The dental crowns procedure is one of the most common restorative procedures we perform in our Charlotte dental practice. Serving both cosmetic and restorative purposes, dental crowns can help patients repair their bite and enjoy long term dental health.
Dr. Durning Moore provides dental crowns and high-quality porcelain crowns for a variety of reasons:
- Protect a tooth after a root canal
- Address significant decay or tooth damage
- As part of a dental implant or implant supported bridge
- To change the color or look of a tooth
- help prevent gum disease and the build-up of plaque
Your dentist customizes a dental crown to make sure it matches the color and shape you need. Dr. Moore will improve your smile and restore the integrity of a natural tooth with a permanent crown. A relatively simple process, the placement of a crown is complete in our Charlotte dental office over the span of a couple of visits.
The Dental Crowns Process
The placement of a dental crown will require a couple of visits to complete. First, you will meet with our dentist to decide if this is the right treatment for you. Our dentist will examine your natural teeth and help you decide on the next steps. If Dr. Moore recommends a dental crown as the most suitable course of action, he will schedule your next visit.
The second visit is to prepare the tooth or teeth for the procedure and take digital impressions. This involves removing any decayed or damaged tooth structure and creating a surface that will support the new crown. First, your dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area. Then he will prepare the tooth by removing decay and cleaning it. Next, he will place a temporary crown to protect the tooth and restore normal function.
Once the new crown is complete in the dental lab, Dr. Moore will permanently secure it to the tooth using special dental cement. He will make any adjustments for a secure fit and a comfortable bite. Before you leave, he will polish the surface for a smooth texture.
Inlays and Onlays in Charlotte, NC
A partial crown is often the best option when there is decay or damage in a larger tooth with multiple cusps. Inlays and onlays are the two types of partial crowns that restore the integrity of a tooth. They are dental restorations that consist of porcelain, gold, composite resin or a mix of two. Porcelain is less expensive than gold and it is also strong enough to withstand the force of chewing food.
Gold is stronger than porcelain but it costs more money for the dentist to use it as an inlay or an onlay material. Composite resin is relatively inexpensive, but may not last as long as the other two options.
Our dentist can use inlays and onlays to restore teeth that have large cavities or broken teeth. They can also replace old fillings for teeth with minimal damage. An inlay or onlay will require two visits to complete. The dentist prepares them in much the same way as a crown.
Dental Crown FAQs
Is it painful to have a crown put on your tooth?
The dental crown procedure is no more painful than getting a dental filling. Your dentist will numb your mouth with a local anesthetic. You should not feel pain during treatment. After the procedure, you may feel temporary tooth sensitivity as your restored tooth adjusts to the new crown.
What do dental crowns consist of?
A dental crown can consist of a variety of materials, from ceramic to gold to porcelain. The most common type of crown is a composite resin repair. The dentist color-matches and customizes it to the shape of your tooth.
During your exam or consult, Dr. Moore will discuss the best options for your needs. In some cases, he will recommend a high-quality porcelain crown for superior strength and looks.
Will my dental insurance cover dental crowns treatment?
In many cases, dental insurance benefits will cover part, or all, of the total cost of a dental crown. Your dentist in Charlotte will work with you to find out your portion of the total cost of treatment. We also provide financing options to help your budget.
How long do dental crowns last?
A dental crown can last for 10 years or more. You can support a long term result with routine dental care and daily oral hygiene. We will monitor the condition of your dental crown and address any damage or other concerns promptly during routine oral health visits.