Dental crowns are durable and natural-looking restorations that can restore your smile. They can cover and protect the entire visible portion of the tooth. With dental crown treatment in Atlanta and Sandy Springs, GA, patients can regain their smile and confidence once again. Crowns are one of the restorative dentistry treatments we provide to the public.
Dental crowns, or caps, are designed to restore the strength, function, and look of teeth broken or damaged by decay, disease, or injury. Crowns are custom-made to fit your smile and are bonded over your original tooth to cover it and prevent further damage. Your dental crown is a long-lasting solution for your oral health and smile.
When Do I Need Dental Crowns?
We can use dental crowns in various situations to address many dental problems. Here are some common scenarios where you may need a dental crown:
- Restore a Worn, Broken, or Damaged Tooth: Teeth that are cracked, fractured, or extensively decayed may require a crown to restore their function and appearance. Crowns can hold together parts of a cracked tooth and prevent the crack from spreading. People who grind or clench their teeth may benefit from crowns to protect their teeth from excessive wear. Crowns can provide a durable surface that resists the forces of grinding and clenching.
- Cover a Large Filling: A crown can provide added support and protection if you have a large filling. Crowns help to prevent the filling from becoming loose or breaking, especially in teeth that undergo significant chewing forces. A crown can also add structure to create an even bite.
- Cover Dental Implants: Dental crowns sit on top of dental implants to create a natural-looking tooth replacement. We attach the crown to the implant abutment to complete the restoration. Crowns are best for single implants.
- Support a Traditional Bridge: A dental bridge can replace one or more missing teeth, but it requires the support of natural teeth. These supporting teeth are often covered with crowns to anchor the bridge in place. Crowns ensure false teeth stay stable.
Types of Dental Crowns
Tooth crowns can come in many different types of materials:
- Porcelain Crowns: These crowns are made from a strong, tooth-colored material that looks very natural. They are great for front teeth because they blend in well with your smile. Our office prefers porcelain dental crowns because they are strong and offer a natural look.
- Ceramic Crowns: Similar to porcelain crowns, ceramic crowns are also tooth-colored and are ideal for front teeth. They are durable and can handle everyday chewing. However, they do not last as long as porcelain.
- Metal Crowns: Made from metals like gold or silver, these crowns are strong and can withstand heavy biting forces. They are often used for back teeth where strength is more important than appearance. Metal crowns are the traditional crown material, but they are prone to sensitivity. They also stand out compared to your natural teeth.
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns: These crowns have a metal base for strength and a porcelain outer layer for a natural look. While strong, PFM crowns are not as natural-looking as purely porcelain crowns. The metal portion of these crowns can show at the gum line.
- Zirconia Crowns: Zirconia crowns are made from a strong ceramic material. They are great for front and back teeth and offer a natural appearance. However, these are one of the most expensive types of crowns.
Dental Crown Treatment in Atlanta, GA
Before you get a dental crown, we will ensure you are in good oral health. We will examine your smile for problems like gum disease and cavities. If you have these problems, we will treat them before treatment.
The process of getting a dental crown usually involves two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, our dentist will examine your tooth and take X-rays to ensure that a crown is the right option.
They will then prepare the tooth by removing damaged areas and shaping it to fit the crown. After that, they will take impressions of your tooth to create a custom crown that matches your smile. While your permanent crown is being made, the dentist will place a temporary crown to protect your tooth.
When you return for your second visit, the dentist will remove the temporary crown and place the permanent crown on your tooth. They will make sure it fits properly and looks natural. After ensuring that you are comfortable with the crown, the dentist will cement it in place.
How to Care for Dental Crowns
To maintain your oral health and ensure the longevity of your crowns, you need to know basic care. While crowns are durable, they still require regular attention to maintain their function.
- Brush and Floss Regularly: Just like your natural teeth, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. When you brush, pay special attention to the area where the crown meets your gum line. This is where plaque can build up, and keeping it clean helps prevent gum disease.
- Be Careful with Hard or Sticky Foods: While crowns are tough, they can still be damaged if you bite down on hard foods like nuts or ice. Sticky foods, like caramel or taffy, can also pull on the crown and loosen it. Try to avoid these types of foods or eat them carefully to protect your crowns.
- Visit Us for Check-Ups: See our dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings, usually every six months. During these visits, we will check to make sure your crown is in good condition and look for any signs of problems. Catching issues early can help prevent bigger problems later on.
Dental Crown FAQs
Learn more about tooth crowns and the dental crown procedure in Atlanta, GA:
Are inlays and onlays dental crowns?
No, inlays and onlays are not the same as dental crowns, but they are similar. A dental crown covers the entire tooth like a cap. An inlay fills a damaged area inside the tooth, and an onlay covers a larger part of the tooth but not the whole thing.
We may use inlays and onlays when a filling isn’t enough, but a full crown isn’t needed. They help strengthen the tooth while keeping more of it natural.
When do I need a crown after a filling?
You might need a crown after a filling if the tooth is too damaged or weak to hold the filling on its own. For example, if the tooth has a large cavity, or crack, it might not be strong enough to handle normal chewing. A crown covers and protects the entire tooth to make it stronger and prevent further damage. Our dentist will let you know if a crown is necessary based on the condition of your tooth.
Do I need a crown if I have tooth wear?
You can get a crown depending on the kind of tooth wear. Our dentist may recommend bonding, inlays, or onlays for mild tooth wear. But you may need a crown if you have severe tooth wear that has weakened a tooth. A crown can fully cover the tooth to restore its shape and prevent further tooth damage.
Do I need a core build-up for my dental crown?
You might need a core build-up for your dental crown if your tooth doesn’t have enough healthy structure left to support it. For example, you may not have enough tooth left if you have decayed or broken teeth.
A core build-up is like a filler that adds strength and shape to the tooth so the crown can fit properly. We will check your tooth and decide if you need a core build-up before you get the crown.
Does the dental crown procedure hurt?
No, you will not feel pain when you get your crowns because our dentist will numb the area around the tooth with local anesthesia. This means you shouldn’t feel pain during the process, though you might feel some pressure or movement. Once the numbness wears off after the procedures, you may feel sensitivity for a few days. However, we will recommend pain relievers and soft foods as you get used to your new crowns.
How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns can last 10 to 15 years. Sometimes they can last even longer with good care. How long they last depends on the material, how well you take care of your teeth, and how much wear and tear the crown goes through.
Do crowns look natural?
Yes, porcelain and ceramic crowns look natural. We recommend tooth-colored crowns over metal crowns because we color-match them to your desired tooth shade. Crowns are also custom-made to match your natural tooth shape.
How much is a dental crown?
The cost of dental crown treatment depends on the type of crown and how many crowns you need. Every patient is different. Before treatment, we will give you an estimate of your treatment cost.
At our office, we’ll help you understand the cost and work with your dental insurance if you have a PPO plan. As a courtesy, we’ll file your insurance claim for you to make the process easier.
Treat Tooth Damage Today
Call Sandy Springs Cosmetic and General Dentistry for dental crown treatment in Atlanta, GA at 470-999-6489. You can also schedule an appointment online.