Oak Grove Family & Cosmetic Dentistry provides comprehensive dental services for patients of all ages, including advanced treatment options for damaged teeth such as a dental crown in Durham, NC. Dr. Erika Graham is your local restorative dentist. She provides dental crowns to patients with severely damaged or decayed teeth in order to prevent the need for tooth extraction. Learn more about dental crowns below.
Dental Crowns in Durham, NC
If you have a severely broken or decayed tooth, you may be thinking that it is a lost cause. However, often we can save most of your natural tooth structure by replacing the entire exterior of an affected tooth with a dental crown. Dental crowns are porcelain caps designed to replace the entire exterior of a tooth.
The natural tooth is shaped down to a foundational core which is used to support the crown. Then, the crown is placed on top of the foundational core using dental cement for a long-term tooth repair solution. Patients appreciate dental crowns because it allows them the chance to avoid unnecessary tooth extraction.
Because the dental crown replaces the entire exterior of your natural tooth, this procedure requires more enamel removal than options like porcelain veneers. Additionally, the dental crown goes above and beyond correcting the aesthetics of an affected tooth. They also restore the functionality of the tooth, allowing you to chew and speak properly.
Once complete, your dental crown restoration will blend in seamlessly with your smile and function just as your natural tooth would. With proper oral hygiene and biannual dental appointments, your dental crown should last you for many years before needing to be replaced.
Tooth Crown FAQs
When does a patient need a dental crown?
If you have a damaged tooth, your dental provider may recommend a crown to restore the shape and function of your tooth. Crowns cover teeth after root canals or large fillings and repair cracked or weakened teeth. They also provide coverage over the abutment of a dental implant to replace a single missing tooth. This versatility makes them a popular and common dental restoration.
Can I receive dental crowns in one day?
Yes, it is possible to receive dental crowns in one day. Your dentist will use CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics). This technology allows dentists to create and place ceramic restorations, such as crowns, in just one appointment. As a result, this eliminates the need for multiple visits to the dentist office. However, not all dental offices offer this service. It is best to check with your dentist.
Schedule An Appointment
If you have a broken or severely decayed tooth, schedule an appointment with our Durham, NC dentist office. We will ensure that your smile is restored so you can achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.