Do you have a broken or cracked tooth? Are your worn teeth creating an uneven bite? Dental crowns can help restore the smile. Crowns act like caps that can cover injured, worn, broken, and cracked teeth. Dental crowns may also cap off dental implants and other restorations. Tooth crowns are a restorative dentistry treatment we offer to the public.
We offer tooth crowns made of porcelain ceramic, which blends in with the color of natural tooth enamel. Dr. Michael Sesi can provide you with a dental crown in Clarkston, MI to restore the appearance and function of your tooth.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown, or cap, is a common dental restoration that will completely encase a compromised tooth. They are custom made from dental impressions of your teeth so they will fit perfectly and blend in naturally. They can be made from various materials, however we use porcelain ceramic as this material is durable and resembles natural teeth.
What are Dental Crowns used for?
A dental crown is a versatile restoration that serves many purposes. While mostly used as a restorative treatment, a crown can also be used as a cosmetic dentistry treatment. Dr. Sesi or Dr. Rabban may recommend a dental crown for any of the following reasons:
- Support and strengthen a tooth after a root canal
- Replace a large old, worn down tooth filling
- Repair a large broken or chipped tooth
- Support a tooth with a large crack
- Change the appearance of a crooked or misshapen tooth
- Whiten teeth by hiding discolored, stained or yellow teeth
- Close the gaps between teeth
- Lengthen teeth that are too short
Dental Crown Treatment in Clarkston, MI
Our dental office can provide dental crowns to patients. We use the E4D Dentist System that can create accurate dental impressions. Additionally, we use computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) to plan and create the crowns.
Unlike traditional impressions, which use messy putty, the E4D system takes digital impressions. We take these impressions, which make a three-dimensional model of the teeth.
This model acts as a template for the milling machine. The machine creates the crowns out of porcelain ceramic blocks. When the dental crowns are complete, we place them on the prepared teeth.
We ensure that each crown matches the exact size, shape, and shade to create a comfortable bite. It may take some time for patients to get used to their new crowns. However, over time, the dental crowns will blend in with the bite and become a natural part of the smile.
The Benefits of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns that are custom made for you using the E4D Dentist System and the computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology can be completed in a single visit. There are many benefits to use this type of advanced dental technology.
- Digital impressions: There is less discomfort and messiness with the use the diginal impression. Additionally, digital impressions are more accurate for helping with diagnostics and treatment planning.
- 3D imagery: Digital impressions produce 3d images giving your dentist the ability to see and use multi-dimensional images of your mouth. This will allow your dentist to design your dental restoration more precisely and ensure that placement is stable.
- Quality materials: The E4D system can be used to create high quality porcelain dental crowns. This will result in a highly durable, aesthetically pleasing dental restoration that fits comfortably within your natural smile.
Dental Crown FAQs
If you would like to discover more about tooth crowns, read through our frequently asked questions. The more you know about this restorative dentistry treatment, the more confidence you will feel about your procedure. If you have further questions or concerns, feel free to contact us during regular business hours.
What are inlays and onlays?
Also known as partial crowns, inlays and onlays cover part of the tooth, while traditional crowns fully cover teeth. Inlays cover the chewing surface of the tooth, between the sides or cusps. Onlays cover a larger area, the chewing surface, and tooth cusps. Inlays and onlays are separate pieces we can create using accurate dental impressions. Like crowns, we attach inlays and onlays to each tooth.
Why do I need a dental crown after a root canal?
Patients receive dental fillings which seal teeth after root canal treatment. However, patients with particularly worn or weakened teeth may need a dental crown. Tooth crowns protect teeth and preserve the tooth’s structure. Weakened teeth can also create an unbalanced bite and are prone to further damage.
What is the difference between an dental crown and a dental filling?
A dental crown is like a cap that your dentist will place over the entire tooth, completely encasing it to the gumline. Dental crowns are primarily used to restore severely decayed or damaged teeth. On the other hand, a dental filling is a material that your dentist will use to fill in a small to medium-sized cavity caused by tooth decay. Dental fillings do not cover the entire the tooth, only the damaged portion. Both crowns and fillings will restore a tooth’s shape and appearance as well as provide it structural support and protect it from further damage.
How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns can last fifteen to thirty years. Patients need to care for their dental crowns like natural teeth. Gently brush your crowns and natural teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
Aggressively brushing your crowns can damage them. Abrasive whitening toothpaste can also cause damage. Visiting the dentist regularly also increases the longevity of your dental crowns.
Can dental crowns be used to replace missing teeth?
Yes, dental crowns can be used to replace missing teeth. We can use them as part of an implant-supported restoration. If you are missing a tooth, your dentist would insert a dental implant into the jawbone at the void. Then they would secure a custom dental crown to the tooth implant. This is the most natural way to replace a missing tooth.
Is the dental crown procedure painful?
Dr. Sesi will use local anesthesia to numb your tooth and the area around it. This is to make sure you are comfortable and pain-free during the dental crown procedure. However, you may experience slight discomfort or pressure while he prepares your tooth. In most cases, this part of the process is not painful. After the procedure, you may feel sore for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage this minor discomfort or sensitivity.
Can dental crowns be whitened if they become stained?
Dental crowns cannot be whitened if they become stained. Unlike natural teeth, crowns do not respond to teeth whitening treatments. If your dental crown becomes discolored, the only solution is to replace it with a new one to restore its appearance. The better option is to simply maintain good oral hygiene to prevent staining and prolong the lifespan of your tooth crown.
Schedule a Consultation for a Dental Crown in Clarkston, MI
If you think you would benefit from dental crowns, call our office at 248-985-2906. You can also request an appointment with Dr. Sesi or Dr. Rabban on our website. Please let us know if you have any current oral health concerns or questions about treatment. We are here to help patients educate themselves on their dental care.