Dental crowns are used to restore and protect teeth that have been weakened or damaged by large cavities, fractures, wear, or previous dental treatment. A crown covers the visible portion of the tooth to restore its strength, shape, function, and appearance while helping preserve the remaining natural tooth structure.
When a Dental Crown is Needed
A dental crown may be recommended when a tooth has lost too much healthy structure to be restored predictably with a filling alone. By covering and supporting the remaining tooth, a crown can help protect it from additional damage while restoring comfortable biting and chewing.
Crowns can also be used to improve the appearance of a tooth even when it is not damaged or decayed. For example, a crown may be used to change the size, shape, or color of a tooth that is noticeably smaller than the surrounding teeth, misshapen, or significantly discolored.
A dental crown can also be used to complete a dental implant restoration. An implant crown attaches to an abutment that inserts into a dental implant that has been placed in the jaw to replace a missing tooth. The crown is designed to restore the visible portion of the missing tooth so it looks and functions naturally alongside the surrounding teeth.
CEREC Same-Day Dental Crowns
CEREC technology allows us to make and place many permanent dental crowns in a single appointment. Instead of wearing a temporary crown while a dental laboratory makes the permanent restoration, you can leave the office with your finished crown the same day.
We use the Dentsply Sirona Primescan intraoral scanner to create a detailed 3D image of the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth. The digital scan is used to design the crown, which is then made with our in-office CEREC milling system and finished in the SpeedFire oven before it is permanently placed.
When a Lab-Made Crown May Be Recommended
Some crowns are better suited for fabrication by a dental laboratory. This may be recommended when a restoration requires specific color or characterization, involves a more complex case, or is part of treatment involving multiple teeth.
When a dental laboratory is making the permanent crown, we place a temporary restoration over the prepared tooth. The permanent restoration may take up to three weeks to complete.
CEREC Dental Crown Procedure
A same-day crown appointment typically takes about 2.5-3 hours, depending on the individual case. There is some downtime during the appointment while the permanent crown is being designed, milled, and finished.
The process includes:
- Tooth preparation: The area is numbed, damaged or weakened tooth structure is removed, and the remaining tooth is shaped to support the crown.
- Digital scanning: The Primescan intraoral scanner creates a detailed 3D image of the prepared tooth, surrounding teeth, and bite.
- Crown design: The digital scan is used to design the size, shape, and fit of the new crown.
- In-office fabrication: The crown is made with our CEREC milling system and finished using the SpeedFire oven.
- Permanent placement: We check the fit, appearance, and bite before permanently cementing the crown to the tooth.
Recovery After Dental Crown Placement
Some temporary sensitivity may occur after crown treatment. The tooth may be sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, and the surrounding gum tissue may feel tender for a short period after the procedure.
Your bite should feel comfortable once the permanent crown is in place. If the crown feels too high when you bite, remains uncomfortable, or causes persistent sensitivity, contact our office so we can evaluate the restoration and make any necessary adjustments.
Caring for Your Permanent Dental Crown
Good oral hygiene and routine dental care are important for maintaining both the crown and the natural tooth underneath it. Although porcelain cannot develop a cavity, decay can still occur in the natural tooth around the edges of the restoration.
Brush twice a day, floss once a day, and continue regular dental exams and professional cleanings. Avoid using your teeth to open packages and chewing on ice or other hard objects that could damage the restoration.
Clenching and grinding can also place excessive force on crowns and natural teeth. If you clench or grind your teeth, we can evaluate your bite and determine whether an occlusal guard (night guard) may help protect your teeth and restorations.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
A dental crown can last for many years with proper oral hygiene and regular dental care. Its lifespan depends on several factors, including the condition of the underlying tooth, oral hygiene, diet, biting forces, clenching or grinding, and the location of the crown.
Regular dental exams allow us to check the condition of the crown and the tooth and gum tissue around it. Identifying changes early can help protect both the restoration and the natural tooth supporting it.
Visit Clearwater Dentistry in Greeley, CO
If you have a tooth that is cracked, worn, heavily filled, or no longer looks the way you would like, a dental exam can help determine the best way to restore it. At Clearwater Dentistry, Dr. Alan Baughman will assess the tooth carefully and discuss whether a dental crown or another type of restoration is right for you.
Visit us at 3110 67th Avenue Place, Greeley, CO.
FAQs About Dental Crowns
Crowns and fillings are used for different levels of tooth damage. A filling can restore a smaller area of decay or damage, while a crown may be recommended when the tooth has lost enough structure that it requires additional support and protection.
That depends on your individual needs and preferences. Bridges are a less invasive option than implants; however, they need to be supported by surrounding teeth to stay in place securely. Bridges can take anywhere from a couple weeks to a few months to complete, depending if tooth extraction is needed first. Implants are a little more invasive as they require surgery to place the dental implant securely into the bone and require more lengthy healing time. However, research has shown that dental implants have a much better long-term success rates than bridges. In situations where multiple teeth are missing, Implant-supported bridges may be an option as they don’t require support from other teeth.
Local anesthesia is used while the tooth is being prepared to keep you comfortable during treatment. Some temporary tenderness or sensitivity may occur after the anesthetic wears off.
The crown itself cannot develop a cavity, but the natural tooth underneath and around the edges of the crown can still decay. Daily brushing, cleaning between the teeth, and regular dental visits remain important after a crown is placed.
Dental insurance may provide coverage for a crown when it is considered necessary to restore or protect a damaged tooth, but benefits vary by plan. We recommend checking your specific plan for coverage, deductibles, annual maximums, and other out-of-pocket costs.
Clearwater Dentistry offers CEREC same-day dental crowns at our office in Greeley, CO. Using digital scanning and in-office CEREC technology, we can make and place many permanent crowns in a single appointment without the need for a temporary crown.
