Did you severely crack or chip your tooth? Are you looking for a natural-looking option with a dental crown?
Damaged or missing teeth or severe tooth decay may require a dental crown. A tooth crown is a common restorative dentistry treatment Dr. Angie Gribble Hedlund offers. As your trusted restorative dentist, she is happy to provide you with a crown to restore your tooth. She provides high-quality, lasting dental crowns in Alpharetta, GA, that will blend in and enhance your natural smile.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a prosthetic cap that will encase and restore your entire tooth. We craft our dental crowns from various materials such as porcelain, metal, or a combination to match the color and shape of your natural tooth.
A tooth crown will cover the entire tooth to the gum line. It will improve the appearance, function, strength, and tooth shape. Dr. Hedlund uses dental crowns for restorative purposes and also cosmetic reasons:
- Repair damaged or worn teeth
- Restore balance to the bite
- Support a dental implant or bridgework
- Protect teeth that have undergone root canal therapy
- Improve the appearance of misshapen, discolored, or misaligned teeth
The Dental Crown Process
The dental crown process involves two appointments at our Alpharetta, GA dentist office. During your first appointment, we will take several impressions of your teeth. These will be used to make a temporary dental crown and also to fabricate your permanent crown. The permanent crown will be made in a dental laboratory and returned to our office.
Dr. Hedlund will begin the process by numbing the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic. Then, she will remove the damaged portion of the tooth. She will reduce the tooth to its foundational structure to create room for the dental crown. This will make enough space for the custom prosthetic tooth crown.
We will take several dental impressions of your teeth. We will send one to a dental laboratory where they will fabricate your custom dental crown. A temporary dental crown is created and placed. This will protect our tooth until your permanent one is ready.
At your second appointment, we will gently remove the temporary crown. We will thoroughly clean the tooth in preparation for the permanent cap. Dr. Hedlund will place it over the tooth to ensure proper fit. The final step is to cement the crown to the tooth.
Dental Crown FAQs
Dental crowns offer a solution for damaged or weakened teeth. If you need a dental crown, Dr. Hedlund wants you to feel confident about the treatment you are receiving. Explore answers to frequently asked questions to help you understand the various aspects surrounding dental crowns. If you have additional questions or concerns, please call our office.
Will the dental crown procedure hurt?
The dental crown procedure can cause some discomfort as we file down your tooth structure. We take every preventative measure to ensure that you do not feel any pain. Our sedation dentistry options are available to keep you calm and comfortable throughout the entirety of the process.
How many appointments will it take to get a dental crown?
The dental crown process typically takes 2-3 trips to our office to fully restore your smile. The first appointment will be to prepare your tooth for the crown and take dental impressions. During this dental visit, we will file down your tooth. Then, we will give you a temporary replacement tooth made of composite resin.
Afterward, we will send off your dental impressions to our ceramists so that they can craft your permanent dental crown. After 2-3 weeks, your crown will be ready. We will call you back to our office and attach the dental crown utilizing dental cement on the final visit.
How should I care for my dental crown?
Your tooth crown will not require any additional care once it is permanently on your tooth. Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine will help increase the longevity of your dental crown. Additionally, you should see your dentist once every six months for standard preventative care. You should brush and floss your tooth crown just as you would your natural tooth.
How long will my dental crown last?
With good oral hygiene habits, your dental crown can last many years. Typically, they last 15 years. However, they can last upwards of 25 years, depending on your dental health. By scheduling regular preventative maintenance appointments with your dentist, you should be able to get many years of wear out of your dental crown.
Can I get a dental crown on my front tooth?
Dental crowns can be used on any tooth in your mouth, even a front tooth. They are custom made to fit perfectly in your mouth and blend in naturally. Molds of your teeth will be used to ensure a proper fit. The cap will go all the way to your gum line and be virtually indistinguishable from your other teeth.
Is it common to get a crown after a root canal?
Yes, it is common to get a tooth crown after a root canal. A dentist or endodontist will usually recommend the placement of a crown post-procedure. The tooth crown helps protect the tooth and prevent any further infection. It also helps ensure the tooth remains strong and is less likely to break.
What should I do if my dental crown falls out?
If your dental crown falls out or gets damaged in any way, please call us as soon as you can. Our staff will work you into our schedule quickly. Please save the crown as there is a good chance we can simply re-cement it back on to the tooth. You will need to protect the tooth until we can see you. Call our office and we will walk you through how to do that and how to preserve the crown.
Will my dental insurance cover a dental crown?
Coverage for dental crowns varies among insurance plans. While many insurance providers consider crowns a covered expense for medically necessary reasons, the extent of coverage and associated costs may differ. We suggest that you call you insurance provider for further details. If you choose to get a dental crown for cosmetic purposes, it will likely not be covered by dental insurance.
Does my dental crown require special care?
Your dental crown will require regular care for longevity. You need to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing every day. You also need to attend regular dental check-ups. Avoid habits like teeth grinding and biting on hard objects, as they can impact the durability of the crown. Following these guidelines ensures that your dental crown will continue to function and look good for years to come.
Schedule an Appointment for a Dental Crown in Alpharetta, GA
Patients know Dr. Hedlund for her excellent reputation in consistently restoring the natural beauty and health of teeth. Additionally, Esthetic Dental Solutions partners with professional ceramists accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry to maintain our high standard of dental care and provide you with the highest quality dental crowns.
If you suspect that you have a damaged tooth, request an appointment with our dentists at Esthetic Dental Solutions in Alpharetta and Roswell, GA. We will help you avoid further tooth damage and provide natural-looking dental crown restorations.