How Do I Know if I Need a Dental Crown?

Dental crowns serve numerous purposes, including repairing damaged teeth, strengthening weak teeth, replacing missing teeth, and making cosmetic modifications. At Great Lakes Dentures and Implants, we are committed to utilizing the latest technology and techniques to deliver high-quality restorations with incredibly lifelike results.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown or “cap” is a restoration that fully encases the visible portion of a damaged tooth, enhancing its health, strength, and appearance. Crowns are sized and contoured similarly to your natural teeth, allowing for normal chewing function.

Great Lakes Dentures and Implants offers dental crowns in a variety of aesthetic materials that are made to look and function just like your natural teeth. Once in place, no one will tell your restoration apart from the surrounding teeth.

Why Would You Need a Dental Crown?

Dr. McGuire may recommend a crown to address the following conditions:

• Deep Decay: If you have a tooth with extensive decay and insufficient structure remaining to support a large filling, you will require a dental crown. Your restoration will support the affected tooth and restore its strength, health, and structural integrity.
• Large Fillings: In some cases, a tooth with a large filling may require fortification. A dental crown may be the best option to protect the affected tooth and prevent fracture or further damage.
• A fractured or cracked tooth: A fractured, cracked, or broken tooth will not heal on its own and may cause severe pain and discomfort. Covering and supporting the affected tooth with a dental crown will relieve your discomfort and restore your healthy, functional smile.
• Root Canal Therapy: A tooth that has undergone root canal therapy will become brittle and prone to fracture. That’s why, in most cases, we recommend placing a crown for protection after undergoing endodontic treatment.
• Replacing Missing Teeth: Dental crowns can replace one or more missing teeth by covering dental implants or supporting dental bridges. They deliver incredibly natural-looking and feeling results, comparable to healthy, natural teeth.
• Cosmetic Enhancement: Dental crowns are aesthetic restorations that are often used to improve a smile’s appearance. They can mask imperfections in terms of a tooth’s color, size, length, shape, or alignment, delivering flawless results.

What Is the Dental Crown Procedure?

The dental crown placement procedure will depend on the type of crown. However, in most cases, we will start by numbing the area using a local anesthetic for your comfort. Dr. McGuire will prepare the affected tooth by removing some of its structure to make room for your restoration. Next, he will make impressions of the tooth to send to our dental lab for fabrication. He will place a temporary crown to protect your prepared tooth while you wait.

During an upcoming appointment, Dr. McGuire will evaluate your permanent crown to ensure it provides a perfect fit and color match to the remaining teeth, and then he will cement it in place. The last step is making any needed adjustments for your comfort. Once in place, your new crown will look, feel, and function just like the surrounding teeth, leaving you with seamless results.

Dental Crowns Near Me in Plainwell, MI

Visit Great Lakes Dentures and Implants to learn more about restoring a weak, damaged, or missing tooth with a dental crown. Dr. McGuire is committed to providing quality, durable restorations to ensure you enjoy a healthy, functional smile for years to come. We invite you to call us at 269-888-6686 to schedule your appointment or request one online today!