental crown will depend upon the material chosen. In most cases, a ceramic material is recommended for aesthetics and durability. A gold crown is sometimes placed in certain cases, especially for larger teeth with multiple cusps. Dr. Jenne will recommend the most suitable type of crown for your oral health and cosmetic needs.
Completed in two visits, the dental crown process begins with tooth preparation. Dr. Jenne will remove any damaged or decayed tooth structure or enough to ensure a secure fit. Next, dental impressions are taken, and a temporary one is typically placed. When the new crown is ready, you will return for the placement of the final restoration. Your new crown will be permanently secured to your tooth and polished for a smooth texture and natural appearance.
The Versatility of Dental Crowns
One of the reasons dental crowns are so popular is the wide variety of dental conditions they can treat. We use crowns for many restorative and cosmetic dental treatments.
Cosmetic Fixes
When you have discolored teeth, we recommend professional teeth whitening. But certain discolorations won’t respond to this treatment. If you have discoloration from trauma or deep staining from medication, it won’t respond to teeth bleaching. A dental crown offers a suitable alternative. We color-match crowns to the shade of white that you’re looking for. The crown covers the entire tooth, eliminating the discolored tooth from view.
Misshapen or deformed teeth are usually seen as a cosmetic problem. However, they can also impact the function of your mouth, depending on their position. Speaking works by the tongue coming into contact with your teeth a certain way. If a particular tooth is misshapen, you may make that sound incorrectly. A deformed tooth can also impact your ability to chew and break down foods. A dental crown is made to match the shape that a tooth should naturally be, restoring full function.
Strengthening Your Natural Teeth
One of the most common uses for crowns is to stabilize the tooth after a root canal. We remove infected dental pulp and replace it with a biocompatible material during a root canal procedure. We seal off the tooth to prevent further infection. However, you don’t always get the full functionality of your tooth back. A dental crown ensures that you get the full use of your tooth back and further seals it off from bacteria.
When you get a traditional dental bridge, it uses the two teeth on either side for support. These anchor teeth take on all of the stress and strain of the bridge. Naturally, these teeth wear down faster than others and are more susceptible to tooth decay and other dental problems. Placing dental crowns on these teeth helps to take the strain off of the natural tooth structure and instead puts that stress on the dental crowns.
Treating Severe Decay and Damage
In our office, we practice conservative dentistry. This means we’ll save the natural tooth structure whenever possible, eliminating the complications of losing the tooth root. Crowns are often the only solution that can treat severe decay and damage. The crown fills out parts of the tooth that have completely decayed away. The existing tooth structure is fragile, and the crown strengthens things so that you can use the tooth.
Damage can range from a chunk of your tooth being gone to the tooth being shattered. Crowns fill out the part of the tooth that’s missing, protecting the sensitive dental nerves and preventing bacteria from getting into the center of the tooth. For shattered teeth, they hold together the pieces so that we can save the tooth root.
Completing Dental Implants
A crown is the top choice for a final restoration to complete a dental implant. The final restoration connects to the implant post via a piece called an abutment. Each crown is custom-made to match the size, shape, and shade of the rest of your teeth. Combining this with the stability of an implant means that it’s the restoration choice that both looks and feels the most natural.
Dental Crowns FAQs
Dental crowns are the favored solution for various dental concerns. Learn more about dental crown treatment by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
Is the dental crown procedure painful?
The tooth preparation can cause minor discomfort, but most patients are comfortable with a local anesthetic. If you experience dental anxiety or have concerns about your comfort, we will discuss sedation dentistry options during your consultation. We aim to enable you to receive the dental care you need while feeling relaxed and confident.
Can I eat after getting a dental crown?
You can eat after getting a dental crown, but waiting until the numbness from anesthesia wears off is a good idea. After placing a permanent crown, you may want to avoid hard or sticky foods for a short time as your crown sets. Once fully settled, you can eat normally with a dental crown.
How long does a dental crown last?
A dental crown is designed to last at least ten years, although most patients who maintain good oral health will have their crown for many more years. Routine dental care is important so that we can monitor the condition of the crown and alert you to any early signs of wear or damage. This is why we recommend our patients see us every six months so that we can keep a close eye on their dental crowns and their overall oral health.
Can a dental crown be whitened?
No, dental crowns cannot be whitened with traditional teeth whitening products. Crowns are made from materials like porcelain or ceramic, which do not respond to whitening agents. If you are considering teeth whitening, it’s best to whiten your natural teeth before getting a crown to match the color.
Are dental crowns noticeable?
Dental crowns can be made to look very natural and blend in with your surrounding teeth. Porcelain and ceramic crowns are designed to match the color and shape of your natural teeth, making them nearly indistinguishable. Metal crowns are more noticeable but are usually placed on back teeth where they won’t be seen.
Schedule an Appointment
The best way to determine if a dental crown will meet your cosmetic and restorative needs is by scheduling an appointment with our team. We will evaluate your smile’s current condition and determine your options. When you choose Garner Cosmetic and Family Dentistry for your dental crown needs, know that we will provide you with comprehensive and compassionate care throughout the process. We love what we do and look forward to assisting you with your cosmetic and restorative dental needs.