A damaged, chipped, or broken tooth can cause more damage than you think. Fortunately, our dental crowns can address those issues and more. Our custom dental crowns in Charlotte, NC can treat a range of cosmetic and restorative dental concerns. A crown is a type of dental restoration that covers a weak tooth to provide support and protection.

They also act as caps that cover and protect teeth after a root canal. Dr. Reece can use them to address damaged, misshapen, or stained teeth, and hold dental bridges in place. He can also use tooth crowns to cover dental implants.

Made of a sturdy porcelain ceramic compound, our dental crowns will strengthen your weak teeth. Porcelain is the most common material for crowns because it’s strong and will blend in with your natural teeth.

Each porcelain crown we provide at our Charlotte, NC dental office is custom-fit to each patient. We believe that no two patients have the same smile. That’s why we provide personal dental treatment plans that give you results that last a lifetime. Keep reading to see how you can restore the strength of your tooth using a crown.

Dental Crown Treatment in Charlotte, NC

Getting a dental crown first begins with an oral health exam with Dr. Greg Reece. The exam will make sure that a dental crown procedure is the right treatment for your issue. Crowns need enough tooth enamel to stay in place, so he will check to see if the tooth can handle it. Then, he will recommend a treatment plan that may include other necessary dental work.

It takes about two visits to fit and place a new permanent crown. The first visit is the preparation phase, and the next is to fit your new dental prosthetic in place. The steps are as follows:

• Cleaning and Shaping: The preparation phase starts with a thorough cleaning. Our dentist will clean the affected tooth using gentle tools, and make sure that he removes all the infected tissue. Then, Dr. Reece will gently shape the tooth to create space for the new crown.
• Impressions: Next, Dr. Reece will take digital impressions of your mouth to get exact measurements. He may place a temporary crown on the tooth before you leave our cosmetic dentistry so that you can still use it. Dr. Reece will send the measurements to our dental lab while you wait for the fitting phase of the plan. There, the lab will create the new dental crown.
• Final Crown: Once we receive the new crown, our dental team will call you back in to the office. Next, we will remove the temporary crown and place the new crown on the prepared tooth.

We’ll make sure that it fits properly and you’re comfortable with the result before you leave. You should still practice your normal dental routine by brushing and flossing your teeth. Dental crowns can protect teeth, but they can’t fully prevent more tooth decay.

Dental Crown FAQs

Dr. Reece can treat cosmetic and functional dental issues with crowns. This treatment could be just what you need for your dental issues. Here are some common questions patients have about them.

How long do dental crowns last?

With proper dental care, crowns can last up to 30 years. Follow all the instructions that our dentist gives you. Make sure to stick to a regular oral hygiene routine to make your restoration last. Brush your teeth two times a day and floss every day to avoid plaque forming around the crown and other teeth.

Make sure to keep up with your regular dental visits. Your dentist will check on your crowns to keep them healthy, and catch any problems before they get too serious. Also, avoid harmful habits. Don’t grind your teeth, chew on hard objects, or use your teeth to open packages.

Does it hurt to get dental crowns?

Getting dental crowns is usually not a painful experience. Before the procedure begins, your dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area around your tooth. This means you won’t feel any pain during the process, so you can relax while your dentist works.

After the procedure, it’s common to feel some soreness or discomfort in the treated area. This soreness is usually mild and should go away quickly within a few days. Your dentist may prescribe over-the-counter pain relievers to help you manage any discomfort during this time.

What are common dental crown materials?

Dental crowns can consist of various materials, each with their own benefits. Some popular options include:

• Porcelain: We recommend porcelain crowns because they look natural and are the best at blending in with your other teeth. A dentist can place these crowns on the front teeth. Porcelain is also more durable than tooth-colored resin.
• Metal: Metal crowns are very strong and long-lasting. They’re a good choice for back teeth that need extra strength. They can be made from gold or other metal alloys. While they are not as natural-looking, they last a long time.
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM): This type of crown combines the strength of metal with the natural appearance of porcelain. It has a metal base and porcelain outer layer. The downside to these crowns is that the metal can show at the gumline.
• Resin: Most temporary crowns use resin materials. These crowns also benefit patients with teeth that don’t need as much strength. Resin crowns are usually less expensive but may wear down faster than other options.

Can dental crowns fall out?

Dental crowns can come loose because of tooth damage or decay, although it’s rare for them to fall out for no reason. Dr. Reece will monitor the condition of your crown during routine dental care visits. Contact our Charlotte dental office right away when you notice changes in the fit or comfort of your crown. We will give you advice on how to address the problem, or schedule you for an emergency appointment.

Am I a candidate for dental crowns?

Most patients qualify for a crown. Broken teeth that still have the tooth root intact can get dental crowns. If the tooth root is intact in your damaged tooth, chances are that you can get a crown for it.

Our dentist might be able to save your tooth by taking out the infected tissue without pulling the whole tooth. One way he may do this is by filling the tooth and then sealing it with a dental crown after a root canal treatment.

Patients with missing teeth can get dental implants, dentures, or bridges. Patients with significant tooth decay, a cracked tooth, or a stained tooth can get dental crowns. However, never assume that you need a specific treatment without talking with a dentist first. Sometimes we can offer alternative treatments that can better address your issue.

Why do dentists use dental crowns?

A dentist uses a dental crown to restore a weak tooth from decay, damage, a fracture, a crack, or broken pieces. He can also use a crown to fix cosmetic imperfections such as stains and permanent white spots. Dr. Reece can even use it to cap dental implants, and as anchors for dental bridges.

However, the main purpose of a crown is to protect the tooth from further damage. It typically lasts for many years before needing any major repair work.

What are dental crowns made of?

One of the best things about dental crowns is that they’re a permanent restoration. Your dental crowns can last for 30 years if you take great care of them. Luckily, you can take care of dental crowns using normal products and a standard oral healthcare routine. Your crowns should last a long time if you brush and floss regularly, along with routine visits to your dentist.

However, keeping an eye on your diet can also help. While dental crowns are durable, biting down on hard foods can crack or chip them. At appointments with Dr. Reece, he’ll make sure to take an extra look at your crown and the tooth under it. He’ll make sure that the tooth underneath isn’t decaying and that there’s no damage to the crown.

Will dental insurance cover the cost of dental crowns?

Your dental insurance will determine how much of your dental crown procedure is covered. Most dental insurance plans will pay for some of the cost, but the amount you receive will depend on your specific plan. Check your policy or call your insurance company to see what they cover.

We can also help you find financing options and payment plans to make sure you can afford the best dental care in Charlotte.

Schedule a Dental Exam Today

Get high-quality dental crowns in Charlotte, NC, from Dr. Greg Reece today. Call Dentistry of the Queen City at 704-486-8911 to strengthen your teeth with dental crowns near you. You can also schedule an appointment online anytime. Dr. Reece and his team strive to offer top-notch dental care in Mallard Creek and the greater Charlotte area.