A damaged, chipped, or broken tooth can cause more damage than you think. Fortunately, our dental crowns can address those issues and more. Our custom dental crowns can treat a range of cosmetic and restorative dental concerns. A dental crown is a type of dental restoration that covers the tooth to provide support and protection.
They act as caps that cover and protect teeth after a root canal. Dr. Reece can use them to address damaged, misshapen, or stained teeth, and hold dental bridges in place. He can also use tooth crowns to cover dental implants in our Charlotte, NC dental office.
Made of a sturdy porcelain ceramic compound, our dental crowns will strengthen your weak teeth. Porcelain is the most common material for crowns because it is strong and will blend in with your natural teeth.
Each porcelain crown we provide is custom-fit to each patient. We believe that no two patients have the same smile. That’s why we provide personal dental treatment plans that give you results 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
The process to get a dental crown first starts with an oral health exam with Dr. Greg Reece. He will need to make sure that a dental crown procedure is the right treatment for your issue. For example, crowns require enough tooth enamel to stay in place. Then, he will diagnose you and recommend a treatment plan that may include other necessary dental work.
It takes about two visits to fit and place your new permanent crown. The first visit is the preparation phase, and the next is to fit your new dental prosthetic in place.
The preparation phase starts with a thorough cleaning. Our dentist will clean the affected tooth using gentle tools and will make sure that he removes all the infected tissue. Then, Dr. Reece will gently shape the tooth to create space 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 our cosmetic dentistry so that you can still use it.
Dr. Reece will send the measurements to our dental lab while you wait for the fitting phase of the plan. There 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. A dental crown can be a perfect fix for your dental problems. The following are some common questions about dental crowns.
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, the procedure shouldn’t be painful because we will use a local anesthetic to numb the area. 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. Contact our Charlotte dental office right away when you notice changes in the fit or comfort of your crown. We will give you advice on how to address the problem, or schedule you for an emergency appointment.
Am I a candidate for dental crowns?
Broken teeth that still have the tooth root intact can get dental crowns. If the tooth root is still intact in your damaged tooth, chances are that you can get a dental crown. It may also work for you if our dentist can remove the infected tissue without removing the entire tooth. For example, our dentist fills the tooth and then caps it using a dental crown after a root canal treatment.
Patients with missing teeth may receive dental implants, dentures, or dental bridges. Patients with significant tooth decay, a cracked tooth, or a stained tooth can get dental crowns. However, never assume that you need a specific treatment without talking with a dentist first. Sometimes we can offer alternative treatments that can better-address your issue.
Why do dentists use dental crowns?
A dentist uses a dental crown to restore a weak tooth from decay, damage, a fracture, a crack, or broken pieces. He can also use a crown to fix cosmetic imperfections such as stains and permanent white spots. Our dentist can even use it to cap dental implants, and as anchors for dental bridges.
However, the main purpose of a crown is to protect the tooth from further damage. It typically lasts for many years before needing any major repair work.
What are dental crowns made of?
One of the best things about dental crowns is that they’re a permanent restoration. Your dental crowns can last for 30 years if you take great care of them. 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.
Will dental insurance cover the cost of dental crowns?
The coverage for your dental crowns procedure will depend on your specific dental insurance plan. In general, dental insurance can cover a portion of the cost of dental crowns. However, your specific coverage and reimbursement amount will be unique to your plan.
Review the details of your policy or contact your insurance provider to determine the coverage for new dental crowns. Additionally, our team can help you find financing options and payment plans to make your dental care affordable.
Get a high-quality dental crown in Charlotte, NC, from Dr. Greg Reece today! Call Dentistry of the Queen City at 704-486-8911 to strengthen your teeth with dental crowns near you. You can also schedule an appointment online anytime. Dr. Reece and his team strive to offer top-notch dental care in Mallard Creek and the greater Charlotte area.