Dental Crowns

Asheboro, NC Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

Dental crowns, also known as dental caps, are tooth-shaped coverings or restorations that are placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, strength, function and appearance. At Zac Vance Dentistry in Asheboro, NC, we are pleased to offer dental crowns as cosmetic and functional devices to our patients. Patients who have tooth decay, cracked teeth or are prone to clenching and grinding their teeth may be good candidates for this treatment.

Dental crowns

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are a prosthetic restoration that fits securely over the prepared natural tooth. They are made to look and function just like your natural teeth and provide a stable surface for chewing. These devices replace the external portion of a tooth that has been damaged, cracked, worn or severely decayed. A dental crown usually requires two dental appointments. The first visit is dedicated to preparing the natural tooth. The second visit involves the placement of the restoration and adjusting the bite to make sure it is comfortable. If you are interested in learning more about dental crowns or you have cracked or injured a tooth, call (336) 629-4137.

Why Do I Need a Crown?

Zac Vance Dentistry is pleased to provide high-quality dental crowns made to look and feel just like your natural tooth. The crown of a tooth refers to the portion of the tooth that can be seen and protrudes out of the gum tissue. Dental crowns are a type of restorative procedure used to replace the outer surface of the tooth. This is recommended for patients who have:

When decay is caught early, it can be treated using a dental filling. If decay progresses, it can necessitate the need for a crown. Sometimes, decay can be widespread across the surface of the tooth and deep within a tooth. If the outside structure of the tooth becomes compromised, a dental crown is recommended as it will protect the root and nerves from decay and provide a fully functional tooth surface for chewing.

Over time, decay can occur under or around a dental filling. If this occurs, it may be time to crown the tooth. This not only protects the root and nerves of the tooth, but it also is aesthetically pleasing.

A tooth that has had a root canal usually requires this treatment. The root canal removes the pulp, the nerves and the blood supply to the tooth, and without those parts, the enamel of the tooth becomes brittle and may break easily. This device will restore the function of the tooth and provide a stable and strong chewing surface.

There is a tremendous amount of force exerted in the mouth from chewing each day. As we age, our teeth naturally become more brittle and are more susceptible to cracking. If a tooth sustains a crack in the enamel, this procedure will be recommended to prevent further damage to the tooth structure.

Over the years, clenching and grinding during sleep can take a toll on the enamel of our teeth. If you have been a tooth grinder, chances are the enamel of your teeth is worn down, as grinding the surface of the teeth actually wears the enamel away. In patients with significant enamel wear, these devices are recommended to rebuild the tooth structure and provide a strong chewing surface.

If you are missing a tooth, a bridge is a type of cosmetic restoration that requires crowns on either side of the missing tooth to anchor it in place. Using crowns to place a bridge restoration will provide a strong foundation for chewing.

What to Expect When Getting A Dental Crown

At Zac Vance Dentistry, we understand that dental procedures can cause anxiety or feelings of fear. We will always strive to try to make the treatment as comfortable and painless as possible. This a common restorative procedure that usually takes two dental appointments to complete. We are happy to walk you through what to expect:

At your routine dental exam, we will take X-rays and determine if a crown is the appropriate treatment option for your needs. We will then explain the procedure, set up appointments and answer any questions you may have.

Before placing the dental crown, the tooth needs to be prepared. This involves removing any decayed or damaged portions of the tooth. If the tooth has a large filling, the dentist may need to reshape it to ensure a proper fit for the crown. This process is usually done under local anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable.

After the tooth is prepared, Dr. Vance will take an impression of the tooth and the surrounding area using PVS impression material. This impression is important for creating a custom crown that fits perfectly in your mouth.

Since the permanent crown takes some time to be fabricated in a dental laboratory, we will place a temporary crown over the prepared tooth to protect it while you wait for the final crown to be made. Temporary crowns are usually made from acrylic and are not as durable as permanent crowns, so it’s important to be cautious while eating and cleaning your teeth during this time.

The impression taken during your initial visit is sent to a dental laboratory where skilled technicians will create your custom crown. This process can take a couple of weeks. The type of material you choose for your crown will affect the time required for fabrication.

Once your permanent crown is ready, you’ll return to our dental office for the fitting and placement. We will remove the temporary crown and check the fit, color, and bite of the permanent crown. If everything looks good, the crown will be cemented in place. You may be asked to bite down on a colored paper to ensure your bite is properly aligned.

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Your Trusted Dental Partner

Getting a dental crown is a multi-step process that involves careful planning, tooth preparation and custom fabrication. While the process may span a few weeks, the end result is a restoration that enhances both the function and appearance of your tooth. By understanding each step of the process, you can approach the procedure with confidence, knowing what to expect and how to care for your new device. If you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to call our office at (336) 629-4137 or request an appointment on our website.

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Transforming Smiles, Transforming Lives

Your Destination For Dental Excellence

Dr. Zac Vance prides himself on providing exceptional dentistry with a small-town feel. His expert cosmetic dentistry services and personalized approach will help you achieve the smile of your dreams in a comfortable environment.

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307- A Foust St.
Asheboro, NC 27203

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Phone:
336-629-4137
Fax:
336-521-4434

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