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.
Dental Crowns FAQs
Do Dental Crowns Feel Natural?
After several days of wearing your new permanent dental crowns, they should start to feel more natural in your mouth. Since they’re durable enough to withstand daily pressure from chewing just like normal teeth, you won’t have to worry about them moving around when enjoying your food. Our team will also personalize your restorations so that they match perfectly with the rest of your unique smile, providing you with a natural-looking and comfortable solution for repairing compromised teeth. You may notice a mild difference when touching your dental crown with your tongue, but you should be able to adjust to the new feeling after some time.
Are Dental Crowns Permanent?
This treatment often requires adjusting the tooth enamel to make room for the dental cap, which will not be reversible. Once you’ve altered your enamel, you’ll have to keep it protected with either a dental crown or veneer, as the tooth will not regenerate on its own. Although dental crowns provide a long-lasting result for repairing your tooth, they will have to get replaced after a decade or more depending on how well you care for your oral health. The good news is that with simple daily oral hygiene and regular visits to your dentist, you’ll be able to make the most of your dental crown(s) for many years before needing to get new ones.
What Can I Eat With a Temporary Crown?
Temporary crowns are typically designed to protect your underlying tooth while you wait to receive your permanent restorations. To avoid any issues with your provisional dental cap, it’ll be important to keep certain factors in mind, such as your diet. Since you won’t want to lose or damage your temporary crown, be sure to avoid foods that require excessive chewing, such as popcorn, nuts, hard bread, steak, and caramel. Hard and sticky meals can increase the risk of moving or damaging your temporary crown. There might be a small space between the restoration and your gum line, so make sure to minimize any sugary treats that could accumulate in this space. Avoid eating hot or cold foods, as these can potentially weaken the bonding material holding your temporary crown in place.
How Do You Know When a Dental Crown Needs to Be Replaced?
Knowing when you should replace your dental crown is crucial for the health and safety of your underlying tooth. If you ever suspect that there’s a problem with your restoration, don’t hesitate to visit our team for help. We’ll be able to examine and verify when it’s time to give you a new dental crown to protect your tooth. In the meantime, some of the most common reasons why you might come in for a new restoration include:
- Discomfort or pain
- Loose dental crown
- Damage to the crown
- A dark line forming at the base of the crown