What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a damaged, decayed, or weakened tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are made from durable materials like porcelain, ceramic, or metal, and are custom-designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Crowns are often used following procedures like root canals or large dental fillings to protect the tooth and prevent further damage.
Explore our comprehensive restorative dentistry services to learn how we can help restore your smile.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns offer numerous benefits, making them a popular choice for restoring teeth:
- Restores Function: Crowns restore the ability to chew and speak properly, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods without discomfort.
- Enhances Appearance: Custom-made to match your natural teeth, crowns provide an aesthetic solution that improves the look of your smile.
- Protects Weak Teeth: Crowns provide a protective barrier that shields weak or damaged teeth from further decay or breakage.
- Durability: With proper care, dental crowns are highly durable and can last many years, offering a long-term solution for tooth restoration.
Learn more about other restorative options, including dental bridges and dental implants, to find the best treatment for your needs.
When Are Dental Crowns Needed?
Dental crowns are used in various situations to restore the health and function of teeth, including:
- To Protect a Weakened Tooth: Crowns protect teeth that are weakened by decay, cracks, or large fillings, preventing further damage.
- Following Root Canal Therapy: After endodontic treatment, crowns are used to restore and protect the treated tooth.
- To Restore Broken or Severely Worn Teeth: Crowns can rebuild the structure of teeth that have been significantly worn down or fractured.
- For Cosmetic Improvements: Crowns can cover misshapen or severely discolored teeth, providing a complete smile makeover.
- To Anchor a Dental Bridge: Crowns are used to support dental bridges, filling gaps left by missing teeth.
Our experienced doctors will evaluate your dental health and recommend crowns if they are the best solution for your needs.
The Dental Crown Process at Palmetto Family Dental
Receiving a dental crown at Palmetto Family Dental involves a few key steps to ensure a perfect fit and optimal results:
- Consultation and Examination: During your initial visit, our team will assess the affected tooth using dental X-rays and discuss your treatment options. We will ensure that a crown is the best solution for your dental needs.
- Tooth Preparation: The damaged tooth is reshaped to make room for the crown. If needed, a temporary crown may be placed to protect your tooth until your custom crown is ready.
- Impressions and Crown Fabrication: We will take dental impressions of your tooth to create a custom crown that fits precisely. The impressions are sent to a dental lab where your crown is crafted from high-quality materials.
- Crown Placement: Once your crown is ready, it will be carefully fitted, adjusted, and cemented into place. The crown will restore the tooth’s function, appearance, and comfort.
Regular dental cleanings and check-ups will help maintain your crown and overall oral health.
Caring for Your Dental Crown
To keep your dental crown in excellent condition, follow these care tips:
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss daily to prevent decay around the crown and maintain the health of your gums.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Refrain from biting into hard objects or foods that could crack or damage the crown.
- Regular Dental Visits: Schedule routine visits to our locations to ensure your crown remains secure and your surrounding teeth stay healthy.
For further enhancement, consider combining your crown treatment with teeth whitening or other cosmetic services.
Convenient Locations and Expert Care
Palmetto Family Dental is proud to serve the communities of Fayetteville, McDonough, Palmetto, and Zebulon. Our caring and experienced team provides personalized care to meet your restorative needs. Visit our locations page to find the office nearest you.