Dental crowns or “tooth caps” serve various purposes and are among the most common dental treatments in our Greeley dental office. Dr. Thompson, your trusted dentist in Greeley, CO, can place all types of dental crowns depending on your oral health needs and cosmetic goals. We are your one-stop dental office for restorative dentistry services.
Dental Crowns: How Do They Work?
A dental crown covers all parts of the tooth and can address both cosmetic and functional dental issues. Dr. Thompson may recommend a dental crown for a range of reasons:
- Damaged teeth, including chipped or cracked teeth
- Strengthening a tooth after a root canal
- Restoring a missing tooth as part of a dental implant
- Changing the color or shape of a tooth and enhancing the appearance of your smile
A dental crown will stabilize your tooth in the event of a dental problem and help to maintain and support your long-term oral health.
The Dental Crown Process
Placing a dental crown is a two-phase process performed in the comfort of our dental office. A relatively straightforward process, Dr. Thompson will begin with a thorough exam and discussion of your cosmetic goals before choosing the type of crown that will best suit your needs.
The first step is to prepare the tooth by removing enough structure to accommodate the placement of the crown. Once this is complete, Dr. Thompson will take dental impressions for the design of your new crown. We use digital impressions for the best patient experience – no messy trays! We also offer dental sedation for anxious and fearful patients.
The dentist places a temporary crown while an expert ceramicist creates your new crown in a dental lab. Once complete, you will return to our office to place the final dental crown. Dr. Thompson will permanently secure the new crown and work with you to ensure a good fit and comfortable bite.
The Uses of Dental Crowns
Crowns are prominent in dentist offices because they can treat many conditions. Not only are crowns a restorative option, but they can be good fixes for cosmetic dental issues as well.
Cosmetic Corrections
Tooth discoloration is the most common cosmetic complaint among patients. Usually, professional teeth whitening is the solution we use. However, some discoloration resists traditional whitening techniques. Discoloration from trauma and deep staining from medications require something more. We can color-match a crown to any shade of white that you desire. A crown completely covers the discolored tooth, hiding it from view at every angle.
Misshapen and deformed teeth are prominently cosmetic issues, but they can impact function depending on where they are in your mouth. Speech works due to the tongue interacting with your teeth at certain angles. If they’re misshapen, the sounds aren’t consistent. Particularly with molars, they must be certain shapes to break down food properly. We custom-make dental crowns so that they’re the proper shape and size for your mouth, completely covering the deformed tooth.
Stabilizing Natural Teeth
A common use for dental crowns is stabilizing a tooth after a root canal. During a root canal procedure, we remove infected dental pulp from inside the tooth, replacing it with a biocompatible material. We sterilize and seal the tooth, but it doesn’t always give you back full function. A dental crown ensures a fully functioning, stabilized tooth while providing extra protection against further infection.
When you get a traditional dental bridge, teeth on each side of the bridge span serve as anchors to support the bridge. This puts a lot of stress on those teeth, as they support an entire restoration. Anchor teeth break down more quickly and are more likely to suffer from issues like tooth decay. We recommend getting dental crowns on each anchor tooth. Instead of your natural tooth structure taking on all that stress, the dental crown handles the bulk of it.
Treating Severely Damaged or Decayed Teeth
We practice conservative dentistry in our office. Our team does our absolute best to preserve the natural tooth structure. Dental crowns are usually our last option for severe damage or decay. If your tooth shatters, a dental crown holds together the fractured pieces so that we can save the tooth root. The crown also replaces the portion of your tooth that breaks off, protecting the dental nerves and preventing infection.
Tooth decay compromises the integrity of your tooth. A crown can help provide that missing integrity back. It also fills areas that are completely decayed, where you might be missing tooth structure completely. It protects the tooth from further decay and damage, as well as eliminating sensitivity.
Completing a Dental Implant
Dental crowns are the top choice to complete a dental implant. They’re the final restoration added to the implant post and abutment. When we make a dental crown, we do so specifically to match the size, shape, and shade of the rest of your teeth. Combined with a dental implant, this gives you a restoration that both looks and feels natural.
Dental Crown FAQs
Dental crowns are a popular dental fix we use in our office. Learn more by reading the answers to these frequently asked questions.
Is the dental crown process painful?
Most patients are comfortable with the use of a local anesthetic. We offer dental sedation options if you experience dental anxiety or receive other dental treatments. Dr. Thompson will discuss your needs during your initial consultation and review your medical history if necessary.
How long do dental crowns last?
A porcelain crown lasts many years, even a lifetime, with proper daily oral hygiene and regular dental care. During routine dental visits, we will monitor the condition of the crown and make any repairs as needed to keep your dental health stable.
Does insurance cover dental crowns?
Dental benefits will vary, and our staff will work with you individually to provide your estimated cost and maximize your dental health benefits. In many cases, the dental crown cost is partly covered by your dental insurance.
How many appointments does it take to get a dental crown?
A crown can be ready in just two appointments. The main reason is that crowns need a previous prepping to the tooth. Also, they are usually made in a dental lab. Therefore, the dentist makes a provisional restoration that you will wear until the crown arrives and it’s bonded to the tooth.
Will my dental crown match my teeth?
Yes. Nowadays, materials and technologies have improved to make dental crowns look just like your natural teeth. The dentist should ensure the dental crown’s color and texture match your natural teeth.
How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns last approximately from 5 to 15 years. However, crowns made with high-quality materials can last for more than 20 years, especially if the patient has good oral hygiene.
Schedule A Dental Appointment in Greeley
Thompson Advanced Dentistry in Greeley, CO welcomes new patients and offers personalized dental care for your needs and aesthetic goals. Our office is family-friendly, and our staff provides a great dental experience for all patients. To request an appointment, please call our office at 970.205.9614 or request a visit online.