Dental Crowns at Chapel Hill Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
A dental crown can serve both restorative and cosmetic purposes. The procedure is one of the most common treatments at Chapel Hill Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. Patients sometimes call dental crowns “caps” because your dentist places them over the tooth, covering the entire tooth structure. If you need a dental crown in Chapel Hill, NC, Dr. James Furgurson and Dr. Nathan White use a variety of high-quality materials to add strength and durability to weakened teeth.
We may recommend a dental crown to address any of the following dental concerns:
- Replace worn or unsightly metal fillings
- Improve the appearance of stained or discolored teeth
- Correct misshapen or uneven teeth
- Restore tooth cavities or cover teeth after root canal therapy
- Repair cracked, worn or broken teeth
- Restore dental implants
Dental Crown Before & After
This patient came to our Chapel Hill dentist office bothered by the appearance of her smile. She had discolored teeth that didn’t match with the rest of her smile. Dr. Furgurson used ceramic tooth crowns to cover the front teeth for a natural-looking restoration.
About Our Dental Crown Procedure
- Initial Visit – First, Dr. Furgurson or Dr. White will conduct a thorough examination of the teeth, gums, jaw joints, and other support structures. Using diagnostic x-rays, molds, and impressions, we look for hidden signs of decay, stress, and instability. This exam will help us design a personalized treatment plan to restore the tooth to optimal health and function. Your dentist will inform you of the various options you have for dental crowns and help you make the best choice for your long-term oral health and the aesthetics of your smile. They will discuss the procedure, potential risks, benefits, and address any concerns or questions you may have.
- Tooth Preparation – Once we finalize the treatment plan, we will book your first of two dental crown appointments. During this first appointment, your dentist will prepare the tooth being treated. This process begins with your dentist numbing the area around the tooth for your comfort. Then they will remove a small amount of the tooth structure from the outer structure to create room for the crown. A tooth with extreme damage may need a dental filling to build it back up.
- Dental Impressions – Once the tooth is ready, we will take dental impressions. These molds of your teeth will be used by a ceramist to fabricate the final restoration at the dental laboratory. We will also take dental impressions to create a temporary dental crown.
- Temporary Dental Crown – Your dentist will use a dental impression of your teeth to create a temporary dental crown. This temporary crown will be placed on the tooth to protect it, help maintain the shape of the tooth, and prevent tooth sensitivity. Patients need to remember that temporary dental crowns are not as durable as the final crown.
- Placing the Permanent Dental Crown – In about 2 to 3 weeks, you will return to our Chapel Hill dentist office where your dentist will place your final dental crown. First, your dentist will remove your temporary crown and clean the tooth to prepare it for the final crown. Your dentist will try on the dental crown to ensure a proper fit. Then they will secure it for a permanent fit. Your final restoration will blend in naturally with the rest of your smile.
Implant-Supported Dental Crown
Dental crowns are also an excellent dental tool to replace a missing tooth. Chapel Hill dentists Dr. James Furgurson and Dr. Nathan White will recommend an implant-supported dental crown to replace a single missing tooth. For patients that qualify, they will insert a single dental implant into the jaw bone at the void. Then they will attach a custom dental crown to the implant fixture. The dental implant will not only support the dental crown, but it will also replace the missing tooth root.
An implant-supported dental crown is better for your oral health and your overall health. It will function just like a natural tooth. This is the only tooth replacement option that replaces the tooth at the root. Because of this, you will enjoy a replacement tooth that mimics a natural tooth. It will lower your chance of bone loss in the jaw, preserve the natural surrounding teeth, and it offers better stability and durability.
Dental Crown FAQs
Learn more about dental crowns by reading through our frequently asked questions section. We want our patients to feel confident about the care they receive from us. If you have further questions about dental crowns, please call our Chapel Hill dental office.
How long will my new dental crown last?
A typical crown can last between ten to thirty years. After you get a new dental crown, it will require proper care. If you properly care for your new crown, it will last longer. This includes brushing your teeth several times a day and flossing every day as well. You need to visit your dentist regularly to make sure the crown is functioning properly.
Can you whiten a dental crown?
No, we cannot whiten a dental crown, even with professional teeth whitening. If you desire a whiter smile, you should get teeth whitening before your dentist places your new dental crown. This way, it will match your newly bright surrounding teeth.
Should I avoid certain foods after I get my dental crown?
There are very few food restrictions after getting a dental crown. We do recommend avoiding hard foods such as nuts or seeds because they may crack the crown. This also includes avoiding ice as well as popcorn since you may bite into an un-popped kernel. Sticky foods such as steaks or chewy candy are capable of dislodging the crown, so avoid them as well.
Does a dental crown feel any different from a normal tooth?
You may be able to tell where the crown is located in your mouth when you feel your teeth with your tongue. However, the crown will look just like your natural, remaining teeth. Other people will not notice which tooth has a crown on it when you smile.
Can I get a crown if I have gum disease?
Yes, you can get a dental crown if you have gum disease. However, we must treat your gum disease first. Healthy gums help support your teeth and crowns. Treating gum disease can involve professional cleanings, scaling, and root planing to remove plaque and tartar.
Our dentist will also check the tooth that needs the crown. If the tooth is badly damaged or affected by gum disease, he will recommend additional treatments to ensure the tooth is strong enough to support the crown. Once your gum disease is under control and your tooth is healthy, our dentist can place the crown.
Does getting a dental crown hurt?
It is normal to experience some discomfort or sensitivity when your dentist is preparing the tooth for the dental crown and when they are placing the crown. However, it is usually minimal and manageable. Some pressure and vibrations from the dental tools can also be felt. Everyone’s pain threshold is different so this will be different for everyone. It is important to communicate with your dentist if you are experiencing any pain.
What is a partial crown?
If you suffer from tooth decay that is too large for a dental filling but not large enough for a full dental crown, then you could benefit from a partial crown. These are commonly called inlays and onlays. They are custom made dental restorations that work like dental crowns but do not cover the entire tooth. An inlay will repair an injury or decay found in the cusp of the tooth crown. An Onlay is designed to repair damage or decay that is affecting a large surface area on the tooth.
What should I do if my dental crown falls off?
If your dental crown falls off, don’t worry. First, look for the crown. If you can find it, pick it up carefully. Make sure to handle it gently to avoid damaging it. Rinse your mouth with warm water to keep it clean. This will help remove any food particles or bacteria.
If the crown is in good shape, keep it safe. You can place it in a small container or wrap it in a clean cloth. Call our dentist as soon as possible. Tell him what happened and ask for an appointment. He will advise you on what to do next and how quickly you should come in.
Schedule a Consultation for a Dental Crown in Chapel Hill, NC
Chapel Hill Cosmetic and Family Dentistry is your all-inclusive dentist office in Durham, Chapel Hill, and surrounding counties. We specialize in providing long-term solutions for damaged and missing. Call your restorative dentist, Dr. Furgurson, at 919.736.6175 or request a consultation online today.