Dental Crowns – Raleigh, NC

What Are Dental Crowns?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that goes over the top of a tooth that is broken, discolored, decayed, or otherwise flawed to restore structure, function, and even appearance back to it. When placed, a crown fully encases the visible section of the tooth. Crowns may be used to fill several purposes, such as:

• Protecting a weak tooth from breaking
• Holding together parts of an already broken tooth
• Covering a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t much natural tooth structure left
• Concealing misshapen, discolored, or stubby teeth
• Holding a dental bridge in place
• Covering a dental implant

Crowns provide strength, beauty, and function all in one solution. For high-quality restorations, many patients choose dental crowns in Raleigh to enhance and protect their smiles

The Crown Process

Getting a crown typically takes two visits. At the first appointment, we will likely take some X-rays to thoroughly examine your tooth. If we determine that there is severe decay, we may have to first perform root canal therapy before we can place the crown.

Before installing the crown, we will numb the area surrounding the tooth. Then, we will prepare the tooth for the crown by trimming up the enamel on the sides and chewing surface of the tooth. On the other hand, if a large amount of tooth structure is missing due to decay, we may instead use filling material to “build up” the tooth so it can support the crown.

Next, we will take impressions of the prepped tooth and send them off to the dental lab to design your crown. In the meantime, we’ll fit you with a plastic temporary crown to protect your tooth. You’ll have to be careful that temporary doesn’t come off in the next few weeks. Finally, once your permanent crown is ready, you’ll return to our office to have it placed. With gentle care and advanced techniques, our team ensures your restoration blends seamlessly with your natural smile. When choosing dental crowns in Raleigh, you can trust us to provide durable, beautiful results that look and feel like your own teeth.

Dental Crown Maintenance

Luckily, caring for dental crowns in Raleigh doesn’t require much additional effort compared to taking care of your uncrowned teeth. Make sure to brush and floss your crowned tooth regularly. Also, schedule periodic checkups and cleanings with Dr. Rensch or Dr. Laster so they can ensure your crown is in good condition and let you know when it needs to be replaced. Crowns typically last 10-15 years, but by taking good care of them, they can last even longer.

If you grind your teeth, you’ll want to avoid doing that, as it can wear down your crown. Fortunately, we offer custom nightguards to stop unconscious teeth grinding while sleeping.

Furthermore, don’t use your teeth as tools to open stubborn packaging or bags. They should be used for chewing food and nothing else. Avoid chewing on ice or biting into hard foods with your crowned tooth, as that could cause the crown to chip. When that happens, decay could enter through the crack and cause serious problems.

When a Dental Crown Is the Ideal Solution

Sometimes a tooth needs more than a simple filling to stay strong and healthy. That’s when our team may recommend long-lasting crowns designed to restore full function and beauty. With our advanced approach to dental crowns in Raleigh, you receive durable, natural-looking protection that keeps your smile healthy for years to come.

• Deep Cavity: Protects the tooth when decay is too extensive for a filling.
• Cracked or Fractured Teeth: Restores strength and prevents further breakage.
• After Root Canal Therapy: Seals and reinforces the tooth for long-term stability.
• Replacing Large, Failing Fillings: Provides reliable support when old fillings weaken.
• Worn-Down or Weak Teeth: Rebuilds strength and chewing ability for long-term function.

Dental Crowns FAQs