Our team of experienced dentists at Fuller Dental offers a full range of restorative dentistry services to help improve the health and appearance of your teeth. Your Burlington, NC dentist may recommend dental crowns to treat many restorative and cosmetic dental concerns.
The team at Fuller Dental dedicates themselves to providing the highest quality of dentistry to each of our patients. We strive to help our patients achieve a beautiful, healthy smile, supporting their long-term dental health. As experienced and highly trained dentists, we will ensure that your dental crown is aesthetically pleasing and supports your long-term dental health with a comfortable fit.
Dental Crowns in Burlington, NC
A dental crown is a cap that your dentist will place over a tooth to repair the damage or to change the shape, size, and/or color. It covers the entire tooth, and your dentist will permanently bond it into place. The crown provides strength, aesthetics, and lasting, durable function.
They are stain and decay-resistant and can last for many years. Your dentist can even color-match the crown to blend seamlessly with your smile for beautiful results. Dental crowns are also the final restoration of a dental implant.
The Uses of Dental Crowns
One of the reasons dental crowns are such a popular dental restoration is that they’re so versatile. Crowns can treat almost any cosmetic or restorative dentistry issue.
Cosmetic Corrections
Professional teeth whitening is typically the solution when you have a discolored tooth. However, not all tooth discoloration responds to traditional treatment. Discoloration caused by things like medication or trauma can’t be corrected with teeth whitening. With a dental crown, we can color-match it to any shade of white you desire. It covers the entire tooth, so no portion of the discoloration will be visible.
Patients usually see misshapen or deformed teeth as a solely cosmetic issue, but they impact smile function. Each tooth has a certain job. The tongue interacts with each tooth to form sounds and words properly. Each tooth is also important for chewing and breaking down food. We match a dental crown so that it’s the same size and shape as the rest of your teeth. It restores look and function by covering the entire tooth.
Strengthening Natural Teeth
One of the most common uses for a dental crown is to stabilize a tooth after a root canal. During a root canal, we remove infected dental pulp from the tooth’s center, sanitize it, and fill it with a biocompatible material. However, this doesn’t always restore full function, and we want to ensure you have that. A dental crown improves function and provides an extra layer to protect the tooth from infection.
When you get a traditional dental bridge, two natural teeth on each end serve as anchors to support it. This puts a lot of stress on the anchor teeth. They wear down quicker and are more susceptible to damage and decay. We recommend putting dental crowns on each of these teeth to strengthen them. Instead of natural tooth structure taking on the burden, the dental crown protects that structure and takes on the bridge’s weight.
Saving Decayed and Damaged Teeth
Dental crowns are often the last solution to save natural tooth structure. When you lose your entire tooth, you lose both the root and the crown. Losing the root causes the jawbone to deteriorate in that area, causing your face to sag and appear older. A crown can help you avoid these consequences.
Severe decay can eat away large portions of your tooth, leaving you with much less tooth structure and preventing you from using the tooth effectively. A dental crown completely covers and strengthens the tooth, restoring its structure. This is also true with severely damaged teeth. If your tooth shatters, a dental crown can hold together the pieces so that we can preserve the tooth root.
When a large portion of your tooth breaks off, it exposes the soft dental pulp in the center. This makes it easy to succumb to infection and causes pain when food or drinks come into contact with the dental nerve. A sharp edge on the remaining tooth structure can also pose a danger to the soft tissues in your mouth. A crown protects the dental pulp again and restores a normal edge to your tooth so that it won’t cut your cheeks or lips.
What To Expect During The Dental Crown Process?
At our Burlington dental office, we want to make sure our patients are comfortable and well-informed about their dental procedures. Receiving your new dental crown usually requires two visits to our Burlington dental office.
After thoroughly examining the teeth, one of our experienced cosmetic dentists will remove a small amount of tooth structure. Removing a small amount of tooth structure from the tooth helps remove decay and helps the crown fit more securely on the tooth.
We will take impressions of the tooth receiving the dental crown and the neighboring teeth. This will give us an accurate measure of your teeth to ensure proper fit and placement. A dental lab will use these impressions to create a custom dental crown.
We will usually use a temporary tooth crown to provide protection. We will place a temporary tooth cap on the tooth while they make your final restoration at the dental laboratory. You try on the dental crown when ready to ensure a proper fit. Once you and the dentist are happy with the fit and look, we will permanently bond the dental crown to the tooth and gently polish it.
Dental Crowns FAQs
Dental crowns are versatile treatment options for many restorative and cosmetic dental problems. Learn more about their uses from the answers to these commonly asked questions.
How long will my new dental crown last?
How long your new dental crown will last depends on how much wear and tear occurs. Generally, most patients find that their new dental crowns last anywhere between five and 15 years. Factors such as your oral hygiene habits, accidental mouth trauma, and preexisting conditions can greatly affect the lifespan of your dental restorations.
Is a dental crown noticeable?
Your dentist will match the appearance and color of your dental crown as closely as possible with surrounding teeth. Choose materials like porcelain and composite resin for a seamless fit. Naturally, a gold crown will stand out over a porcelain crown.
What are dental crowns made from?
A dental crown can be made from several different types of material. One of our experienced dentists at Fuller Dental will examine your smile and determine which material is right for you. Materials like porcelain and composite resin can be color-matched to help your crown blend naturally.
How long does it take for a dental crown to settle?
As with any dental restoration, it will feel awkward in your mouth initially. It may feel like your tooth is bulky and too big for your mouth. It takes around two weeks for things to settle fully and for your mouth to adjust. Call our office if your crown still feels weird after this time.
Does getting a dental crown hurt?
No, you shouldn’t experience any pain while getting a dental crown. We’ll numb the treatment area completely so you don’t experience any pain or discomfort during the procedure. In the days following, you may have some soreness and discomfort as you adjust to your new restoration. If you experience pain, particularly sharp or severe, call us immediately.
How long do I have to wait before eating with my new crown?
Wait around 30-45 minutes after getting your crown before eating. Eating while the numbness is still in effect can be risky. You may bite your tongue or cheek and not realize it. Avoid chewing in the area with the crown as much as possible. You should also avoid chewy or sticky foods, which can dislodge the crown.
Schedule A Dental Exam Today
Our Burlington dental office offers various restorative dental services for your convenience. Our team of dentists at Fuller Dental can help you achieve a brighter, healthier smile. Schedule an appointment online or give us a call at 336-290-7401.