Chicago dentists Dr. Nechama Brand and Dr. Abraham Stein have years of training in designing and fit custom dental crowns. They ensure that the look and feel of your dental restoration will balance out your smile.
About Custom Dental Crowns in Chicago, IL
A dental crown is a restoration that acts as a cap to cover a tooth that has been damaged or decayed. The crown of your tooth is the part that sits above the gum line. Chipped teeth, broken teeth, and cracked teeth can be restored and strengthened with a dental crown. Additionally, if you have a single stained or discolored tooth, a dental crown can be matched to the rest of your smile. Custom dental crowns also cap off dental implants and serve as a prosthetic tooth.
A dentist can use a dental crown to protect a tooth’s structure that is weak due to dental injury or after a root canal procedure. A crown can also treat many other issues, including:
- A cracked or fractured tooth
- Repair large cavities
- 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
- To cover discolored teeth
Dental Crown Treatment
Dentists use dental crowns to treat a wide range of dental problems. The exact treatment process may vary depending on your personal needs and goals. We will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums to determine the best treatment plan for addressing damage or decay. Dr. Brand or Dr. Stein 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 Stein or Dr. Bran 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 a consultation, Dr. Brand or Dr. Stein will let you know if we can address your tooth damage with a dental crown, an inlay, or an onlay.
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 of treatment.
Can dental crowns fall out?
Yes, dental crowns can come loose due to tooth damage or decay. During your bi-annual routine dental visits at our Chicago dentist office, Dr. Stein or Dr. Brand will monitor the condition of your dental crown. 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, which can be capped off with dental crowns. Prior to a dental crown or implant treatment, we will ensure that any decay or infection is removed first. We will always thoroughly examine your teeth and gums before recommending treatment.
How long does a crown last?
A dental crown does have the potential to last a lifetime. The location of the restoration will determine how much it is used. The more it is used, the more wear it will endure over the years, and it will have a higher chance of breaking or cracking. On the contrary, if it is well taken care of and doesn’t endure much wear and tear, it can last forever. On average, you should expect your tooth cap to last 10 to 30 years.
Call Premier Dentistry at Millennium Park to Schedule an Appointment.
Request a consultation with Dr. Brand or Dr. Stein online or call Premier Dentistry at 312-586-8596. We look forward to helping you restore your smile and improve your long-term dental health.