If you have a damaged tooth or a tooth with severe decay, you will most likely need a dental crown. Dr. Zhang uses this prosthetic device as a restorative dentistry treatment to restore teeth. Dental crowns allow teeth to function normally again. Our crowns help patients improve their oral health, preserve their natural teeth, and avoid tooth extractions.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown, or cap, is an overlay that covers the visible part of a tooth. A permanent dental restoration, it will protect the tooth and the filling that your dentist places in the tooth. The cap will go all the way down to the gum line, encasing and protecting the whole tooth.
We will design your crown to mimic your tooth’s natural color, shape, and size. Our dental crowns consist of dental-grade porcelain. However, we can create one in gold, platinum, or silver. The coloring of the crown depends on the material we use.
Once it’s in place, the cap provides structural support and protection for the now-weakened tooth. This will prevent the tooth from enduring further harm. Dr. Jack Zhang can provide you with a dental crown in Cary, NC, to restore your tooth and your oral health.
Types of Dental Crowns
We typically create dental crowns from porcelain. However, it is important to offer them in other materials. Having multiple options allows us to tailor the choice to the specific needs and preferences of each patient.
Factors such as the location in the mouth, visibility, and cosmetic concerns will influence which material your crown will consist of. Dr. Zhang will work closely with you to determine which type of dental crown will work best for you and your needs. He will balance functionality and aesthetics for the best long-term outcome. Some of our offerings include:
- Solid Zirconia Crowns
- Ceramic Crowns
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal/Zirconia Crowns
- Gold Crowns
- Conservative Onlays and Inlays
At Kildaire Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we want you to feel confident and happy with your smile. We believe that you should repair damaged or infected teeth so you get the same confidence that having natural teeth gives you. Our mission is to give you a healthy and gorgeous smile that makes you happy and self-assured.
Dental Crown Benefits
Dental crowns offer versatile solutions for both functional and aesthetic dental concerns. Dental crowns are important for preserving the oral health, function, and the appearance of a patient’s smile. They provide multiple benefits to our patients, including:
- Dental crowns are an excellent solution for an existing tooth that has too much damage for a filling.
- For teeth that are very weak, a crown will strengthen the structure and provide essential protection.
- Cosmetic dentists customize crowns to your needs so you have an easy recovery period.
- Crowns are a cost-effective solution that lasts, on average, between 5 to 15 years.
- They can provide support for a dental bridge by acting as the anchor for the restoration.
- Following a root canal, a dental crown will give the weak tooth protection and strength to prevent further damage or fracture.
- Crowns can improve the appearance of misshapen or discolored teeth, enhancing overall smile aesthetics.
- An implant-supported dental crown can replace a single missing tooth to restore natural function and appearance.
- By encasing a damaged tooth, crowns protect the tooth to prevent further decay and damage.
Dr. Jack Zhang’s Dental Crown Services
Restore your smile with a custom tooth crown that looks and acts just like a natural tooth. Kildaire Family and Cosmetic Dentistry believes that not only is it important that your teeth are healthy and preserved. Equally important is how you feel about the way your smile looks.
With modern dental technology, we can create a crown in a simple office visit. Most dental crown procedures require minimal recovery time and will completely transform your damaged or broken teeth.
Dr. Zhang will need to examine your teeth and mouth first. Then he will prepare an individual treatment plan to address your health concerns and cosmetic goals. Next, Dr. Zhang will prepare the tooth for the dental crown. He will need to remove old fillings or restorations if they are present.
He will also shave off a good portion of your natural tooth structure. This creates a solid foundation for the dental crown. Dr. Zhang will try on the dental crown to ensure a proper fit at your final appointment. Once satisfied, he will cement it onto the affected tooth.
The last step is to gently polish the new tooth crown. Using a soft polishing tool, the dentist will carefully smooth out rough edges or imperfections on the surface of the crown. Then, he will rinse and inspect it one final time to ensure that it meets the dentist’s quality standards.
Dental Crown FAQs
Learn more about dental crowns by reading through our frequently asked questions section. If you have further questions or concerns, please contact our dental office during regular office hours.
How long will my dental crown last?
The life of a crown varies from patient to patient. However, with proper diet and good oral hygiene, you can extend the life of your dental crown. In most cases, they last eight to fifteen years. However, with the proper dental care and a great oral hygiene routine, they can last even longer.
Can I whiten my tooth crown?
You can not whiten a tooth crown using traditional teeth whitening methods. However, you can take steps to prevent stains and reduce the effect of discolored teeth. Reduce your coffee and soda consumption, and use smokeless tobacco if you are a smoker.
Do I always need a same-day dental crown after a root canal?
Yes, your dentist should reinforce the tooth with a dental crown following root canal treatment. Without structural reinforcement, your tooth becomes susceptible to further decay, fractures, and tooth damage.
Does dental insurance cover a dental crown?
Dental insurance does cover a portion of the cost of dental crowns, especially when the procedure is medically necessary. Crowns are medically necessary when a patient needs them because of tooth decay, fracture repair, and other dental issues.
However, coverage can vary depending on the type of crown and the terms of your specific insurance plan. You should review your dental insurance policy or speak with your provider. They will inform you and help you understand the extent of coverage for dental crowns in your situation.
What should I expect after I get a dental crown?
Experiencing some sensitivity afterwards is normal. This should fade after a short period. Sometimes it takes a crown a while to settle properly, and this can cause mild soreness for some patients.
If you experience pain while biting, please contact us for a follow up visit. We will check to see if the crown is sitting too high on the tooth. If the crown comes loose or falls out, please reach out to us immediately.
Contact Our Cary, North Carolina Dental Office!
Do you want to treat damaged or discolored teeth? Call Kildaire Family & Cosmetic Dentistry at 919-823-7107 or request a consultation with Dr. Zhang online for dental crown treatment today.