Dental Crown
Broken or decayed teeth can cause pain, difficulty chewing and speaking, and feelings of self-consciousness.
A dental crown can be placed over the tooth to restore form and function, allowing you to chew, speak, and smile with confidence.
So why should I consider a dental crown?
Dental Crowns Can Restore Your Teeth In a Way That Looks and Feels Natural
A crown can repair and protect your tooth.
A dental crown is placed over the affected tooth after treatment for trauma or decay, protecting it from further damage and often preventing the need for extraction.
Dental crowns are a trusted, durable solution.
Dental crowns are made of strong materials that are designed to withstand normal biting forces. They can last 10 years or more with proper care.
Dental crowns look just like your other teeth.
Dental crowns are made from high-quality materials that can be matched to the shade of surrounding teeth. They also mimic the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth.
Show me how dental crowns work...
Tooth Decay & Dental Damage Are Common Among Patients of All Ages
*According to the American Dental Association.
What problems can a dental crown solve?
Weakened Tissue, Lost Teeth, Deep Stains, and More
Tooth Decay and Damage
Crowns can strengthen teeth that have been significantly damaged by tooth decay or trauma. They provide coverage when a tooth cannot be repaired with a filling, inlay, or onlay.
Root Canal
If decay has reached the inner portion of your tooth, your doctor may recommend root canal treatment. Following a root canal, your doctor will typically cover your tooth with a dental crown to protect the remaining tissue.
Cosmetic Issues
Dental crowns can conceal cosmetic imperfections such as intrinsic stains and disproportionately sized teeth. Although porcelain veneers and dental bonding also hide flaws, they may not provide enough coverage in some cases.
Missing Teeth
Single missing teeth can be replaced with implant-supported dental crowns. Unlike traditional dental bridges, implant-supported crowns do not require modification of your adjacent teeth. Implants also prevent jawbone recession following tooth loss.
Crowns require a certain amount of healthy dental tissue for support. If your teeth are too compromised to support a dental crown, an extraction might be necessary. If this is the case, your doctor can replace your tooth with a dental implant and custom crown.
Aren't Fillings, Inlays, and Onlays Cheaper?
In most cases, yes - however, they may not be the best solution for your needs. Fillings, inlays, or onlays can be used to replace a decayed or damaged portion of a tooth. While these solutions may be a suitable option for minor cavities or trauma, a dental crown is needed for more severe issues because it can provide much greater protection. A crown can range from $500 to $2,500 per tooth depending on the material used. Most insurance plans cover at least part of this cost.
Show me how dental crowns are placed...
After your dentist has treated the decay or damage, he or she will remove additional tissue to create a base for your crown. Finally, the crown is attached using dental cement.
Dental Crown Placement Can Be Completed in One or Two Appointments:
Your dentist will determine whether a dental crown is the best solution for you. If so, you will work together to decide which material is best for your needs.
Damaged or decayed portions of the tooth will be removed.
The tooth will be reshaped and resized to create a base for the crown.
The dentist will take impressions of the tooth. If the practice has an in-office milling machine, you can receive your personalized dental crown in a single appointment. Otherwise, you will need to wait about one to two weeks while the crown is made in an offsite lab.
The dentist will place your crown over the tooth and make sure it fits comfortably.
The crown will be secured in place using dental cement, and your dentist can make any necessary adjustments to achieve a proper fit. No downtime is required. Some patients experience mild sensitivity after receiving their crown, but this typically resolves after a few days.
The Results Look Natural
Because a dental crown is designed to look, feel, and function just like a natural tooth, others probably will not notice that you have had dental work. After receiving your permanent crown, you can expect to be able to speak more clearly and chew more comfortably. If you received a dental crown to achieve a cosmetic upgrade, the results can provide improved self-confidence.
Show me what the results can look like...
Making Your Crown Last
Although crowns are made with high-quality materials, they are not indestructible. You will eventually need to replace your dental crown with a new restoration, but there are a few things you can do to help your crown last, including:
- Watching what you eat: Avoid hard and sticky foods, which can damage or dislodge your crown.
- Practicing good oral hygiene: For the most part, you can care for a dental crown much like your natural teeth. However, be sure to use a non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching the porcelain. Floss front to back rather than up and down so that you do not dislodge your crown.
- Visiting your dentist regularly: During your biannual dental exam, your dentist can make sure that your crown is still in good shape.
- Minimizing wear and tear: If you grind your teeth, be sure to wear a nightguard to avoid excessive wear on your crown. You should also avoid habits such as opening packages with your teeth and biting your nails.
Poorly manufactured crowns are also more likely to break early on, which is why it is important to receive your crown from a reputable dentist. Your dentist should also ensure that your crown fits properly in your smile. Crowns are not designed to bear the brunt of your bite. If your bite force is not evenly distributed across your dental arch, your crown can sustain irreparable damage.
*According to research published in The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry.
I think I may need a crown...
A Customized, Reliable Solution
Dental crowns are available in a variety of materials that can be customized to provide a natural appearance while restoring your ability to speak clearly and chew properly.
Neglecting to treat a weakened tooth can result in many serious oral health issues requiring expensive and invasive treatment. Schedule an appointment today to determine whether a crown or another solution is the best way to meet your needs.
