Do you suffer from dental damage or missing teeth? If so, restorative and cosmetic dentistry can help. Restore your smile and improve your self-confidence with the help of dental crowns from McCullough Dental today!
Dental Crowns: What Are They?
A tool of restorative dentistry, a dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fits over an existing tooth. If you have dental damage that cannot be addressed with a filling, your dentist at McCullough Dental may recommend a crown to provide sufficient protection.
Throughout your life, your teeth can weaken and become more susceptible to damage. Dental crowns are a perfect solution for many of these dental problems caused by age, injury, or wear. A crown can also protect a tooth from additional damage in the future.
This treatment helps address numerous dental issues and provides the same lasting results regardless of your needs. And thanks to our color match technology, you can smile with confidence knowing your crown will blend in seamlessly with your surrounding teeth.
Enhance Your Smile with Porcelain Crowns
At McCullough Dental, we make metal-free crowns that blend in perfectly with your natural teeth. Our crowns generally last 10–15 years and should be cared for in the same way that you would care for your natural teeth. That means brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day. These habits will keep your smile dazzling and healthy.
Porcelain crowns enhance and strengthen your teeth so you can smile with confidence and eat your favorite foods without worry of pain, cracking, or embarrassment. These lasting benefits not only improve your dental health but also your quality of life.
If you’re ready to transform your smile, call our dental office today and schedule an initial appointment.
Solutions Dental Crowns Provide
At McCullough Dental, our patients are like our family; that’s why we are passionate about providing effective, long-lasting dental solutions like dental crowns. In addition to their durability, dental crowns can be used to treat several different dental conditions, including:
Restoring a Damaged or Decayed Tooth
If a tooth has a large filling or significant decay, a crown can provide strength and protection to prevent further damage. It can also restore the natural function and appearance of the tooth.
Protecting a Weak Tooth
If a tooth is fractured or has weakened from root canal therapy, a crown can prevent it from breaking and provide the necessary support.
Improving the Appearance of a Tooth
Crowns can be used for cosmetic purposes, such as covering a discolored or misshapen tooth, giving it a more natural and aesthetically pleasing look.
Holding a Dental Bridge in Place
Crowns are often used to anchor dental bridges, which replace missing teeth by attaching to adjacent natural teeth.
Covering a Dental Implant
Crowns can be placed over dental implants to replace missing teeth, mimicking the appearance of a natural tooth.
The Benefits of Porcelain Dental Crowns
Our porcelain crowns fit perfectly over the top of an existing tooth or an implant abutment. Because of their strong material, crowns can last up to a decade or more with proper care. Porcelain crowns are also made to match the color of your teeth so that they blend in with the rest of your smile.
But these are not the only strengths of porcelain crowns; here are a few other benefits dental crowns offer:
- Confidence: A straight, healthy, white smile can give you that extra confidence boost in social and professional settings.
- Health: Untreated damaged teeth can have a lasting impact on your health. Crowns can help you avoid issues such as tooth loss, bite misalignment, and TMD.
- Function: Worn, broken, or missing teeth can make it difficult to eat and speak normally. A dental crown will restore your smile to full functionality.
To get these and other amazing benefits from dental crown treatment, contact McCullough Dental and request an appointment!
The Crown Procedure
Getting a dental crown typically requires one or two visits to our office. Here is what our patients can expect during the dental crown process:
1. First Visit: Tooth Preparation and Impressions
- Examination: Our dentists will examine the tooth to ensure it is suitable for a crown. If there is decay or damage, it will be cleaned or treated first.
- Tooth Shaping: The tooth will be shaped to make room for the crown. This may involve removing some of the outer layers of the tooth.
- Impressions: Once the tooth is prepared, our dental team will take an impression of the tooth and surrounding area. This impression will help us to create a custom crown that fits your tooth perfectly.
- Temporary Crown: While waiting for your permanent crown to be made, a temporary crown will be placed over the prepared tooth to protect it.
2. Second Visit: Crown Placement
- Fitting the Crown: When the permanent crown is ready, the dentist will remove the temporary one and check the fit of the new crown. If it fits properly and looks natural, it will be cemented onto your tooth.
- Final Adjustments: The dentist will make any final adjustments to ensure the crown feels comfortable and functions correctly when you bite.
You may qualify for same-day crowns using our CEREC technology. CEREC technology mills crowns in-office so you can prep your tooth and have a permanent new crown in one visit instead of two!
What to Expect at McCullough Dental
Depending on your condition, receiving a dental crown can be a very short process. At McCullough Dental, we use advanced technology in every step of the process to increase the accuracy, comfort, and speed of the procedure. Here is what you can expect when you get a dental crown:
COMFORTABLE ENVIRONMENT
Our friendly staff strives to create a warm, inviting environment to help you feel at home in our office. First, Dr. McCullough will make sure you’re comfortable with the procedure by answering any questions you may have. He may also apply a local anesthetic to minimize your discomfort during the procedure.
PRECISE CARE
Because your health and comfort are so important to us, we take extra care to be precise as we prepare your teeth. The tooth that will receive the crown must be filed down to a smoother, more workable shape.
EFFICIENCY THROUGH DENTAL TECHNOLOGY
Using CEREC technology, we can have your permanent crown ready to apply in one appointment. This advanced tool allows us to create a crown that’s perfectly customized to your tooth in minimal time—no need to wait weeks for your crown to be made.
