A permanent dental crown can help restore the appearance and function of a damaged tooth. At Dexter Family Dentistry, we used state-of-the-art technology and gentle dental techniques to keep patients comfortable and enhance their oral health. Our highly skilled team of staff and dentists can help you understand the purpose of restorative procedures such as dental crowns in Dexter, Michigan, and can help you feel confident about your dental treatment and how the dental crown process works.

What Is A Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a covering that is placed over a damaged tooth to protect and restore its shape. Crowns look and function just like natural teeth, and are made of ceramics, biocompatible metals such as zirconium, or a combination of the two.

Why Would I Need A Dental Crown?

Dental crowns are used for restorative and cosmetic purposes. Some reasons why you may need a dental crown include:

• To protect and prevent a weak or decayed tooth from breaking
• To repair a cracked, broken, or worn tooth
• To restore a tooth with a large filling that is worn or decayed
• To cover a tooth after a root canal
• To hold a dental bridge in place
• To restore a dental implant
• To correct your bite
• To cover misshapen or discolored teeth
• As a cosmetic solution for teeth
• To protect teeth that are put under heavy biting stress. 

The Dental Crown Procedure

A permanent crown typically takes two visits from start to finish. Each crown is custom-made by professional dental technicians in a local dental laboratory. To prepare the tooth, the dentist will numb the area, remove decay, reshape the tooth, inspect and repair any cracks, and may build it up with composite resin material.  This ensures the tooth will serve as a solid base so the crown attaches firmly, providing many years of comfortable chewing.

An impression of your mouth is taken to get the precise shape of your tooth to send to the lab. A temporary crown is made to protect your tooth while the permanent dental crown is being made. While wearing the temporary crown, it’s important to avoid eating sticky, crunchy, or hard foods to keep the temporary crown from coming off or cracking.

When your permanent dental crown is ready, you’ll return to the dentist to have it placed. The temporary crown is removed and the permanent crown is tried in to make sure the fit and color are satisfactory. If it looks and feels good, the new crown is permanently cemented onto your tooth.

Caring For Your Dental Crown

Each person is unique, but typically, a dental crown can last decades. Practicing good oral hygiene that includes daily flossing and brushing twice a day and visiting your dentist routinely for preventative dental care can help your teeth and crowns stay strong and healthy. Some things that can cause your tooth or a crown to crack or break include:

• Chewing ice
• Fingernail biting
• Using teeth as a tool to open packaging or bottle caps
• Clenching or grinding your teeth

Getting a custom-made occlusal guard can help protect your teeth and crowns from cracking and wearing prematurely. At Dexter Family Dentistry, we make customized occlusal nightguards that protect your teeth and crowns and provide a secure, comfortable fit.

Contact Us To Learn More About Dental Crowns In Dexter, MI

Our team of dedicated professionals at Dexter Family Dentistry is committed to providing comfortable, compassionate care to patients of all ages. Whether you have questions about dental crowns or need to schedule a regular checkup and cleaning, we’re here to help you enhance and maintain your oral health and your smile. To make an appointment, call our office in Dexter, Michigan at 734-426-9000, contact us online, or email us at dexterfamilydentistry@mydentalmail.com. We are open Monday through Friday and offer morning and evening appointments for your convenience.