Dental Crowns – Lillington
Build Up and Protect Your Damaged Tooth
Do you have a tooth that is broken, decayed, or otherwise structurally compromised? At Lillington Dental Care, we offer dental crowns to build up and protect your damaged teeth. A dental crown can restore the appearance and function of a compromised tooth, helping it to survive for much longer than it would have otherwise. To learn more about dental crowns or to schedule an appointment, give us a call!
Why Choose Lillington Dental Care for Dental Crowns?
- Made from Natural-Looking Materials
- Sedation Options for Anxious Patients
- We Welcome Dental Insurance
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a customized “cap” that is placed over the chewing surface of a decayed or damaged tooth. Crowns are crafted to completely cover the remaining structure of teeth, helping to preserve them while replenishing their natural shape and strength. There are multiple reasons why someone may need a dental crown. Here are some of the most common.
- Severe tooth decay that cannot be treated with a filling
- Physical injury to a tooth
- Weakened tooth structure that needs support
- Significant cosmetic imperfections
- Restoring a lost tooth that is being replaced with a dental implant
- Protecting a tooth that has been treated with root canal treatment
The Dental Crown Process
Dental crowns are placed over two separate appointments. During the first visit, we will start by numbing the area with a local anesthetic. Then, we will remove any damaged or decayed portions of the tooth structure. We will also remove a small amount of enamel from the circumference of the tooth to allow for the crown to fit comfortably. After the tooth is prepped, impressions are taken and sent to a dental lab where your new crown will be made. Our dental crowns are made from EMAX and zirconia because of their durability and natural appearance. A temporary crown is placed to keep your tooth protected until your final restoration is ready. In a couple of weeks, you will return to our practice to have your new dental crown secured in place.
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Crown
Dental crowns offer a wide range of benefits Here are some of the most common ones:
- Comfortable
- Natural-looking
- Customized for each patient
- Protects the underlying tooth
- Lasts 15+ years with proper maintenance
- Improves chewing ability
- Increases confidence
Dental Crown FAQs
Are Dental Crowns Permanent?
While they’re technically not permanent, dental crowns are definitely considered a long-term solution. On average, you can expect a dental crown to protect your tooth from anywhere from five to 15 years.
When Dr. Butler reshapes your tooth for a crown, that procedure is irreversible. Your tooth enamel cannot grow back, so that tooth will always need a dental crown for protection going forward. That being said, because dental crowns protect the underlying tooth from additional damage, they will allow your tooth to survive for much longer than it would have otherwise.
To ensure that your crown lasts for as long as possible, take excellent care of it with daily oral hygiene including brushing twice a day, flossing, wearing a sportsguard or nightguard and visiting Dr. Butler for your regular, biannual exam and cleaning appointments.
Do Dental Crowns Get Cavities?
While technically it’s impossible for a dental crown itself to get cavities, the tooth underneath it still can. In fact, a crowned tooth has approximately the same risk of decay as an uncrowned tooth does.
Poor oral hygiene makes it possible for bacteria and plaque to form around the gumline where your tooth meets the crown. They can then travel underneath the crown, wreaking havoc on the underlying tooth.
You can prevent cavities from forming in crowned teeth the same way you’d prevent them in any other tooth: by brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and visiting Dr. Butler for your regular, 6-month exam and cleaning appointments.
Are Dental Crowns Safe?
When placed by an experienced dentist, your dental crown should be 100% safe. Unlike metal fillings, metal dental crowns do not contain mercury, so there’s no reason to worry about toxicity. Tooth-colored crown materials such as ceramic and zirconia also contain zero toxins.
There is always a risk that a patient could have an allergic reaction to a particular metal alloy used in dental crowns. Although these reactions are typically minor, please inform Dr. Butler if you’ve experienced allergies or sensitivity to metal in the past, as he may choose to use a metal-free crown instead.
In some rare cases, a patient may have an adverse reaction to dental porcelain, but this is very unlikely.
Call Dr. Butler right away if you experience any gum irritation, redness, or swelling around your dental crown, as these could indicate an allergic reaction.
Can Dental Crowns Be Whitened?
No matter what material your dental crown is made of it cannot be whitened like your natural teeth can. Teeth whitening works because your tooth enamel has tiny pores through which bleaching gels can enter to break apart stains. Dental restorations like crowns do not have these pores, and therefore your crown should always remain the same color.
Metal-free crowns are designed to blend in with your surrounding teeth as closely as possible. To minimize the risk of your natural teeth becoming discolored and making your dental crown stand out, ask Dr. Butler about getting your teeth whitened before your crown is placed so it can be matched to the ideal shade of your smile.