Dental Crowns
When a tooth is badly decayed or significantly damaged, a dental crown may be used to help the tooth regain its strength and integrity. As part of our general dentistry treatments at Three Creek Dentistry, we are proud to offer beautiful custom crowns to patients who need them. While a crown can sometimes be used cosmetically, most patients benefit from this type of restoration when they have notable tooth damage or even missing teeth. A crown can be secured to a dental implant or to attach a dental bridge on either side. To learn more about the versatility of dental crowns and how one may improve your smile, please schedule a consultation with us.
Restore Cracked or Damaged Teeth
A crown serves as a dental “cap” for a damaged tooth. It can be made of natural-looking porcelain or ceramic and encases all visible surfaces of the tooth. After a crown is placed, you should be able to care for and use your tooth just like normal. At Three Creek Dentistry, we take ample time to ensure your crown is tailored for optimal comfort and appearance. Our advanced technology allows us to take detailed measurements of your smile so that your restoration is a seamless fit. Dental crowns are an excellent way to restore teeth that are cracked or damaged. They are often used after root canal therapy, to ensure the affected tooth is properly protected in the future.
Dental Inlays and Onlays
There are situations in which a tooth may be damaged beyond what a simple dental filling can repair. However, the tooth may not be compromised enough to warrant a full crown. In such cases, a dental inlay or onlay may be recommended. Inlays and onlays are used on the back teeth or the molars. You can trust that our inlays and onlays are comprised of strong, tooth-colored material, and they effectively restore a large area of decay or other type of damage.
Dental Crown FAQsHow does the dental crown procedure work?
Once a local anesthetic is administered and the teeth and gums are completely numbed, our team carefully reshapes the tooth that is receiving the crown so that the crown will fit comfortably and look natural. Then, impressions of the tooth have to be taken so that the crown can be designed based on the unique shape and size of the tooth. A temporary crown is placed, and the impressions are sent to an off-site lab. Once the permanent crown arrives in about a week or two, the temporary crown is removed, and the permanent one is placed.
How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns can last between 10 and 15 years when treated well. While there are no real food restrictions that come with crowns, patients should be careful not to use their dental crowns to chew anything that they would not chew with natural teeth, like hard candy or ice cubes. Dental crowns are excellent at protecting the teeth that they cover, but patients should still be sure to visit our office regularly and practice good oral hygiene at home to prevent tooth decay from developing underneath the crown.
What are the benefits of dental crowns?
While a dental crown placement may not be an appointment that you look forward to, dental crown procedures are much less invasive than other restorative treatments like dental implants. Dental crowns are also more cost-effective than other options like veneers, which is a common reason why patients will opt for crowns over veneers. Dental crowns are also durable and designed to blend in with the surrounding teeth, so they will not stand out from any natural teeth or other restorations. Still not sure if a crown is right for your smile? Feel free to contact our office for assistance!
At Three Creek Dentistry, we never want your smile to be anything less than you deserve. Therefore, you can count on our Derwood practice to offer leading solutions in general, restorative and cosmetic dentistry. We work hard to provide easy scheduling, a comfortable visit and stress-free payments so that every patient is able to get the timely treatments their smile demands.
Contact us today to learn more about custom crowns and onlays from Three Creek Dentistry.