Are your teeth damaged, stained, or crooked? Dental crowns are restorative dentistry treatments from Flax Dental in Sandy Springs, GA that can restore your smile and transform your appearance. If you’re unhappy with the look of your damaged teeth, cosmetic dental crowns may be the ideal solution. Dental crowns can repair most tooth damage and protect a tooth after a root canal procedure.
Protect and restore your natural teeth at Flax Dental. Dr. Hugh Flax, a leading cosmetic dentist, provides natural-looking crowns using cutting-edge techniques and compounds. Continue reading to learn more about this cosmetic and restorative dental procedure.
What are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped “caps” the dentist places over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Dr. Flax uses high-quality porcelain to craft natural-looking dental crowns. Each crown will blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth.
A dental crown can protect a tooth that is:
- Fractured or severely damaged
- Badly decayed
- Weakened by large fillings or root canal therapy
- Discolored or misshapen
- Used as an abutment tooth for a dental bridge
The dental crown covers the entire visible part of the tooth down to the gum line, restoring it to its original shape and size. We custom-design our dental crowns for each patient. For a permanent fit, the dentist will cement it into place, making your new restoration a permanent part of your mouth.
When Are Dental Crowns Necessary?
Dr. Flax recommends versatile dental crowns to patients with varying dental issues. These restorations give patients the freedom to replace or restore a tooth in many different ways, including:
- Severely Damaged Teeth. A dental crown will rebuild the tooth structure of a broken or cracked tooth. The prosthetic can also repair extensive decay that’s too large to restore using a filling. The dental crown covers the entire tooth surface and protects it from further damage.
- Root Canal Treated Tooth. A tooth is more brittle and prone to fracture following root canal therapy. A dental crown can reinforce the tooth and help prevent future cracking or splitting of the tooth.
- Dental Implants. Custom dental crowns finalize dental implant treatment for a natural, durable replacement tooth.
- Worn-Down Tooth Repair. Years of grinding or chewing can wear your teeth down. An excessively worn tooth may cause pain or uneven bite alignment. Crowns can rebuild the tooth to the proper shape, thickness, and length.
- Fortifying Weak Teeth. Teeth can become weak because of large cavities, cracks, trauma, grinding, and prior dental work. Weak teeth are at higher risk of fracture. Crowns stabilize and strengthen compromised teeth.
- Hiding Tooth Discoloration. Crowns can cover badly stained teeth, or teeth that have intrinsic discoloration that teeth whitening can’t remove. The dental crown restores a natural look to the tooth.
- Cosmetic Enhancement. Cosmetic crowns can restore chipped, cracked, unevenly spaced, or misshapen teeth.
- Dental Bridge Abutments. Crowns are also a part of dental implant restorations and implant-supported bridges. They sit on adjacent teeth to support dental bridges and replace a missing tooth in between.
The Dental Crown Procedure
Preparation Appointments
Dr. Flax begins the dental crown procedure by numbing your mouth around the treatment area. Then he will clean the affected tooth and gently remove all damaged enamel. Dr. Flax will create an even surface on your enamel. Next, he will take dental impressions so he has exact measurements for the next step.
Custom Design and Fabrication
The Flax Dental lab team uses the impressions of your teeth to design and fabricate a custom dental crown. Advanced technology produces a precise-fitting permanent crown, usually over a couple of weeks. We may place temporary dental crowns to protect the natural tooth structure in the meantime.
Placement Appointment
Once your permanent crown is ready, Dr. Flax will remove the temporary crowns. Then he will attach your custom crown to complete the procedure. He’ll check the fit, shape, color, and bite alignment to ensure optimal function and the best look. Finally, he will permanently cement the dental crown into its place.
Maintaining Your Dental Crown
Proper oral hygiene and being careful during eating and daily habits will help your dental crowns last many years. Here are Dr. Flax’s tips for protecting your restorations after the dental crown procedure:
- Brush and Floss Carefully: Gently brush around the dental crown to remove plaque and food debris. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and floss at least once daily.
- Chew Carefully: Avoid biting directly on sticky, hard, or crunchy foods like nuts, candies, and ice with your dental crown.
- Use a Mouthguard: If you grind your teeth, wear a night guard to prevent fracturing or chipping the dental crown material.
- See Dr. Flax Regularly: Visit our Atlanta dentist every six months for exams and professional cleanings. Report any loosening, damage, or problems with your dental crown right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is getting a dental crown painful?
Getting a dental crown generally isn’t painful because your dentist will numb your teeth with a local anesthetic. You may experience some discomfort following the dental crown procedure. But this pain is manageable using over-the-counter pain relief and gentle care.
Do I need a dental crown or filling?
Fillings repair small cavities, while porcelain crowns rebuild and restore teeth severely damaged by decay, fracture, or trauma. Your dentist will help determine if a dental crown or filling is the best option.
Do dental crowns look natural?
Modern dental crowns will precisely match the size, shape, and color of your teeth. Porcelain crowns have a natural translucency that perfectly blends with your natural tooth.
Can a dentist whiten dental crowns?
No, dentists can’t whiten the dental crown itself because it is not natural tooth enamel. However, the dentist can whiten the natural teeth around it to match the new color of your crown. Ask your dentist about professional whitening options to understand how your natural teeth will look alongside your dental crown.
Why Choose Dental Crowns from Flax Dental?
Flax Dental is a leading cosmetic dentistry practice in Sandy Springs. Dr. Hugh Flax, author of A Smile is Always in Style, is an internationally renowned cosmetic dentist. He has years of experience providing dental crown treatments. He uses advanced technology like intraoral scanning to create precise-fitting, natural-looking crowns.
The Flax Dental team knows how important your smile is and takes the time to understand your unique cosmetic goals. We provide personalized care for your tooth using the most advanced techniques and long-lasting materials. Call 470-635-3604 to schedule your cosmetic consultation at Flax Dental.