Dental crown

Dental Crowns

Broken or decayed teeth can cause pain, difficulty chewing and speaking, and feelings of self-consciousness. 

A dental crown can be placed over the tooth to restore form and function, allowing you to chew, speak, and smile with confidence.

So why should I consider a dental crown?

Dental crown

Dental Crowns Can Restore Your Teeth In a Way That Looks and Feels Completely Natural

Repair and Protect Your Tooth

A dental crown is placed over the affected tooth after treatment for trauma or decay, protecting it from further damage and often preventing the need for extraction.

A Trusted, Durable Solution

Dental crowns are made of strong materials that are designed to withstand normal biting forces. With proper care, they can last up to a decade or more. 

Natural-Looking Results

Dental crowns are made from high-quality materials that can be matched to the shade of your surrounding teeth. They also mimic the light-reflecting properties of enamel.

Show me how dental crowns are placed...

Crowns are a tried and true treatment for repairing damage and decay...

A Long-Lasting Solution

What problems can a dental crown solve?

Weakened or Missing Teeth, Deep Stains, and More

It is important to note that crowns require a certain amount of healthy dental tissue for support. For this reason, an extraction might be necessary if your tooth is too compromised to support a dental crown. If this is the case, your doctor can replace your tooth with a dental implant and custom crown. 

Tooth Decay and Damage

Crowns can strengthen teeth that have been significantly damaged by tooth decay or trauma. They provide coverage when a tooth cannot be repaired with a filling, inlay, or onlay.

Root Canal Infection

If decay has reached the inner portion of your tooth, your doctor may recommend root canal treatment. Following a root canal, your doctor will typically cover your tooth with a dental crown to protect the remaining tissue. 

Cosmetic Issues

Dental crowns can conceal cosmetic imperfections such as intrinsic stains and disproportionately sized teeth. Although porcelain veneers and dental bonding also hide flaws, they may not provide enough coverage in some cases.

Missing Teeth

Single missing teeth can be replaced with implant-supported dental crowns. Unlike traditional dental bridges, implant-supported crowns do not require modification of your adjacent teeth. Implants also prevent jawbone recession following tooth loss. 

Aren't fillings, inlays, and onlays cheaper?

Crowns Are One of the Most Comprehensive Treatment Options

In most cases, yes – however, they may not be the best solution for your needs. Fillings, inlays, or onlays can be used to replace a decayed or damaged portion of a tooth. While these solutions may be a suitable option for minor cavities or trauma, a dental crown is needed for more severe issues because it can provide much greater protection.

Because most crowns are considered medically necessary and not cosmetic, most insurance plans cover at least part of this cost.

Show me how dental crowns work...

Illustration of crown placement Illustration of crown placement

What can I expect during the procedure? 

Dental Crown PlacementCan Be Completed in One or Two Appointments

If the practice has an in-office milling machine, such as CEREC, you can receive your personalized dental crown in a single appointment.
If the practice has an in-office milling machine, such as CEREC, you can receive your personalized dental crown in a single appointment.

Consultation & Exam

Your dentist will determine whether a dental crown is the best solution for you. If so, you will work together to decide which material is best for your needs.

Preparing the Tooth

Damaged or decayed portions of the tooth will be removed. ​The tooth will be reshaped and resized to create a base for the crown. 

Impressions

The dentist will take impressions of the tooth. Many practices now use digital systems so patients can avoid messy traditional putties. 

Fabrication

If the practice has an in-office milling machine, you can receive your personalized dental crown in a single appointment. Otherwise, you will need to wait about one to two weeks while the crown is made at an offsite lab.

Crown Placement

The dentist will place your crown over the tooth and make sure it fits comfortably. Your dentist can make any necessary adjustments to achieve a proper fit. Then they will secure the crown in place with dental cement.

Final Result

No downtime is required. Some patients experience mild sensitivity after receiving their crown, but this typically resolves after a few days. 

How should I take care of my crown after treatment? 

How to Protect Your Dental Crown

Although crowns are made with high-quality materials, they are not indestructible. You will eventually need to replace the restoration, but there are a few things you can do to help your crown last, including: 

  • Watch what you eat: Avoid particularly hard or sticky foods, which can damage or dislodge your crown. 
  • Practice good oral hygiene: For the most part, you can care for a dental crown much like your natural teeth. However, be sure to use a non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching the porcelain. Floss front to back rather than up and down so that you do not dislodge your crown. 
  • Visit your dentist regularly: During your biannual dental exam, your dentist can make sure that your crown is still in good shape. 
  • Minimize wear and tear: If you grind your teeth, be sure to wear a nightguard to avoid excessive wear on your crown. You should also avoid habits such as opening packages with your teeth and biting your nails. 

Poorly manufactured crowns are also more likely to break early on, which is why it is important to choose a reputable dentist. Your dentist should also ensure that your crown fits properly in your smile. Crowns are not designed to bear the brunt of your bite. If your bite force is not evenly distributed across your dental arch, your crown can sustain irreparable damage.

Show me what the results can look like...

Before and after dental crown Before and after dental crown

Beautiful Effects Plus a Stronger, Healthier Bite

Modern dental crowns are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth. After receiving a permanent crown, many patients find they are able to speak more clearly and chew more comfortably. If you received a dental crown to achieve a cosmetic upgrade, the results can provide improved self-confidence.

I think I may need a crown...

Protect & Strengthen Your Smile

Dental crowns are available in a variety of materials that can be customized to provide a natural appearance while restoring your ability to speak clearly and chew properly.

Neglecting to treat a weakened tooth can result in many serious oral health issues requiring expensive and invasive treatment. Schedule an appointment today to determine whether a crown or another solution is the best way to meet your needs.

Knoxville Office

240 S Peters Rd
Ste 103
Knoxville, TN 37923

Open Today 8:30am - 5:00pm

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*Disclaimer: results are not guaranteed, may not be permanent, and can vary per individual. Some images are of models, not actual patients.

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Knoxville Office

240 S Peters Rd
Ste 103
Knoxville, TN 37923

Open Today 8:30am - 5:00pm

More Info
Directions
(865) 693-7631

More Contact Info