Dental crowns in [city], [st]

Dental crowns restore strength, function, and appearance to damaged teeth. At [practice_name] in [city], [st], patients receive clear guidance about when crowns are recommended, how the procedure works, and what results to expect. If you have a cracked tooth, a large filling, or a tooth treated with a root canal, a crown may be the right next step.

Dental crowns explained

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth. It is designed to protect weakened structure, improve chewing, and enhance the look of your smile. Crowns are used after fracture, deep decay, or wear, and they also finish a dental implant or support a bridge. Common materials include porcelain, zirconia, porcelain-fused-to-metal, gold alloy, and high-strength resin. Each material balances durability, appearance, and cost in different ways.

Patients often ask what is a dental crown compared to a filling. A filling repairs a smaller area, while a crown encloses the tooth to handle heavier biting forces. When a tooth has lost more than half of its structure or has cracks, a crown usually offers better long-term protection.

Why consider dental crowns?

• They reinforce a weak or cracked tooth to prevent further breakage.
• They restore proper shape and size for comfortable chewing and speaking.
• They improve color and contour for a more natural smile.
• They protect a tooth after root canal therapy.
• They anchor a dental bridge or top a dental implant.
• They may reduce sensitivity caused by enamel loss or large fillings.

How dental crowns work

Evaluation and planning

The dental crown procedure begins with an exam and imaging. The tooth is assessed for cracks, decay, and bite alignment. If the nerve is inflamed or infected, root canal treatment may be completed before the crown. Material options are reviewed with attention to aesthetics, strength, and location in the mouth.

Tooth preparation and temporary crown

Local anesthesia numbs the area. A small amount of enamel is shaped to make room for the crown. An impression or digital scan captures the prepared tooth and your bite. A temporary crown protects the tooth while the final crown is made. Most patients wear a temporary for one to two weeks. During this time, temporary crown care is important. Avoid very sticky foods, chew on the opposite side if possible, and call if the temporary loosens.

Final crown placement

At the delivery visit, the temporary is removed and the final crown is tried in. Fit, contact with neighboring teeth, and bite are checked. The crown is then bonded or cemented. A final polish completes the visit. In select cases, some offices offer same-day crowns made in-house, but many crowns are crafted by a dental lab for precise aesthetics.

What to expect

Before your appointment

• You will discuss materials, shade matching, and any needed pre-treatment such as decay removal or root canal therapy.
• You can plan for routine local anesthesia. Most patients return to normal activities the same day.

After your crown is placed

• Mild sensitivity to temperature or pressure can occur for a few days and usually improves quickly.
• If the bite feels high or uneven, a simple adjustment can resolve it.
• Brush and floss around the crown as usual. Slide floss out rather than snapping it up to protect the margin.
• With good care, dental crowns often last 10 to 15 years or longer. Longevity depends on material choice, bite forces, grinding or clenching habits, and home care.

Alternatives and related options

Not every damaged tooth needs a crown. Smaller defects can sometimes be treated with a filling, inlay, or onlay. For teeth that are strong but discolored or misshapen, veneers may be considered for aesthetics. When a tooth cannot be saved, extraction with a dental implant or bridge is an option. [dr_type2] will compare the benefits of dental crowns with these treatments based on the amount of remaining tooth structure and your goals.