Oak Grove Family and Cosmetic Dentistry provides dental services for patients of all ages, including dental crown treatment in Durham, NC. Dr. Chavala Harris is your local restorative dentist. She offers dental crowns for patients with severely damaged or decayed teeth to prevent the need for tooth extraction.
Our office provides porcelain crowns. Also known as dental caps, they fully cover and protect teeth. Crowns are a restorative dentistry service that renews a tooth’s look and function.
The Many Uses of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are among the most popular dental treatments because they treat various cosmetic and restorative dental concerns. They can:
Cover Tooth Stains
When you have a discolored tooth, the go-to solution is professional teeth whitening. However, not all tooth stains respond to traditional whitening treatments. Stains from medication and teeth that are “dead” won’t respond to bleaching techniques. Dental crowns can match any shade of white you desire to treat stubborn tooth discoloration. They completely cover the tooth, so the discolored tooth is hidden.
Protect Teeth After a Root Canal
One of the most common uses for a dental crown is to stabilize the tooth after a root canal. During a root canal, we remove the infected pulp from inside the tooth. We clean the area, fill it with biocompatible material, and seal the tooth. However, that isn’t always enough.
Depending on the state of the tooth, its walls can be fragile and brittle. We want to ensure you have the same stability as you would before the root canal. A dental crown provides that and seals the tooth further from future infection.
Dental crowns are often the last defense for a tooth before tooth extraction. They can fix severe breakage or decay. Fillings and other restorations aren’t enough to keep the tooth stable and useful. A dental crown keeps the pieces of the tooth together and gives you back the function of your tooth.
Cover Misshapen Teeth
Misshapen or deformed teeth can make you self-conscious and cause functional problems. Based on where the tooth is located in the mouth, it can also impact how you chew or speak.
When we cover teeth with crowns, we match the crown’s shape, size, and color with the rest of your teeth so it blends seamlessly. We can also create the appearance of a more even smile or close gaps between teeth.
Support Dental Implants and Bridges
Dental crowns are the most common choice to complete a dental implant restoration. When topped with a dental crown, a dental implant looks and feels like a natural tooth. We can also use crowns to fortify natural teeth to support a dental bridge.
This eliminates the stress and strain it can put on your natural teeth. Instead of your teeth wearing down faster because of the bridge, the crown takes on all the weight.
Getting a Dental Crown in Durham, NC
If you have a severely broken or decayed tooth, you may think it is a lost cause. However, often, we can save most of your natural tooth structure by replacing the entire outside of an affected tooth with a dental crown.
Preparing the Tooth
First, our dentist will numb the area around your tooth to make sure you don’t feel any pain. Then, they’ll reshape your tooth by removing a small amount of the outer layer. Reshaping makes space for the crown to fit over the tooth.
Because the crown replaces the entire exterior of your natural tooth, this procedure requires more enamel removal than options like porcelain veneers. If your tooth is severely damaged, our dentist may need to build it up with filling material before treatment.
Taking Impressions
Next, our dentist will take an impression of your reshaped tooth. This impression helps create a custom crown that will fit your tooth perfectly. While your permanent restoration is made in a dental lab, you’ll get a temporary one to protect your tooth.
Placing the Crown
Once your custom crown is ready, you’ll return for a second visit. During this appointment, our dentist will remove the temporary crown and check the fit of the permanent one.
After we place the crown, we will make sure your bite feels comfortable and adjust it if needed. Once everything feels right, we cement the crown in place. Finally, we polish your new tooth covering for a natural shine.
How to Take Care of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns can last up to 20 years or more, but you must take care of them so they last. Follow these tips:
Gently Brush and Floss
First, brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss at least once daily. If you can, brush and floss after every meal. This eliminates plaque buildup on and around your restoration. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles to ensure you don’t scratch your crowns.
Visit Our Office
Please visit our office for checkups every six months. At your visits, we’ll check the crown to ensure it’s still in good shape and fits well. If the crown becomes loose, food and bacteria can get underneath it and harm your natural tooth. If this happens, we’ll replace the crown with one that fits properly to keep your tooth healthy.
Protect Your Crowns
We recommend a mouthguard if you grind or clench your teeth at night. We must protect the crowns from any extra pressure. While durable, they aren’t indestructible. You should also avoid biting down on hard or sticky foods directly with your tooth cap. These things can damage or displace the crown.
Dental Crown FAQs
Learn more about dental crown treatment in our Durham, NC office by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions:
What are the different types of dental crowns?
Different types of crowns include:
- Porcelain: These crowns use tooth-colored materials. They are popular because they look just like natural teeth and are a great option for front teeth.
- Metal: These are very durable and last a long time. They are usually made of gold, platinum, or other metals, but they are not as natural-looking as porcelain. Metal crowns are often used for back teeth because they can handle heavy chewing.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM): These crowns have a strong metal core that gives them durability, and they are covered with a layer of porcelain to make them look natural. This combination provides a nice balance between strength and appearance. However, sometimes, the metal can be visible near the gum line.
- Zirconia: This is a strong and tooth-colored material. These crowns are durable and look good, making them a good choice for both front and back teeth. However, they can cost more than other options.
- Resin: These are made of composite resin. While they are less expensive, they are also less durable and may wear down or break more easily than other types. Many same-day crowns use resin materials.
When will I need a crown instead of a filling?
You might need a dental crown instead of a filling when your tooth is too damaged or weak for a filling to fix it properly. If you have a big cavity that takes up too much of your tooth, a filling may not be strong enough to support the tooth. A tooth cap covers and protects the entire tooth, making it stronger.
A filling can fix small cracks or chips. However, if you have larger areas of damage, a crown will hold the tooth together.
Do crowns only cover the molars?
No, they don’t just cover molars. We can place crowns on any tooth that needs extra protection or repair. Molars (the back teeth) often get crowns because they do a lot of heavy chewing and can get damaged easily. However, we can also place them on chipped, cracked, or weakened front teeth.
Can I get dental crowns in one day?
Yes, you can get same-day crowns. CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) allows dentists to create and place ceramic restorations in just one appointment. It eliminates the need for multiple visits to the dentist’s office.
How much are dental crowns?
The cost of tooth crowns can vary depending on the material and number of crowns. Metal crowns tend to be less expensive than porcelain and porcelain-fused-to-metal options. Tooth-colored materials are popular because they easily blend in with natural teeth.
Insurance might cover part of the cost if you need a crown to restore your teeth. However, cosmetic crowns might not be covered. Check with your insurance provider to find out the exact cost. We will also provide an estimate of the cost before treatment.
Protect Your Teeth
If you have a broken or severely decayed tooth, schedule an appointment with Dr. Chavala Harris or call 919-899-4467. We will restore your smile so you can achieve a healthy and beautiful smile with dental crown treatment in our Durham, NC, dentist’s office.