Crowns
Dental Crowns in Farmington Hills, MI – Restoring Your Tooth’s Strength and Appearance
At Smile at Life Dentistry, we offer dental crowns to restore damaged, weakened, or decayed teeth, helping to preserve the tooth structure and improve both function and appearance. A dental crown can protect a tooth that has undergone a root canal, repair a cracked tooth, or replace a missing tooth when placed on top of a dental implant. Our crowns are custom-made to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, giving you a strong, beautiful smile.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are typically made of porcelain, ceramic, or other durable materials that mimic the look and feel of a natural tooth. A crown can fully encase the visible portion of a tooth, providing protection and restoring function.
Dental crowns are commonly used to:
- Protect a tooth that has been severely decayed or cracked
- Restore a tooth after root canal therapy
- Cover a dental implant
- Improve the appearance of misshapen or discolored teeth
- Support a tooth with a large filling
- Hold a dental bridge in place
Benefits of Dental Crowns
A dental crown provides several key benefits, including:
- Restoring Tooth Function: A crown allows you to chew and bite normally again, restoring full function to a damaged tooth.
- Protecting Weakened Teeth: A crown acts as a protective barrier, preventing further damage to a weakened or cracked tooth.
- Enhancing Your Smile: Custom-made to match the color and shape of your natural teeth, crowns improve the appearance of your smile.
- Durability: Crowns are designed to last for many years, offering a long-term solution for restoring damaged teeth.
Types of Dental Crowns
At Smile at Life Dentistry, we offer a variety of crown materials to suit your needs:
- Porcelain or Ceramic Crowns: These are the most popular types of crowns, as they provide the most natural look, closely resembling the color and translucency of your teeth.
- Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM): These crowns combine the strength of metal with the natural appearance of porcelain, offering both durability and aesthetics.
- Metal Crowns: Gold or other metal crowns are highly durable and best suited for molars or teeth in the back of the mouth where strength is a priority.
How Are Dental Crowns Placed?
The process of getting a dental crown typically requires two visits:
- Consultation and Preparation: During your first visit, we will examine the tooth, take X-rays, and prepare it for the crown. This involves removing a small portion of the tooth to make room for the crown. We will also take digital impressions to ensure your crown is custom-fit to your tooth.
- After the preparation: We will place a temporary crown to protect your tooth while your permanent crown is being made.
- Placement of the Permanent Crown: Once your custom crown is ready, you’ll return for your second appointment. We will remove the temporary crown, fit the permanent one, and ensure it fits comfortably and blends seamlessly with your natural teeth. The crown is then cemented into place, restoring the tooth’s strength and appearance.
Do You Need a Dental Crown?
You may need a dental crown if you have:
- A tooth that is severely decayed or damaged
- Undergone root canal therapy
- A cracked or broken tooth that needs to be strengthened
- A discolored or misshapen tooth you want to improve
- A dental implant that requires a crown for restoration
- A large filling that needs additional support
Sedation for Comfortable Crown Placement
If you’re feeling anxious about the crown procedure, we offer sedation options to help make the process stress-free. Our sedation techniques will keep you comfortable and relaxed during your visit, ensuring that you feel at ease. Learn more about our sedation services on our Sedation Dentistry Page.
Caring for Your Dental Crown
With proper care, dental crowns can last for many years. To maintain the longevity of your crown, it’s important to:
- Brush and floss regularly: Keeping the crown and surrounding teeth clean helps prevent decay and gum disease.
- Avoid biting down on hard objects: Chewing on hard foods, ice, or pens can damage your crown.
- Attend regular dental checkups: We’ll monitor your crown and overall dental health to ensure your crown remains in excellent condition.
FAQs About
Dental Crowns
With good care, dental crowns can last between 10-15 years, and sometimes longer. Regular dental visits and maintaining proper oral hygiene will help prolong the life of your crown.
Yes, our crowns are custom-made to match the color, size, and shape of your natural teeth. Porcelain or ceramic crowns are especially designed to blend seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
The procedure is generally not painful. We use local anesthesia to numb the area and ensure your comfort during the process. For anxious patients, we also offer sedation options.
The cost of a dental crown varies depending on the type of crown and the complexity of the case. During your consultation, we’ll provide a detailed treatment plan and cost estimate.
Yes! Once the crown is securely in place, you can eat, chew, and speak normally. It functions just like a natural tooth, so you won’t notice much difference.
Contact Us for Dental Crowns
If you have a damaged or weakened tooth and think you may need a dental crown, contact Smile at Life Dentistry today to schedule a consultation. Our skilled team will evaluate your needs and provide the best possible solution to restore your smile and protect your teeth. Call us at 248-553-355 to schedule your appointment. Let us help you achieve a strong, healthy smile with custom-made dental crowns!
