A dental crown is a special type of dental restoration that can help save a tooth that is in danger of needing extraction. Also known as a cap, they fit securely over a tooth and may prevent that tooth from becoming lost. They work on a wide variety of dental complaints, both cosmetic and structural. If you have a tooth that is has been severely compromised or weakened by tooth decay or injury to the tooth, a dental crown can help save it. Dental crowns can serve a vast myriad of purposes, making them an excellent treatment option for many of our patients that we see here at Carolina Smiles Family Dentistry.

Dental crowns are incredibly versatile dental restorations. We often use them when we see a patient in our exam chair who has a tooth that has suffered from severe tooth decay and needs more help than can be treated by a dental filling. It can also help restore a tooth that has been broken or damaged by trauma. We also use dental crowns on teeth that have had a root canal procedure, allowing us to save a tooth that has been attacked by advanced infection.

Not only are dental crowns important to help protect your teeth and can also serve as supporting anchors for other types of dental restorations, such as implants or fixed dental bridges. They can also help improve the appearance of a tooth that is uneven in size or shape. If your teeth have been worn down or eroded by bruxism (grinding or clenching your teeth) or stomach acid, a dental crown can help preserve your teeth. They are also great for cosmetic concerns and can conceal the unsightly appearance of stains or discoloration.

Getting a dental crown placed is incredibly easy and safe and can be completed in as little as two appointments. When we advise a dental crown to our patients, we may start by taking X-rays of your mouth to get a better idea of your state of dental health. Once we feel as though we understand the area we will be working on; we will then thoroughly numb up the area with local anesthetic to help you avoid experiencing any discomfort during this procedure.

We will then shape the tooth that will receive the crown. We will use a combination of tools to work on your tooth, including our dental drill, to remove the outer layer of your tooth. In some cases, instead of removing a small portion of your tooth, we may instead build it up. The objective of this step is to create a good base for your crown. Next, we will take an impression of your mouth. This impression will be sent to our lab, who will be responsible for manufacturing your crown. In the meanwhile, we will fit you with a temporary crown.

Once your crown returns from the lab, we will have you return for your final fitting. We will carefully check the crown to ensure that it fits comfortably and matches your surrounding teeth. If we are both satisfied with your crown, we will then bond it to your tooth with a special type of dental cement.

If you think you may be a good candidate for a dental crown and you would like to learn more about them, or you are ready to set up an appointment with us here at Carolina Smiles Family Dentistry, please give us a call at (803) 794-2273 today!