If you need a new dental crown or an old one replaced, Chapel Hill Family & Cosmetic Dentistry can provide you with a stable, natural looking restoration. Crowns are a common dental treatment and extremely essential to helping maintain the integrity of a damaged or weak tooth.
A tooth crown is often referred to as a cap because it covers the entire tooth offering protection and stability. Dr. James Furgurson and Dr. Nathan White offer crowns made from several different types of materials. The process to have a cap placed requires several visits to our Durham area dentist office. Our office also provides additional dental services in Durham, NC.
3d render of teeth in gums with dental crown restoration
Dental Crowns Offer Protection For Your Tooth
Dr. Furgurson and Dr. White will recommend a dental crown for many restorative dentistry purposes. The following dental concerns are the most commons reasons:
- Strengthen and protect a tooth after root canal therapy
- Protect a weak broken tooth that has a crack in it
- Replace an old, large cavity
- Anchor a dental bridge
- Restore a single missing tooth anchored by a dental implant
Cosmetic Purposes for Dental Crowns
Not only will Dr. Furgurson and Dr. White use crowns for restorative purposes, they can also use them for cosmetic reasons. Thanks to advances in dental technology, we can fabricate tooth crowns to look just like natural teeth. Since they cover the entire tooth, a cap can hide many tooth imperfections. The cosmetic reasons we may recommend a dental crown include:
- Cover yellow or severely stained teeth, instantly whitening them
- Disguise misshaped or crooked tooth
- Hide gaps in between teeth
- Lengthen teeth that are too short
Using crowns as a cosmetic dentistry treatment is a cost effective solution to improve the appearance of your smile. Other treatments such as porcelain veneers are much more expensive.
The Dental Crown Process
The dental crown process will require several trips to our Durham area dentist office. Your dentist will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine if a tooth crown is right for you.
To begin the crown process, your dentist will first need to prepare your tooth. First, Dr. Furgurson or Dr. White will need to remove the old crown or filling. Second, he will remove the decay and clean the tooth. He will also have to grind off enough of the tooth structure to accommodate the tooth cap. Third, our team will take dental impressions of your teeth to send to the dental laboratory. The dental lab will fabricate your new crown and send it to us. While we wait, we will place a temporary crown on the tooth to protect it and allow the tooth to function normally.
We will have your new crown ready in about two to three weeks. At your next appointment, our dentist will remove the temporary dental crown then attach the new, customized crown. Our dentist will make any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit before he permanently bonds the crown to the tooth. As experienced dentists, Dr. Furgurson or Dr. White guarantee your tooth crown is both aesthetically pleasing and supports your long term dental health with a comfortable fit. Your new crown will only require the same care as your other teeth.
How long does it typically take to complete a dental crown treatment?
It usually takes about two weeks for your dentist to complete a dental crown treatment. The process of dental crowns starts with an impression of the tooth. Then, a lab technician makes the crown. Next, your dentist places it on the tooth. The dentist will make sure that the fit is perfect before cementing it in place.
Are there any risks associated with dental crowns?
One of the risks associated with dental crowns is the possibility that it may not fit properly. If this happens, then your tooth may not have enough support and the crown will eventually fall out. Another risk is that your tooth may have nerve damage or decay underneath the crown. This can lead to pain, infection, and even tooth loss if left untreated.
Can dental crowns be done in one visit?
Dental crowns are a type of dental restoration that covers a damaged tooth after your dentist repairs it. Your dentist can provide a crown in one visit, but it is not always the case. It depends on the type of dental crown and the extent of damage. Same-day crowns are complete using CEREC software and tools.
How bad does getting a crown hurt?
Getting a crown can be a prickly experience. But don’t let it scare you from the dentist. With the proper sedation, most people report that it’s not as bad as they thought it would be. In fact, many people find that their teeth feel much cleaner and healthier after getting a crown!