Dental Crowns – Raleigh, NC
Restore Look, Feel, and Function
Do you have one or more teeth that just don’t shine like they used to? Whether they’re broken, stained, or dull, dental crowns in Raleigh are exactly what you’re looking for to solve your problem. These tooth-shaped “caps” fit snugly over the top of a tooth to restore look, feel, and function back to your smile. Made of either metal or dental porcelain, crowns can be used to fulfill both restorative and cosmetic purposes. If you’re looking to heal your tooth or make your smile shine a little brighter, contact us today for a consultation with Dr. Rensch or Dr. Laster, your trusted dentists in Raleigh.
Why Choose Connection Dentistry for Dental Crowns?
- Partnered with the Best Dental Labs in Raleigh
- Warm and Welcoming Office Atmosphere
- We Won’t Lecture You About the Condition of Your Teeth
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that goes over the top of a tooth that is broken, discolored, decayed, or otherwise flawed to restore structure, function, and even appearance back to it. When placed, a crown fully encases the visible section of the tooth. Crowns may be used to fill several purposes, such as:
- Protecting a weak tooth from breaking
- Holding together parts of an already broken tooth
- Covering a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t much natural tooth structure left
- Concealing misshapen, discolored, or stubby teeth
- Holding a dental bridge in place
- Covering a dental implant
The Crown Process
Getting a crown typically takes two visits. At the first appointment, we will likely take some X-rays to thoroughly examine your tooth. If we determine that there is severe decay, we may have to first perform root canal therapy before we can place the crown.
Before installing the crown, we will numb the area surrounding the tooth. Then, we will prepare the tooth for the crown by trimming up the enamel on the sides and chewing surface of the tooth. On the other hand, if a large amount of tooth structure is missing due to decay, we may instead use filling material to “build up” the tooth so it can support the crown.
Next, we will take impressions of the prepped tooth and send them off to the dental lab to design your crown. In the meantime, we’ll fit you with a plastic temporary crown to protect your tooth. You’ll have to be careful that temporary doesn’t come off in the next few weeks. Finally, once your permanent crown is ready, you’ll return to our office to have it placed.
Dental Crown Maintenance
Luckily, caring for dental crowns in Raleigh doesn’t require much additional effort compared to taking care of your uncrowned teeth. Make sure to brush and floss your crowned tooth regularly. Also, schedule periodic checkups and cleanings with Dr. Rensch or Dr. Laster so they can ensure your crown is in good condition and let you know when it needs to be replaced. Crowns typically last 10-15 years, but by taking good care of them, they can last even longer.
If you grind your teeth, you’ll want to avoid doing that, as it can wear down your crown. Fortunately, we offer custom nightguards to stop unconscious teeth grinding while sleeping.
Furthermore, don’t use your teeth as tools to open stubborn packaging or bags. They should be used for chewing food and nothing else. Avoid chewing on ice or biting into hard foods with your crowned tooth, as that could cause the crown to chip. When that happens, decay could enter through the crack and cause serious problems.