Restore Your Smile with Porcelain Dental Crowns

When a tooth is damaged or broken, it’s important to fix it quickly and effectively. Drs. Nathen Ellis and Gary Hubbard of Denver Dental Arts help patients in Denver, North Carolina, restore their smile, mouth health, and confidence with porcelain dental crowns. They know that patients have many questions regarding dental restorations, especially patients who have never received a crown before. They work with each patient to understand these questions and provide thorough answers. 

What are dental crowns?

Dental crowns are essentially caps that fit over the top of the tooth. Crowns are made of high-quality porcelain and are custom-designed to exactly match the shade of your teeth for a seamless restoration.

When are crowns used?

Dental crowns can be used during a number of tooth restorations.

1. Tooth decay: When most people think about tooth decay, they think about cavities and fillings. While a filling is the most common treatment for a cavity, a crown will be needed in some cases. For example, suppose the decay is significant. In that case, the dentist may need to remove so much of the tooth that it would no longer hold a filling, or, if a tooth already has filling, but the decay begins in another part of the tooth, a crown can be used to protect the entire tooth.

2. Damage: We think our teeth are permanent; however, accidents can happen. If a tooth is damaged due to trauma to the face caused by a fall, auto accident, or an errant foul ball, a crown can be used to rebuild the tooth.

3. Missing teeth: If a tooth has been lost or extracted, a dental crown can be used as part of the treatment plan. Crown and bridge appliances are used to restore the smile and fill the gap where the tooth used to be.

How are dental crowns placed?

The dental crown procedure typically requires two visits to the dental office. During the first visit, the tooth will be carefully examined. If a crown is determined to be the necessary treatment, the tooth will be prepped by removing a small amount of the enamel to make room for the crown to fit naturally. Next, digital impressions will be taken with an intraoral scanner – no more messy impression material! The measurements and specifications from the dentist are then either sent to a dental lab, where the crown is created or designed and fabricated using their in-office milling unit, which allows them to offer high precision restorations and same day convenience to their patients. 

Once the crown is complete, the patient returns to the office to have it bonded to the tooth. The dentist will place it carefully and ensure the fit is comfortable before permanently attaching it to the tooth. 

Advantages of dental crowns

Dental crowns are an effective treatment that offers several benefits, including: 

• Protecting the tooth from further damage or decay, in many cases saving it from future problems or even extraction
• Restores the proper function of the tooth so that patients can eat their favorite foods and speak clearly
• Seamless and natural appearance, allowing patients to smile with confidence

For more information about dental crowns, or any of our tooth restoration treatments, call the office of Denver Dental Arts at (704) 908-6969 today.