QUALITY MATERIALS
Once your crown is placed, you can go right home and resume your normal life with a stronger smile. Because of their durable material, crowns can last for a decade or longer. So, if you take proper care of your crown, it will last you for years to come.
What Makes Us Different
Here at McCullough Dental, we have the experience and dental technology to give you quick, lasting, and precise results so you can smile with confidence knowing your dental health is in tip-top shape. Not every dental office offers CEREC technology or our relaxing and friendly atmosphere.
Our dental team emphasizes a patient-centric approach, treating every patient like they’re part of the family. We customize all of our treatment plans and dental accessories to give you accurate results specific to your smile, dental needs, and goals.
Wondering if our office fits your dental needs? Take a look at what other patients are saying about our practice to help you decide if it’s right for you.
Last year, I met Dr McCullough when he made a crown for my back tooth. I could tell he really enjoys his work and I love people who have a passion for what they do. Because I found it interesting, he let me see the machine that makes the crown, and let me tell you, it IS interesting. No mold or 3D imaging. Dr McCullough used a material that matched the natural color of my other teeth. It was both faster and less expensive than getting an old fashioned metal crown and I am very happy with the result. The crown feels like a natural tooth.
– Kumari D.
Caring for Your Dental Crown
To ensure the longevity of your dental crown, follow these care tips:
- Brush and Floss: Continue brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Make sure to clean around the crown and under the gum line.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Be cautious when eating hard or sticky foods that could damage the crown.
- Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Regular dental visits will help monitor the condition of your crown and overall oral health.
Minimizing the Risks of Dental Crowns
While dental crowns are a common and effective treatment for restoring damaged or decayed teeth, like any dental procedure they come with some potential risks:
- Tooth Sensitivity
- Crown loosening or falling off
- Tooth decay under the crown
- Gum irritation or infection
- Misalignment or improper fit
Here is what we recommend to minimize the risks of dental crowns and to make them a good solution for your oral health:
- Follow Aftercare Instructions: Adhere to the dentist’s instructions for post-procedure care to reduce the risk of complications like infection or gum irritation.
- Choose a Qualified Dentist: Here at McCullough Dental, our team is experienced in crown placement and making sure they fit properly.
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss regularly to prevent infection under the crown.
- Attend Regular Check-Ups: Keep up with your dental visits so we can monitor the condition of your crown and your oral health.
Have More Questions?
When starting a new treatment, it can be difficult to know what to expect. We want you to feel as comfortable and informed as possible, so here are some of the most frequently asked questions to help you become more familiar with our dental crown treatment.
HOW LONG IS THE DENTAL CROWN PROCESS?
Our office offers same-day dental crowns, so you can come into our office and leave with a new smile. No need to schedule multiple treatment visits, receive a temporary crown, or suffer from extended discomfort. With same-day treatment, you will receive a customized, long-lasting crown that fits your tooth perfectly.
HOW MUCH DO DENTAL CROWNS COST?
Thanks to our same-day treatment, you can avoid the costs of a temporary crown, additional treatment visits, and extra travel time. That being said, we understand that dental crowns are not always within a patient’s budget, so we accept dental insurance and offer payment options to help you get the treatment you need.
WILL DENTAL CROWNS HURT?
Dental crowns are intended to relieve the pain caused by dental damage, infection, or decay. The treatment itself should not hurt, but we will numb the area and offer you sedation options to ensure that you feel relaxed and calm throughout the entire process.
Once the crown is placed, you should experience relief from your painful dental issue. You may experience temporary soreness immediately following the treatment. If this is the case, our dental team will give you instructions on how to manage any discomfort until it subsides.
HOW LONG DO DENTAL CROWNS LAST?
Dental crowns can last anywhere from 5–15 years or longer with proper care. The lifespan of a crown depends on the material used, how well you care for your teeth, and the location of the crown in your mouth.
ARE PORCELAIN CROWNS BETTER THAN OTHER TYPES OF CROWNS?
Porcelain crowns offer several advantages, such as a natural appearance and biocompatibility. They are ideal for visible areas of the mouth. However, they may not be as durable as metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns in areas that experience heavy biting pressure, like molars. Our dentists will recommend the best option for you.
CAN CROWNS BE REPAIRED IF DAMAGED?
If a porcelain crown chips or cracks, it may need to be replaced rather than repaired. However minor issues, like small chips, may sometimes be addressed with dental bonding or other cosmetic treatments. Our dentists will guide you to the best course of action.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T GET A CROWN FOR A DAMAGED TOOTH?
If you leave a damaged tooth untreated, it may continue to weaken, potentially leading to further decay, infection, or even tooth loss. A dental crown helps protect and preserve the tooth, restoring its function and appearance.
CAN PORCELAIN CROWNS STAIN?
While porcelain crowns are resistant to staining, they can still absorb pigments from certain foods and drinks over time. It’s best to avoid excessive consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco to keep your crown looking bright and fresh. Regular brushing will also help to maintain the crown’s appearance.
Repair a Damaged Smile with Porcelain Crowns
Your health is our highest priority. If you are in need of a crown to fix damaged teeth, we are ready to help! Our porcelain crowns can be made and placed in a single appointment, allowing us to provide you with the relief you deserve in as little as a few hours. Call our office today to get started!