A damaged or weakened tooth can create discomfort that affects how you eat, speak, and smile. Dental crowns restore both the function and appearance of compromised teeth, giving you back the confidence to enjoy everyday moments without worry. This protective restoration caps the entire visible portion of your tooth, providing strength and durability that can last for years with proper care.
At Naylor Family Dental and Implant Center, Dr. Naylor and his team craft personalized treatment plans that address your unique dental needs. Whether you need a crown to protect a tooth after root canal therapy or to restore a broken tooth, the practice combines quality materials with careful attention to detail. The result is a restoration that blends seamlessly with your natural smile while standing up to the demands of daily life.
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers the entire portion of a tooth above the gum line. The restoration encases the natural tooth structure, protecting it from further damage while restoring its original shape and function. Modern crowns use materials like porcelain, ceramic, or zirconia that mimic the translucency and color of natural tooth enamel.
The crown process typically requires two visits. During your first appointment, the dentist prepares your tooth by removing any damaged areas and reshaping it to accommodate the crown. After taking precise impressions, a temporary crown protects your tooth while a dental laboratory fabricates your permanent restoration. At your second visit, the dentist removes the temporary crown and bonds the permanent one in place, making any necessary adjustments for a comfortable bite.
For patients seeking faster treatment, same-day crowns offer an alternative that eliminates the need for temporary restorations and multiple appointments.
Several dental situations benefit from crown placement. After root canal treatment, a crown protects the remaining tooth structure from fracturing under chewing pressure. Large cavities that compromise too much tooth structure for a traditional filling also require the comprehensive coverage a crown provides.
Cracked or broken teeth gain stability and function through crown restoration. The cap holds the tooth together, preventing the crack from spreading while distributing biting forces evenly across the tooth. Dental implants use crowns as the visible replacement tooth, anchored to the titanium post that integrates with your jawbone.
Teeth worn down by grinding or acid erosion regain their proper height and shape with crowns. This restoration helps maintain your bite alignment and prevents additional strain on surrounding teeth. Severely discolored teeth that don’t respond to whitening treatments can also receive crowns for improved aesthetics, though veneers may offer a less invasive option for primarily cosmetic concerns.
Different crown materials offer distinct advantages based on the tooth’s location and your specific needs:
The choice of material depends on factors including the tooth’s position, the amount of remaining natural structure, and your budget considerations.
Most dental crowns function effectively for 10 to 15 years with appropriate care. According to the American Dental Association, proper oral hygiene significantly extends crown longevity. Some crowns last even longer when patients maintain consistent dental care habits and avoid behaviors that stress the restoration.
Several factors influence crown durability. The material affects lifespan, with gold and zirconia typically outlasting porcelain-fused-to-metal options. Your oral habits matter considerably as well. Grinding or clenching teeth, chewing ice, using teeth as tools, or biting fingernails all create excessive force that can damage crowns prematurely.
Regular dental checkups allow early detection of potential issues like decay around the crown margins or minor chips that need repair. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene prevents gum disease that could compromise the tooth supporting your crown. When you brush twice daily, floss around the crown’s base, and avoid hard or sticky foods, you maximize your restoration’s functional life.
Crown maintenance follows the same principles as natural tooth care. Brush gently around the crown’s edges where it meets your gum tissue, as this junction provides an entry point for bacteria if plaque accumulates. Flossing remains essential because decay can still form on the natural tooth structure beneath the crown’s margins.
Schedule regular cleanings and examinations so your dentist can monitor your crown’s condition. Professional cleanings remove buildup that home care misses, while examinations catch small problems before they require major intervention. Report any sensitivity, looseness, or changes in how your crown feels when you bite. These symptoms might indicate an issue requiring adjustment or repair.
Avoid chewing hard items like ice, popcorn kernels, or hard candy that could crack your crown. Remove sticky foods carefully rather than pulling them off forcefully. If you grind your teeth at night, discuss getting a night guard to protect both your crown and natural teeth from excessive wear.
Quality dental crowns require both technical skill and an eye for natural aesthetics. At Naylor Family Dental and Implant Center, Dr. Naylor brings his Indiana University dental education and years of clinical experience to every restoration. The practice treats each patient with the same care they would provide their own family, creating a calming atmosphere where you feel supported throughout your treatment.
The team crafts crowns that match your natural teeth in color, shape, and translucency, ensuring your restoration blends invisibly with your smile. Whether you need a crown to save a damaged tooth or complete your dental implant, the practice offers flexible financing through CareCredit, Proceed Finance, and Cherry. They also accept major dental insurance plans and provide an in-house membership plan for patients without traditional coverage. Contact Naylor Family Dental and Implant Center to schedule your consultation and discover how a dental crown can restore your tooth’s strength and beauty.
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