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 completely encases a compromised tooth. It is custom-made from dental impressions of your teeth so it will fit perfectly and blend in naturally. Crowns can be made from various materials, but we use porcelain ceramic, as this material is durable and resembles natural teeth.
Dental Crown Uses
Dental crowns are among a dentist’s most versatile tools. They can correct various cosmetic and restorative dental problems.
Covering a Discolored or Misshapen Tooth
Professional teeth whitening is traditionally used when you have discolored teeth. However, not all tooth discoloration responds to professional whitening treatment. If you have teeth that are discolored due to trauma or deep intrinsic staining caused by medication, you’ll need another solution. Dental crowns cover the entire tooth, and you can choose the shade of white for the crown to get exactly what you desire.
Not only are misshapen teeth a cosmetic issue, but they can also impact the functionality of your smile. Each tooth has a specific use for speaking and eating. The tongue interacts with the teeth to make the sounds used for speech. Your unique teeth each have a job in breaking down food, too. A dental crown completely covers the misshapen tooth, allowing you to feel confident in how it looks while ensuring that your teeth are doing their job correctly.
Treating a Decayed or Damaged Tooth
Dental crowns are often the last line of defense when saving a tooth. If a tooth severely decays, it becomes very weak, and valuable tooth structure is lost. At a certain point, dental fillings can no longer correct the problem. A dental crown covers the tooth, restoring it to full function. It gives you back the tooth structure that’s been eroded by decay.
This is also true for damaged teeth. If you have a shattered tooth, a crown can hold the remaining pieces together. If a chunk of your tooth has broken off, a crown restores the portion that’s now gone. A broken tooth can expose the tooth pulp, causing pain when things come into contact with the sensitive nerves. It also gives bacteria access to the inner layers of the tooth, increasing your risk of infection. A dental crown protects your tooth from these problems.
Strengthening Natural Teeth
One of the most common uses for dental crowns is to fortify a tooth after a root canal. A root canal removes infected inner pulp from your tooth, hollowing it out. We refill the tooth with a biocompatible material. However, this doesn’t always restore the tooth to full function. A dental crown can ensure you get back the full use of the tooth and protect the inner tissue from further infection.
A traditional dental bridge uses the teeth at either end of the span to support the bridge. This puts a lot of stress on them. Anchor teeth are more likely to succumb to tooth decay and wear down faster than others. We often recommend putting crowns on these anchor teeth. Instead of your natural tooth structure supporting the bridge, the crowns take on the brunt of the bridge support.
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 use these impressions to 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. Patients may need time to get used to their new crowns. However, the dental crowns will blend in with the bite over time 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 computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology can be completed in a single visit. This type of advanced dental technology has many benefits.
- Digital impressions: Digital impressions are less uncomfortable and messier. Additionally, they are more accurate in helping with diagnostics and treatment planning.
- 3D imagery: Digital impressions produce 3d images, allowing your dentist to see and use multi-dimensional images of your mouth. This will allow your dentist to design your dental restoration more precisely and ensure stable placement.
- Quality materials: The E4D system can 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, please 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, while 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 that seal teeth after root canal treatment. However, particularly worn or weakened teeth patients 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 a 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 tooth, only the damaged portion. Both crowns and fillings will restore a tooth’s shape and appearance, provide 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, and 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 will 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?
You cannot whiten dental crowns if they stain. 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.