Crowns Specialist

What are dental crowns?

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped artificial “caps” covering all visible portions of a tooth. They serve to protect teeth and enhance the aesthetics of your smile. Crowns have been around for a long time, but thanks to advancements in dental technology, today’s options are virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth. 

There are several types of materials used in manufacturing dental crowns. At the Center for Dental Excellence East Lake, porcelain crowns are the preferred choice. These crowns are durable and also incredibly life-like. Each crown is custom-crafted to fit your smile and includes all of the tiny imperfections found in even the most beautiful, natural teeth. 

How are crowns used in dentistry?

Dental crowns are popular because they can address a wide range of dental needs. Some of the applications for dental crowns include:

• Preserve the structural integrity of cracked or fractured teeth
• Repair chipped teeth
• Protect worn down teeth
• Correct irregularities in the size or shape of teeth
• Address discoloration that cannot be improved with teeth whitening
• Serve as the anchor for dental bridgework
• Serve as the final step in dental implants

Getting a dental crown requires a few trips to the office, but the final result gives you a strong, attractive restoration that lasts for many years.

What are the steps involved in getting dental crowns?

Once you and your dentist decide to move forward with a dental crown, an impression captures the specifications of your teeth and the alignment of your smile. On the day of your procedure, an injection of numbing medication ensures you’re comfortable from start to finish. 

Once you’re numb, your dentist removes a portion of your natural tooth tissue to make room for the new crown. A set of impressions are taken to guide the fabrication process further. Your dentist secures a temporary crown in place to protect the prepared tooth until your new crown is ready. 

Your custom crown is created at a local dental lab, and is shaded to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. While some dental practices use in-house milling machines to create same-day crowns, that equipment simply cannot match the resources available at a high-quality dental lab. The end results are often bulky and unrefined. 

Once your new crown arrives from the lab, you return to have it checked for appearance and fit before cementing into place. This completes the restoration, and your dental team will check your crown during future dental exams. 

If you have additional questions about dental crowns or are ready to book your appointment, call or click to find a time that fits your schedule.