Charlottesville Dental Associates · Charlottesville, VA
Dental Crowns
Serves Charlottesville, VA and surrounding areas
Custom-made dental crowns that protect weakened teeth while restoring natural appearance and function.
About
At Charlottesville Dental Associates, our dental crowns provide the ultimate protection for your teeth, helping to safeguard them from further damage. Our crowns are custom-made to fit perfectly over a weakened tooth, protecting it while restoring its natural look and feel. Whether your tooth is damaged by decay, injury, or wear, crowns offer a durable, long-lasting solution that preserves your smile.
What's Included
Thorough evaluation of the damaged tooth and surrounding structures to determine the best treatment approach
Precision impressions and custom fabrication to ensure perfect fit and natural appearance
Careful reshaping and preparation of the tooth to accommodate the crown with local anesthesia for comfort
Protective temporary crown placed while your permanent crown is being created
Professional fitting, adjustment, and permanent cementation of your custom crown
Post-procedure guidance and ongoing support to ensure optimal results and longevity
Ideal For
Dental crowns are ideal for patients with weakened, cracked, or severely decayed teeth, those who have undergone root canal therapy, or anyone needing to restore a tooth's function and appearance. They're suitable for patients of all ages who have sufficient tooth structure remaining to support a crown.
Consult First
A consultation is recommended if you have active gum disease, which should be treated first, or if you have concerns about bite alignment. Patients with severe teeth grinding may need additional protective measures like a night guard to protect the crown investment.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a damaged, weakened, or decayed tooth. It completely covers the visible portion of the tooth above the gum line, providing protection and restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance.
Crowns are custom-made to match your natural teeth in color and shape, ensuring a seamless blend with your smile. They serve as a protective barrier that prevents further damage while allowing you to chew, speak, and smile with confidence.
When Are Dental Crowns Needed?
Dental crowns are recommended for various situations including protecting a tooth after root canal therapy, covering a dental implant, restoring a badly broken or worn tooth, or holding a dental bridge in place.
They're also used to cover teeth with large fillings when there isn't enough natural tooth structure remaining, or to improve the appearance of severely discolored or misshapen teeth. Your dentist will evaluate your specific situation to determine if a crown is the right solution.
The Crown Procedure
Getting a dental crown typically involves two visits. During the first appointment, the tooth is prepared by removing any decay and reshaping it to accommodate the crown. Impressions are taken and sent to a dental laboratory where your custom crown is created.
A temporary crown protects the tooth between visits. At the second appointment, the temporary crown is removed and the permanent crown is carefully fitted, adjusted, and cemented into place. The dentist ensures proper bite alignment and appearance before final placement.
Caring for Your Dental Crown
Dental crowns require the same care as your natural teeth. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and maintain regular dental checkups and cleanings at Charlottesville Dental Associates.
Avoid chewing hard foods, ice, or other hard objects that could damage the crown. With proper care and maintenance, your dental crown can provide years of reliable protection and restore your smile's full function and beauty.
FAQ
How long do dental crowns last?
With proper care and regular dental visits, dental crowns typically last 10-15 years or longer. The lifespan depends on your oral hygiene habits and the wear the crown experiences.
Is getting a dental crown painful?
The crown procedure is performed with local anesthesia, so you shouldn't feel pain during the treatment. Some mild sensitivity after the procedure is normal and typically subsides within a few days.
How many appointments are needed for a crown?
Typically, dental crowns require two appointments. The first visit involves tooth preparation and impressions, while the second visit is for crown placement and final adjustments.
What materials are used for crowns?
Crowns can be made from various materials including porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination. Your dentist will recommend the best material based on the tooth's location and your specific needs.