Dental crowns are widely used dental restorations, serving both restorative and cosmetic purposes. Dr. Brent L. Blaylock places dental crowns in his Durham dentist office to address various dental health concerns and cosmetic dentistry needs.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom restoration that covers the entire tooth like a cap. Dr. Blaylock will take impressions of your teeth, and the lab uses them to fabricate the crown that will fit perfectly. The crown is cemented into place to provide a durable fit. It can mask many teeth imperfections, enhancing the appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth.
Crowns are a restorative dentistry treatment we provide to our patients in Durham, North Carolina. They add strength to a tooth to prevent further damage. To blend in with the rest of your natural teeth, we will color-match your tooth cap. Crowns are stain-resistant and can last many years if cared for properly.
About Dental Crowns
Dr. Blaylock may recommend the use of a dental crown for restorative or cosmetic reasons to address a wide range of dental concerns:
- Replace worn or unsightly metal fillings
- Improve the appearance of stained or discolored teeth
- Correct misshapen or uneven teeth
- Restore tooth cavities or cover teeth after root canal therapy
- Repair cracked, worn, or broken teeth
- Restore dental implants
The Dental Crown Process
A dental crown is a multi-step process, beginning with a thorough examination of the affected tooth and dental impressions, which will be used to create your custom crown. Depending on the location and severity of tooth damage, Dr. Blaylock will recommend the appropriate material for the crown.
Initial visit: Dr. Blaylock will prepare the tooth by gently removing a small amount of the tooth structure to accommodate the crown. We will place a temporary crown if necessary while the lab makes your final restoration.
Final restoration: Dr. Blaylock works closely with a local dental lab to fabricate your crown. Your new crown will be completed within 2-3 weeks, and when you return to his Durham dentist office for placement of your permanent restoration, Dr. Blaylock will make any final adjustments for a secure fit.
The dental crown procedure is relatively easy and pain-free, but Dr. Blaylock and his staff will work with you to ensure your comfort during treatment for the best result.
Dental Crown Options
Your dentist in Durham will discuss the types of dental crown material available and make a recommendation that is best suited to your particular dental or cosmetic concern and budget.
Gold crowns: A gold or metal crown is the most durable and best suited to larger teeth at the back of the mouth, such as molars, where the biting and chewing forces are the strongest. This type of crown requires the least removal of tooth structure.
Resin crowns: A resin dental crown can blend with the natural teeth, providing an aesthetically pleasing result for teeth that are visible when smiling.
Porcelain crown: A porcelain crown is the highest-quality ceramic dental crown, providing a natural-looking result that is durable and lasting. It is stain-resistant but requires more tooth structure removal to accommodate it.
The Uses of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are like protective caps that cover a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its shape, size, and appearance. We use them to help patients maintain healthy and attractive smiles in various dental situations.
Restoring Damaged Teeth
One of the primary uses of dental crowns is to restore teeth damaged due to decay, fractures, or other types of trauma. If a tooth is broken or worn down, a crown can provide the necessary protection and strength to function properly. This helps to prevent further damage, allowing the tooth to be used just like any other healthy tooth. By covering the entire tooth, the crown acts as a barrier against bacteria, which reduces the risk of further decay.
Protecting Weakened Teeth
Teeth can become weak for several reasons, such as large fillings, repeated dental work, or significant decay. A weakened tooth is more prone to breaking, leading to pain, infection, or tooth loss. Crowns provide extra support and stability to these fragile teeth, making them strong enough to handle the pressure of biting and chewing. By reinforcing the tooth’s structure, crowns help prevent it from cracking or breaking, which could require more extensive dental work.
Supporting a Tooth with a Large Filling
Sometimes, a tooth is so badly decayed or damaged that a regular filling is insufficient. When a large portion of a tooth is missing, a crown is often the best solution because it covers the entire tooth, providing much more stability than a filling alone. This is especially important for molars, which do most of the heavy chewing. Crowns ensure that the tooth can withstand the forces of biting without breaking apart, which is crucial for maintaining proper chewing function.
Holding a Dental Bridge in Place
Dental bridges replace one or more missing teeth. A bridge is held in place by crowns on the teeth next to the gap, known as abutment teeth. These crowns anchor the bridge securely, ensuring it stays in place while chewing or speaking. By using crowns as supports, bridges can provide a long-lasting and stable solution for missing teeth, improving the smile’s function and appearance.
Covering a Dental Implant
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots we place in the jawbone to replace missing teeth. Once the implant fuses with the bone, the dentist places a crown on top to complete the restoration. The crown is custom-made to match your natural teeth’ size, shape, and color, so it blends in perfectly. This process not only restores the look of a natural tooth but also provides the necessary strength and function, making it a popular and effective option for tooth replacement.
Improving the Appearance of Teeth
Crowns also improve the appearance of teeth. If a tooth is discolored, misshapen, or severely worn down, a crown can help enhance its look. Unlike veneers, which cover only the tooth’s front surface, crowns cover the entire tooth, offering a more comprehensive cosmetic solution. They can also close gaps between teeth, align slightly crooked teeth, and give you a more uniform and attractive smile.
After Root Canal Treatment
A root canal treatment removes the damaged or infected pulp inside a tooth, saving it from extraction. However, the tooth is often weak and vulnerable after the procedure. To protect it, we usually place a dental crown on top. This helps restore the tooth’s full function and prevent it from breaking, a common issue after a root canal. By sealing the tooth, the crown also helps keep bacteria out, reducing the chances of future infections.
Protecting Worn Teeth Due to Grinding
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can cause significant wear and tear on your teeth over time. This can lead to shorter teeth, tooth sensitivity, and even cracks. Crowns can cover these worn-down teeth, restoring them to their original size and shape. This improves the appearance of your teeth and protects them from further damage. In addition, crowns can help improve your bite, making it easier to chew and speak comfortably.
Dental Crown FAQs
Is getting a dental crown painful?
No. Getting a dental crown is no more painful than getting a dental filling. Your dentist will numb your mouth with local anesthesia so you do not feel discomfort. The process is quick, and you can complete it in two visits.
Do I need a dental crown after a root canal?
Most patients must cap their teeth with a crown after a root canal procedure. A dental crown protects your tooth from sensitivity, new cavities, and infections. Without it, you are more susceptible to many more tooth issues.
Does dental insurance cover dental crowns?
Yes, most dental plans cover the procedure because it’s a necessary part of restorative dental care. If you are unsure whether or not your specific plan covers tooth crowns, contact us today or your insurance provider for more information.
How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns can last anywhere from five to fifteen years, depending on the type and how well you take care of them. Tooth crowns made from porcelain or ceramic are usually the most durable, while gold crowns last the longest. If you have a dental crown that is starting to show signs of wear and tear, your dentist may need to replace it.
How long does it take to get a dental crown?
A dental crown typically requires two appointments. The first appointment is for taking impressions of your teeth, and the second appointment is for the dentist to place the crown.
Can dental crowns get cavities?
While crowns are not prone to producing dental decay, it is still possible for the teeth under them to develop cavities around restoration edges or form beneath a restored surface. Regular brushing and flossing can help protect your oral health by preventing such issues from arising.