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 our Chapel Hill dentist office. Patients sometimes call dental crowns “caps” because your dentist places them over the tooth, covering the entire tooth structure. Chapel Hill dentists 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 to design a personalized treatment plan that will restore the tooth to optimal health and function. We 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.
- Tooth Preparation – Once we finalize the treatment plan, we will prepare the teeth by removing a small amount of the natural tooth structure. This will accommodate the dental crown. Then we will place a temporary tooth cap on the tooth. Next, we wait for the ceramist to fabricate the final restoration at the dental laboratory.
- Final Restoration – In about 2 to 3 weeks, you will return to our Chapel Hill dentist office for the delivery appointment. 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
Chapel Hill dentists Dr. James Furgurson and Dr. Nathan White will recommend an implant-supported dental crown to replace a single missing tooth if you qualify. It will be responsible for two things: supporting a dental crown that will replace the missing tooth and replace the missing tooth root.
This is the only tooth replacement option that replaces the tooth at the root which will reduce the possibility of bone loss. An implant-supported dental crown is better for your oral health and your overall health. A dental implant-supported restoration will function just like a natural tooth.
Dental Crown FAQs
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. Properly caring for your new crown will result in it last longer.
Can you whiten a dental crown?
No, we cannot whiten a dental crown, like other dental restorations, even with professional teeth whitening. If you desire a whiter smile, you should get teeth whitening the same time you get a 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.