Dental Crowns Greensboro, NC
Dental crowns are incredibly versatile restorations that can protect, restore, or replace a damaged or missing tooth. A crown replaces or covers the visible portion of a natural tooth, giving you the chewing power you need to eat and ensuring that you can speak clearly while filling in any gaps in your natural teeth. Some patients request dental crowns for cosmetic reasons to improve the look of one or more of their teeth. A well-made dental crown looks just like a natural tooth and is indistinguishable from any natural teeth around it.
Reasons Why You Might Need a Dental Crown
There are many reasons you might need or want a crown, depending on whether it is necessary to restore a tooth or you are looking to improve the aesthetics of your smile. Common reasons for dental crowns include:
- Protecting a weak or damaged tooth from additional breakage.
- Relieving a toothache due to decay, infection, or trauma.
- Restoring a worn-down or broken tooth.
- Supporting the remaining structure of a tooth when a large cavity has been treated.
- To seal a tooth and protect it following a root canal.
- To support a dental bridge when teeth are missing.
- As the visible portion attached to a dental implant.
- To cover and improve the appearance of misshapen or discolored teeth.
- To correct mild tooth misalignments.
- To cover certain cosmetic flaws that can’t be corrected with veneers.
Dr. David Civils General and Cosmetic Dentistry
Ready to transform your smile? Make an appointment today.
Our Dental Crown Process
It takes a few visits to get a dental crown to ensure a perfect fit and durability. At your first visit, we prepare your tooth by removing a small amount of the tooth enamel. This allows enough room for the crown and makes sure it will be secure when bonded into place. If necessary, we will build up a portion of the tooth.
We then take digital impressions of your teeth to use when creating your dental crown. These highly detailed impressions are sent to our dental lab, where your custom crown will be fabricated. During this time, we will place a temporary crown, made of resin or acrylic, over your tooth.
Once your custom dental crown arrives at our office, you will return for a second appointment. We will remove the temporary crown, try the fit of the custom crown, trim any rough edges, and permanently bond it to your tooth with dental cement. A final polishing completes the process.
Why Choose Us
Dr. Civils has been using a combination of advanced technology and precision skills to treat his patients for over 20 years. His commitment to preserving natural tooth structure has enabled him to place hundreds of dental crowns over the years, with meticulous attention to detail and a focus on longevity and function.
FAQs about Dental Crowns
How long does the process take?
Preparing the tooth for a crown typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes, and placing the permanent dental crown usually takes a similar amount of time. The waiting time between taking an impression and receiving the custom crown typically ranges from 2 to 3 weeks. But Dr. Civils will place a temporary crown for you to wear while you wait.
How do I care for my crown?
Caring for dental crowns is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Brush twice daily with a soft-bristle brush and non-abrasive toothpaste, and floss every day, followed by an antimicrobial mouthwash to minimize bacteria. To avoid cracking or losing the crown, try to avoid extremely hard, crunchy, or sticky foods, such as taffy. Do not use your teeth as tools. Be sure to see us twice a year for a checkup and professional cleaning.
How long do crowns last?
A dental crown typically lasts 10 to 15 years, although they can last longer. If you notice that yours is wearing down or cracked, it is essential to visit us to determine whether it needs to be replaced.
What if my dental crown falls out?
Pick up the crown and place it in a small container to keep it safe, and call our office. We will schedule an appointment to see you as soon as possible. In the meantime, chew on the opposite side of your mouth. You can use an over-the-counter dental cement to temporarily reattach the crown until you visit us. Otherwise, please bring it with you to your appointment. We may be able to reattach the crown, or we may have to replace it, depending on the situation.
Dental crowns are a versatile solution for a wide range of oral health problems. If you are experiencing tooth pain, please contact our office at J David Civils, DDS PA Phone Number (336) 272-4177 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Civils to determine if a crown can alleviate your pain and save your tooth.