Do you have a damaged, chipped or broken tooth? A custom dental crown can treat a wide range of cosmetic and restorative dental concerns. A dental crown is a type of dental restoration that covers the tooth and provides support and protection. They act as caps that cover and protect teeth after a root canal. Dentists can use them to address damaged, misshapen, or stained teeth, as well as hold dental bridges in place. Tooth crowns can also cover dental implants.
Made of sturdy porcelain ceramic material, our dental crowns strengthen weak teeth and blend in with your natural teeth. Porcelain is the most common material for crowns because it is strong and looks natural. Each porcelain crown we provide is custom-fit to each patient. We believe that no two patients have the same smile, so we provide personal dental treatment plans that last a lifetime. Keep reading to learn about the process, and how to restore the structural integrity of your tooth with a crown today.
Dental Crowns Treatment in Charlotte, NC
Now you might ask yourself, what’s the process to get a dental crown? Well, first it starts with an oral health exam by Dr. Greg Reece. He will need to make sure that a dental crown is a proper treatment for your issue. Then, he will give you a diagnosis and recommend a treatment plan that may include other necessary dental work.
If you decide to move forward with the plan, it will take up to two visits to fit and place your new dental crown. The first visit is the preparation phase, and the next is the fitting of the dental prosthetic phase.
The preparation phase starts with a thorough cleaning. Our dentist will clean the affected tooth with gentle tools and make sure that he removes all infected material. Then, he will adjust the tooth’s shape to make room for the new crown. Next, Dr. Reece will take digital impressions of your mouth to get exact measurements. He may place a temporary crown on the tooth before you leave the office so that you can still use it.
While you wait for the fitting phase of the plan, Dr. Reece will send the measurements to our dental lab where they will create the new dental crown. Once we receive the new crown, our dental team will call you back in to the office. Next, we will remove the temporary crown and place the new crown on the prepared tooth. We will make sure that it fits properly and you are comfortable with the result before you leave.
You should still maintain your normal dental routine by brushing and flossing your teeth. Dental crowns may protect teeth, but they can’t prevent tooth decay.
Dental Crown FAQs
Dentists are able to treat both cosmetic and functional dental issues using dental crowns. Do you think a dental crown is a suitable fix for your dental problem? Well, Dr. Greg Reece answers your questions about dental crowns below.
How long do dental crowns last?
With proper dental care, dental crowns can last up to 30 years. Follow all instructions given to you by your dentist. Keeping a good routine oral hygiene schedule will guarantee long-lasting repairs.
Is it painful to receive dental crowns?
No. We will use a local anesthetic to numb the area that is receiving the dental crown, so the procedure shouldn’t be painful. You may feel some soreness after the procedure, but this should pass quickly.
Can dental crowns fall out?
Dental crowns can come loose as a result of tooth damage or decay. Dr. Reece will monitor the condition of your crown during routine dental care visits. If you notice any changes in the fit or comfort of your crown or it falls out, contact our Charlotte NC dentist office right away. We will advise you on how to address the problem, or to schedule an emergency appointment.
Am I a candidate for dental crowns?
Broken teeth that still have the tooth root intact can receive dental crowns. If the tooth root is still intact in your damaged tooth, chances are that you can get a dental crown for it. It may also work for you if the dentist can remove the infected material without removing the entire tooth. For example, after a root canal; the dentist fills the tooth and then caps it using a dental crown.
Patients with missing teeth may receive dental implants, dentures, or dental bridges. Patients with significant tooth decay can receive dental crowns. However, never assume that you need a specific treatment without consulting with your dentist first. Sometimes we can offer alternative treatments that can better address your issue.
Why do dentists use dental crowns?
A dentist can use a dental crown to restore and strengthen a tooth that is weak from decay, damage, a fracture or crack in the tooth, broken pieces, and more. He can also use a crown to fix cosmetic imperfections such as stains and permanent white spots. Our dentist can even use it to serve as the final restoration for dental implants, and as anchors for dental bridges.
However, the main purpose of a crown is to protect the tooth from further damage, and it will typically last for many years before needing any major repair work.
What are dental crowns made of?
Dental crowns specifically blend in with your natural smile. They consist of either porcelain dental ceramic, metal, plastic, or a combination of these elements. Porcelain dental crowns are the most common type of dental crown. The dentist can create different shapes and sizes to fit your mouth perfectly.
People with metal allergies benefit from porcelain crowns because they don’t contain any metal or other metallic material. On the other hand, metal dental crowns will typically last longer because they don’t require as much care as the other types of crowns.
Dentists often use plastic dental crowns on children who have lost baby teeth due to an accident or illness.
How do I take care of my new dental crown?
One of the best things about dental crowns is that they’re a permanent restoration. If you take care of dental crowns, they can last for 30 years. Luckily, you can take care of dental crowns using normal products and a standard oral healthcare routine. Your crowns should last a long time if you brush and floss regularly, along with routine visits to your dentist.
However, keeping an eye on your diet can also help. While dental crowns are durable, biting down on hard foods can crack or chip them. At appointments with Dr. Reece, he’ll make sure to take an extra look at your crown and the tooth under it. This is to ensure that the tooth underneath isn’t decaying and that there’s no damage to the crown.
Get a dental crown from Dr. Greg Reece today! Call Dentistry of the Queen City at 704-486-8911 to strengthen your teeth with dental crowns near you in our Charlotte, NC dental office. Dr. Reece and his staff make it their mission to provide high-quality dental care in Mallard Creek and the greater Charlotte area.