Dental Crowns

At Oakwood Dental, we’re proud to provide our patients with comprehensive cosmetic and restorative dental care, and one of the treatments we use frequently for both purposes is dental crowns. A dental crown improves the appearance of the natural tooth being treated and strengthens and supports it.

Dr. Attila Nagy and Dr. Michelle Nagy, along with our team, focus on helping patients restore function and confidence with treatments like crowns. Whether a tooth is damaged or worn down, a crown can be an effective solution for improving oral health and long-term stability.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown (also called a cap) is a dental restoration that can be used for cosmetic and restorative treatment purposes. A dental crown completely covers the portion of a tooth that is located above the gum line. A crown is typically recommended to keep a tooth with a large filling strong and intact, so that it does not break and create more problems.

Dental crowns can be made of a variety of materials. Most commonly, they’re made of ceramic fused to metal or 100% porcelain. The type of material used depends on the tooth being treated and the patient’s preferences.

Types Of Dental Crowns

There are several types of crowns available, each designed to meet different dental needs.

• Porcelain Crowns: These provide a natural appearance and are often used for front teeth
• Metal Crowns: Known for their strength and durability, often used for back teeth
• Zirconia Crowns: A strong and durable option that also offers a natural look
• Ceramic Crowns: Blend well with natural teeth and are a good choice for cosmetic cases
• Resin Crowns: Typically more affordable but may wear down faster over time

Each type of crown is selected based on the location of the tooth, chewing force needs, and aesthetic goals.

How Dental Crowns Can Be Used

Dental crowns have a variety of uses and purposes, making them a highly versatile treatment option.

Restorative Uses

Dental crowns offer a variety of restorative benefits, as they can restore a tooth that is broken or otherwise compromised due to age, injury, disease, or another reason. Dental crowns are incredibly useful for saving and prolonging the life of natural teeth when they might otherwise need to be extracted.

A crown is usually the suggested treatment when teeth become weakened due to severe decay, injury, or an old, worn-out dental filling. In these cases, a dental crown can cover the tooth, protecting its interior from infection in addition to holding the tooth together and making it structurally stronger.

For example, after a root canal procedure, a tooth is filled and then covered with a permanent crown to preserve and save the natural tooth from being lost to an unavoidable extraction.

Cosmetic Uses

Since dental crowns cap the entire exposed portion of a tooth, they offer a variety of uses in cosmetic dentistry, including:

1. Correcting misshapen teeth
2. Covering stains or other permanent discoloration
3. Hiding old, silver-colored amalgam dental fillings
4. Covering broken teeth, cracks, and chips

Additional Uses

Dental crowns are also often used as anchors on dental bridges and are used as the tooth replacements that cap dental implants.

Benefits Of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns provide several advantages for both function and appearance.

• Restores Tooth Strength: Helps protect a damaged tooth and prevent further issues
• Improves Appearance: Enhances the look of a natural tooth affected by stains or damage
• Supports Chewing Function: Allows patients to chew more comfortably and effectively
• Protects After Root Canal: Covers and seals the treated tooth to prevent complications
• Long-Lasting Results: With proper care, crowns can provide reliable support for many years

What To Expect When Getting a Dental Crown

The first step when getting a dental crown is to schedule a consultation. During the consultation, one of our dentists evaluates your teeth and usually takes a set of digital dental X-rays to assess the tooth’s health and its roots.

To prepare your tooth for a dental crown, the dentist then shaves away a portion of the tooth’s outer surface. This ensures your permanent crown has enough space to fit comfortably over the natural tooth and between the neighboring teeth.

We then take a digital scan of your mouth – no need for messy impressions with trays and putty – to create a three-dimensional digital impression. We use this impression to design your new crown and ensure a perfect fit.

Before sending you home, we fit you with a temporary crown to protect your tooth until your permanent crown is ready to be placed. Once your permanent crown is ready, we secure it to the natural tooth using dental cement.

How To Care For Your Dental Crown

Proper care helps extend the life of your crown and maintain oral health.

• Brush Daily: Use fluoride toothpaste to keep the crown and surrounding teeth clean
• Floss Carefully: Flossing helps protect the gums and prevent decay near the crown
• Avoid Hard Foods: Reducing pressure on the crown can help prevent damage
• Attend Regular Visits: Routine dental care helps monitor the condition of the crown
• Maintain Oral Hygiene: Good habits help protect both the crown and natural teeth

With consistent care, a crown can remain strong and functional for many years.