If you need a new dental crown or an old one replaced, Chapel Hill Family and Cosmetic Dentistry can provide you with a stable, natural-looking restoration. Crowns are a common dental treatment and essential to maintain the integrity of a damaged or weak tooth. A tooth crown is often called a cap because it covers the entire tooth, offering protection and stability. Dr. James Furgurson and Dr. Nathan White offer dental crown treatment in Durham, NC.
Crowns are made from several different types of materials. Placing a cap requires several visits to our Durham area dentist office, which also provides additional dental services.
What Do Dental Crowns Treat?
Dr. Furgurson and Dr. White will recommend a dental crown for many restorative dentistry purposes. The following dental concerns are the most common 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
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 veneers are much more expensive.
The Dental Crown Process in Durham, NC
The dental crown process will require several trips to our Durham dentist office. Our dentist will evaluate comprehensively to determine if a tooth crown is right for you. If you have a severe infection, he may recommend other treatments so you are in good oral health before treatment.
Our dentist will also not recommend a crown if you do not have enough of your natural tooth remaining. You must have at least 2 millimeters of our natural tooth left. If you are a good crown candidate, we will begin the treatment process.
Dental crown treatment includes these steps:
Tooth Preparation
To begin the crown process, your dentist must first prepare your tooth. First, Dr. Furgurson or Dr. White will 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.
Impressions and Temporary Crown
Third, our team will take dental impressions of your teeth to send to the dental laboratory. The 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 help it function normally.
Final Crown Placement
We will have your new crown ready in about two to three weeks. Our dentist will remove the temporary dental crown at your next appointment and then attach the new, customized crown. He will make any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit before permanently bonding the crown to the tooth.
As experienced dentists, Dr. Furgurson or Dr. White guarantee that your tooth crown is aesthetically pleasing and comfortable, supporting your long-term dental health. Your new crown will only require the same care as your other teeth.
How to Care For Crowns
Crowns do not require complicated care. To care for your dental crowns:
- Brush and Floss: Continue a good oral hygiene routine after you get your new crowns. Brush your teeth, gums, and crowns for two minutes twice a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss between your crowns and teeth to remove leftover food and bacteria.
- Don’t Use Teeth As Tools: While crowns are strong, we do not recommend that you use your crowns to try and open packages. We also recommend you stop biting your nails and avoid chewing on ice. You can potentially chip or dislodge your crown.
- Visit The Dentist: We recommend visiting our office twice yearly for regular check-ups. During these visits, we will thoroughly clean your teeth to help keep your crowns in good shape. Our team will also check your crowns to ensure they are secure and working well. Regular visits help us catch any issues early and keep your smile healthy.
Dental Crown FAQs
If you have more questions about dental crown treatment in our Durham, NC office, read answers to these common questions:
How long does it typically take to complete a dental crown treatment?
Our dentist usually takes about two weeks 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, our dentist places it on the tooth. Our dentist will ensure the fit is perfect before cementing it in place.
Do dental crowns look natural?
Yes, dental crowns can look natural. If you choose a crown made from materials like porcelain or ceramic, it can match the color of your natural teeth. This means it blends in well and is hard to notice when you smile or talk. Our dentist will make sure the crown looks just right and fits perfectly with your other teeth.
Do dental crowns have any risks?
One of the risks of dental crowns is that they may not fit properly. If this happens, 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. If left untreated, this can lead to pain, infection, and even tooth loss.
However, before we place crowns, we ensure you are completely healthy. We will provide treatment for cavities and gum disease if needed. Our dentist will also take accurate measurements of your tooth for a custom fit.
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 completed 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. Many people find that their teeth feel much cleaner and healthier after getting a crown.
How much are dental crowns?
The cost of dental crowns can vary depending on where you get them and the type of crown you need. Your number of crowns will also impact the total treatment cost.
Some types of crowns, like those made from metal or porcelain, can be more or less expensive. However, less expensive materials may not last as long. If you have dental insurance, it might help cover some of the cost. Talk to our dentist and your insurance provider to get a better idea of the price and what you might need to pay.
Protect Your Teeth
Call for dental crown treatment in Durham, NC, at 919.736.6175. You can also schedule an appointment with us on our website. Let us know if you have concerns or questions about crown treatment. We’re here to help.