Are you dealing with a severely damaged, weakened, or unsightly tooth? Dental crowns might be the perfect solution to restore both function and appearance. At our Clyde dental practice, Dr. Aric Kuehner provides high-quality dental crowns in Clyde, OH that look natural, feel comfortable, and are built to last. Dental crowns are a restorative dental treatment that can transform your smile and oral health.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that completely covers a damaged tooth. Think of it as a protective helmet for your tooth that restores its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Once cemented in place, a crown fully encases the entire visible portion of your tooth above the gum line.
Dr. Kuehner precisely designs each crown to match your natural teeth. He ensures your custom crown blends seamlessly with your smile while providing the strength you need for everyday chewing and speaking.
When Are Dental Crowns Needed?
At our Clyde dental office, Dr. Kuehner may recommend a dental crown in several situations. Crowns can:
- Protect a Weakened Tooth: Crowns provide excellent support for teeth weakened by decay, large fillings, or fractures that put them at risk of breaking.
- Restore a Broken Tooth: When a tooth is severely chipped, cracked, or broken, a crown can restore both its appearance and function.
- Support a Tooth with a Large Filling: If you have a large filling, there may not be enough natural tooth structure to support normal function. A crown provides the necessary strength and protection.
- Cover a Dental Implant: Crowns are the visible portion of a dental implant for a natural replacement for a missing tooth.
- Protect a Tooth After Root Canal Treatment: Crowns can protect weak teeth after root canals.
- Improve Appearance: Crowns can enhance the look of severely discolored, misshapen, or unattractive teeth.
- Support a Dental Bridge: Crowns anchor a bridge that replaces one or more missing teeth.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Patients at our Clyde dental practice experience numerous benefits from dental crowns:
- Restored Function: Crowns allow you to chew, speak, and smile with confidence again.
- Pain Relief: By protecting damaged or sensitive teeth, crowns can eliminate discomfort.
- Natural Appearance: Today’s dental crowns are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.
- Durability: With proper care, dental crowns can last 10-15 years or even longer.
- Improved Oral Health: Crowns protect vulnerable teeth from further damage and decay.
- Enhanced Confidence: A restored smile helps you feel more confident in social and professional settings.
Types of Dental Crowns
Crowns can use many different materials, each with its own advantages.
Porcelain or Ceramic Crowns
These crowns are metal-free and provide the most natural appearance, closely matching the color of your natural teeth. They’re an excellent choice for front teeth or for patients with metal allergies. Our office provides porcelain crowns and same-day ceramic crowns.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
These versatile crowns combine the strength of a metal base with the natural appearance of porcelain. They’re durable and can be used for both front and back teeth. However, the metal of these crowns can show at the gum line.
Gold Alloy Crowns
Gold crowns are incredibly strong and cause minimal wear to opposing teeth. While not tooth-colored, they’re an excellent option for back molars. Still, gold and metal crowns are noticeable in the mouth.
Zirconia Crowns
These modern crowns offer exceptional strength combined with a natural appearance. Zirconia is biocompatible and resistant to fracture. These crowns are great option for most areas of the mouth, but cost more than other options.
Why Choose Dr. Kuehner for Your Dental Crown?
Dr. Aric Kuehner brings specialized expertise in restorative dentistry to his Clyde practice. He takes time to explain your options and help you choose the best type of crown for your specific situation.
When he begins dental crown treatment, Dr. Kuehner uses precise techniques to ensure your crown fits perfectly the first time.
If you get a traditional crown, he’ll work with top dental laboratories that create beautiful and natural-looking restorations. He also provides same-day crowns in his office if you’re a candidate. No matter your needs, Dr. Kuehner ensures your crown looks beautiful and feels comfortable.
The Dental Crown Process: What to Expect
Getting a dental crown at our Clyde office typically involves two appointments.
Examination and Preparation
Dr. Kuehner examines your tooth and prepares it by removing a small amount of the outer surface to make room for the crown. Then, he takes detailed impressions of your prepared tooth and surrounding teeth. He uses this impression to create a crown that fits perfectly and aligns correctly with your bite.
Temporary Crown
While your permanent crown is being crafted at a dental laboratory, Dr. Kuehner places a temporary crown. This crown will protect your prepared tooth. Once your permanent crown is ready, you’ll return to our office. Dr. Kuehner will gently remove the temporary crown.
Placing the Final Crown
Dr. Kuehner will carefully position and adjust your new crown to ensure proper fit and bite alignment. Once you and Dr. Kuehner are satisfied with the fit and appearance, he cements the crown in place.
For some patients, Dr. Kuehner offers same-day crown technology. He can design, create, and place your permanent crown in a single visit. Same-day crowns with CEREC eliminate the need for a temporary crown and a second appointment.
Caring for Your Dental Crown
Maintaining your dental crown is straightforward. Dr. Kuehner recommends:
- Brushing twice daily with a non-abrasive toothpaste
- Flossing daily, being careful around the crown area
- Avoiding chewing extremely hard foods or objects (ice, hard candy, pencils)
- Wearing a nightguard if you grind your teeth
- Attending regular check-ups so Dr. Kuehner can monitor your crown
Dental Crown FAQs
Read answers to commonly asked questions about dental crown treatment in our Clyde, OH, dental office.
Does getting a crown hurt?
Many patients worry that getting a dental crown might be painful, but the procedure is usually very comfortable. Dr. Kuehner uses a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth before starting any work. This means you shouldn’t feel any pain during the procedure, just some gentle pressure.
How long do dental crowns last?
With proper care, crowns typically last 10 to 15 years, but many last much longer. Dr. Kuehner will check your crown at regular check-ups so it remains in good condition.
Are dental crowns covered by insurance?
Most dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for crowns when they’re medically necessary (not purely cosmetic). Our office staff will help you understand your coverage and out-of-pocket costs.
Can a crowned tooth still get a cavity?
Yes, a tooth with a crown can still get a cavity. Even though the crown is made from strong materials that don’t decay, the area where the crown meets your natural tooth is still at risk. If plaque and bacteria build up around this area, it can lead to tooth decay underneath the crown.
Keep brushing and flossing every day, even around crowned teeth. Good oral hygiene helps remove food and bacteria that can cause cavities.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Contact our Clyde dental office today if you have a damaged or weakened tooth that might benefit from a crown. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Aric Kuehner online. He’ll evaluate your unique situation and help you determine if a dental crown is right for you.
Don’t live with tooth pain or embarrassment. Let us restore your smile with a durable dental crown.