At Hillsborough Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, our team can address nearly all of your dental needs. Our goal is to give you the healthy, beautiful smile of your dreams. One versatile tool to improve your oral health and smile is a dental crown.
Dental crowns are the solution to both cosmetic and restorative dental problems. Dr. Williamson will use dental crowns to improve the look and function of damaged or weak teeth. Visit our restorative dentistry in Hillsborough, NC, today.
What Dental Crowns Treat
Dental crowns are one of the most versatile dental treatment options. They treat almost any restorative concern you may have, as well as many cosmetic ones.
Cosmetic Dental Fixes
When you have discolored teeth, professional teeth whitening is often the recommended solution. However, some discoloration doesn’t respond to traditional whitening methods. Discolored teeth due to certain medications and trauma require an alternative solution. Dental crowns cover the entire tooth, and you can choose the shade of white so that it meets your desired whiteness level.
Misshapen and deformed teeth are often cosmetic concerns that patients experience. Not only are they unsightly, but they have functional impacts. Each one of your teeth has a specific job. Your tongue interacts with your teeth to create sounds, and they also each have a different role in breaking down food. A dental crown gives you back a normal tooth shape.
Stabilizing Teeth
One of the most common uses for dental crowns is to stabilize a tooth after a root canal. When we perform a root canal, we remove infected pulp and tissue from the center of the tooth. It’s filled with a biocompatible material and sealed off. However, this doesn’t always restore full functionality. A dental crown can guarantee better function and can protect the tooth from further decay.
A traditional dental bridge uses the teeth on either side of the span to support it. This puts a lot of pressure on these anchor teeth. They wear down faster and are more likely to experience tooth decay, chips, or breaks. We may recommend that you get dental crowns for these anchor teeth. Instead of your teeth taking on the pressure of the bridge, the dental crown supports the brunt of it.
Treating Severe Tooth Decay and Damage
Dental crowns are often the last line of defense to keep the natural tooth structure when there’s severe decay or damage. With severe tooth decay, the bacteria can eat away significant portions of the tooth and cause sensitivity. A dental crown helps to ease this discomfort and replaces the tooth structure that’s been lost.
A crown can also keep together a shattered tooth so that we can preserve the tooth root. If you have a significant break, it can expose the sensitive nerves and tissue inside the tooth, causing pain when you eat or drink. Sharp edges of a broken tooth can cut the soft tissue in your mouth. A crown covers these sharp edges and nerves, protecting your tooth and soft tissue.
E4D Technology
In recent years, technological advancements have revolutionized the way our patients receive crowns. Gone are the days of sticky, gooey dental impressions. We use digital impressions to create a computer-generated view of your mouth. With these impressions, it reduces the amount of time it takes to create your dental crown.
Furthermore, we use the E4D system to generate dental crowns in our Hillsborough, NC, dental office. This cutting-edge system enables Dr. Williamson to create and place dental crowns in a single appointment.
In addition to full dental crowns, there are situations where Dr. Williamson may recommend partial crowns, inlays, or onlays. These restorations provide more targeted solutions. With most dental procedures, the aim is to preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible.
Partial Crowns
Compared to full dental crowns, partial crowns cover less of the tooth’s surface. Dentists will often use partial crowns when the damage or decay doesn’t cover the entire tooth. However, the tooth likely still needs significant restoration. These crowns preserve as much of the healthy part of your tooth as possible while strengthening and protecting your tooth.
Inlays and Onlays
We offer inlays and onlays to repair teeth with moderate damage. Instead of using a full dental crown, Dr. Williamson can repair decayed teeth with alternative methods. Inlays fit within the cusps (or the raised points of a tooth). On the other hand, onlays extend to cover one or more cusps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a tooth crown fall off or become loose?
A tooth crown can fall off or become loose. This can happen due to decay under the crown, a breakdown of the dental cement, or trauma to the tooth. If your tooth crown falls off or becomes loose, contact a dentist immediately.
Prompt action can often resecure the crown and prevent further damage to the tooth. In the meantime, you should avoid chewing on that side of your mouth and protect the exposed tooth if possible. Routine dental exams help maintain the integrity of your crowns.
How much tooth do I need for a crown?
For a crown to be effective, we typically need enough of the tooth structure left to provide a stable base. Ideally, at least one-third of the tooth above the gum line should remain. If there isn’t enough tooth left, we might perform a procedure like a core buildup or place a post to support the crown. We will examine the condition of your tooth and determine the best approach to ensure the crown fits securely.
Is getting a dental crown painful?
Getting a dental crown is usually not painful. We use local anesthesia to numb the area, ensuring you stay comfortable during the procedure. You might feel some pressure, but not pain. After the anesthesia wears off, you might experience mild discomfort or sensitivity. These slide effects typically subside within a few days. Furthermore, over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage any post-procedure discomfort.
Can a tooth with a crown over it still get cavities?
Yes, a tooth with a crown can get cavities. Decay can develop at the margin where the crown meets the natural tooth. It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly, especially around the edges of the crown. Regular dental exams help detect any early signs of decay and ensure the health of the crowned tooth.
Do they numb you to put a crown on?
Yes, we numb you to put on a crown. Local anesthesia ensures you stay comfortable during the procedure. You’ll feel pressure and movement but not pain. The numbing usually wears off a few hours after the procedure, and you can manage any minor discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Can a dental crown crack?
Yes, a dental crown can crack. Although crowns are made from durable materials like porcelain or metal, they can still crack from excessive force, such as grinding teeth and biting hard objects. A crown can also crack from experiencing trauma. If your crown cracks, contact your dentist promptly to evaluate and repair or replace it. Routine dental exams help monitor the condition of your crowns and prevent issues.
Does a crown hurt more than a filling?
A crown procedure typically involves more preparation than a filling, but it shouldn’t hurt more. We use local anesthesia for both procedures so that you won’t feel pain during the treatment. Due to the extensive work on the tooth, you might experience more soreness or sensitivity after getting a crown. This discomfort usually subsides within a few days. You can also manage any pain or discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Schedule an Appointment Today
These restorations will precisely fit in order to provide a conservative solution. Visit our office for more information. You can call us at 919-587-8401 or request an appointment online.