A dental crown is a restoration that acts as a cap to cover a damaged or decayed tooth. The crown of your tooth is the part that sits above the gum line. Our team can use a dental crown to restore and strengthen chipped teeth, broken teeth, and cracked teeth. Additionally, we can use a dental crown to brighten a single deeply stained tooth so that it matches the rest of your teeth.
Custom dental crowns also cap off dental implants and serve as prosthetic teeth. Chicago dentist Dr. Nechama Brand has years of experience providing custom dental crowns. She ensures that the look and feel of your restorative dental treatment balance out your smile.
Dr. Brand can use a dental crown to protect a weak tooth’s structure. You might be familiar with getting a crown after a root canal procedure or a dental injury. Our dental crowns can also fix many other issues, including:
- A cracked or fractured tooth
- Repair large cavities
- Replace large exposed fillings
- To cover a dark tooth
- Restore damaged or decaying teeth
- To straighten a misaligned tooth
- Replace a missing tooth
- Replace an old, worn-out crown
- Cover a dental implant
Dental Crown Treatment
At Premier Dentistry at Millennium Park, we use dental crowns to address a wide range of dental problems. The exact treatment process may vary depending on your personal needs and goals. First, we will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums to create the best treatment plan for addressing your tooth damage or decay. Dr. Brand will discuss your treatment plan with you before beginning any part of the procedure.
The first step is a dental exam. A comprehensive exam will help us determine which tooth or teeth need a crown. This will also help us find other oral health issues that we may need to address. Once your dentist finalizes the treatment plan, they will discuss it with you and prepare for the next steps.
Next, Dr. Brand will prepare the affected teeth for the placement of the new crown. This includes removing all tooth decay, infected tissue, and cleaning the teeth. Then, we will remove enough of the natural tooth structure so that the crown fits comfortably and securely. We will then place a temporary tooth cap on the tooth while the dental lab creates the final restoration.
In about 2 to 3 weeks, you will return to our Chicago dental office for the final fitting of your permanent crown. At this appointment, we will remove the temporary cap and permanently place the new crown using dental adhesive. Your dentist will make sure that you are comfortable with the final fit before you leave our dental office.
Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are cosmetic restorations that consist of porcelain or composite resin. Your dentist bonds inlays and onlays to damaged teeth that have multiple cusps, such as molars. An inlay remains inside the cusps or outer edges, on top of the tooth. While an onlay extends over one or more of the cusps of the tooth.
During your consultation, Dr. Brand will decide if we can address your tooth damage with a dental crown, an inlay, or an onlay. The decision will depend on the location of the tooth, the severity of damage, and your budget.
Dental Crown FAQs
Is the dental crown procedure painful?
We will ensure that you feel as comfortable as possible during your dental crown treatment. At Premier Dentistry, we also offer sedation dentistry options when needed. Although it is normal to experience some sensitivity following treatment, this should subside within 1 to 3 days.
Can dental crowns fall out?
Yes, dental crowns can come loose because of tooth damage and decay. They can also fall out if you don’t let them settle for a few days after the procedure. Biting down on hard things too often can also cause a dental crown to fall out.
Dr. Brand will monitor the condition of your dental crown during your bi-annual routine dental visits. If you notice any changes in the fit or comfort of your crown, please contact us right away. We will help you schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Am I a candidate for dental crowns?
Even if you have severely damaged or broken teeth, you are a good candidate for dental crowns if you have your tooth root intact. If you have missing teeth, you can receive dental implants, dentures, or dental bridges capped-off with dental crowns.
However, your mouth should be in good condition prior to a dental crown or implant treatment. We will make sure to remove any decay or infection first. We will always thoroughly examine your teeth and gums before recommending any treatment.
How long does a crown last?
A dental crown has the potential to last a lifetime. The location of the restoration will determine how much use it gets. The more wear it endures over the years, the more risk it has of breaking or cracking.
If you take good care of it, and it doesn’t endure much wear and tear, the crown can last forever. On average, you should expect your crown to last 10 to 30 years.
Call Premier Dentistry at Millennium Park for Dental Crowns
Request a consultation with Dr. Brand online, or call Premier Dentistry at 312-586-8596. We provide custom dental crowns for our patients in Chicago, IL. We look forward to helping you restore your teeth and improve your long-term dental health.