A dentist can choose from many materials when creating a dental crown. Charlotte area dentist, Dr. Leonard Hess of the Union County Center for Comprehensive Dentistry uses porcelain dental crowns because of their superior aesthetics and long-term durability. Tooth crowns are a restorative dentistry procedure Dr. Hess provides to Monroe, North Carolina patients.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown, also called a tooth cap or crown, is a permanent restoration covering the entire tooth. Dental crowns strengthen and protect your natural teeth, improving their function and overall esthetics. Dr. Hess uses porcelain dental crowns for the most natural-looking and longest-lasting results. Other dentists elect to use resin materials.
Although resin crowns can be slightly less expensive, they wear down quicker and are more likely to break because of the material. Fortunately, you have Dr. Hess to recommend the best type of dental crown for your unique needs.
Do You Need a Dental Crown?
There are many conditions that Dr. Hess would treat with a dental crown, including:
- Following root canal therapy
- Restore a tooth with a large cavity
- Repair broke or cracked tooth
- Improve the appearance of misshaped or crooked tooth
- Cover a stained or discolored tooth
- Close gaps between teeth
- Lengthen teeth
- Other cosmetic dentistry goals
About Dental Crown Procedure
The dental crown procedure takes place in two office visits:
Design and Creation: The dentist will prepare the tooth by removing old fillings or tooth crowns. Next, he will take an impression and place a temporary crown over the tooth. The dental crown will be handcrafted to Dr. Hess’ specifications in a dental laboratory.
Placement: Dr. Hess will remove the temporary tooth crown and apply the new restoration, adjusting the fit and color if necessary. The porcelain dental crown will be permanently bonded to the tooth and lightly polished.
Dental Crown FAQs
Dental crowns treat both restorative and cosmetic dental concerns. Read the answers to these commonly asked questions to learn more.
What is the cost of a dental crown?
This varies depending on your specific condition and goals and the material selected. If you have dental insurance, your crown may be covered. As a courtesy, we will submit a claim with the reimbursement to be sent directly to you from the insurance company. If you do not have dental insurance or your dental insurance carrier will not cover your treatment, we offer a range of payment options, including financing for qualified patients.
How long do dental crowns last?
Dr. Hess designs dental crowns to last a lifetime. Proper care and maintenance will ensure your dental crown performs at its best for many years. A dental crown’s average lifespan is 5-15 years.
Can you replace gold crowns with porcelain crowns?
Dr. Hess can replace metal dental crowns and broken or worn ones with new, porcelain ones. This simple procedure can have a dramatic impact on the appearance of your smile.
Is getting dental crowns painful?
No, you shouldn’t feel pain when getting a dental crown. Before we prepare your tooth, we completely numb the area. You should only feel some pressure while we prepare the tooth. After the procedure, you may notice sensitivity, especially to extremely hot or cold foods. This fades after a few days. If you experience any sharp or severe pain, call us immediately.
How long after I get a crown can I eat?
Be cautious with what you eat for the first 24 hours after your procedure. Don’t eat sticky or hard foods to avoid disrupting or damaging your crown. Try not to bite down directly with your crown even after this time passes. While dental crowns are strong, that’s one of the biggest risks of damage.
Am I a good candidate for a dental crown?
Dental crowns are often the last chance to save natural tooth structure if you have severe decay or damage. But sometimes, there’s too much, and we aren’t able to save the tooth. When this happens, there’s not other choice but to extract the tooth.
Schedule a Consultation
Dr. Leonard Hess offers consultations to discuss your dental concerns. He offers dental crowns in his Charlotte, NC, and Monroe, NC area dentist office. Schedule an appointment today with Dr. Hess to discuss your oral health, concerns, and budget to see if a dental crown is the right choice for you.