Dental crowns are a common way to fix dental problems and improve the look of your smile. Strong and customizable, crowns will protect your teeth and make them last longer. Dr. Frank Henrich, a cosmetic dentist in Tulsa, offers all kinds of dental crowns at our full-service dental office.
Our dentist can use crowns to address these dental issues:
- Complete a dental implant
- Fix a cracked, damaged, or chipped tooth
- Repair a tooth after a root canal
- For cosmetic enhancements
- Solve overcrowding issues
- Improve the look of stained, discolored, or unevenly spaced teeth
- Fill gaps between teeth that can’t be closed with a filling
- To replace an old dental filling
Some types of crowns include zirconia crowns, porcelain fused to metal crowns, gold crowns, and ceramic crowns. We find that porcelain crowns work best for most dental needs.
Are Porcelain Dental Crowns Right for You?
Today, dental patients want their results to look as natural as possible. But not every dentist is as skilled as Dr. Henrich in providing top-quality restorations. Some dentists might suggest porcelain dental crowns for a natural look and long-lasting results, but they may send the work out to another lab, which can add hidden costs.
At Henrich Dental, we offer beautiful porcelain crowns made right here in our office with the latest tools and software. Our porcelain crowns are stain-resistant and blend perfectly with your smile. We make sure every crown matches the color of your teeth for a seamless look. Porcelain is a strong ceramic material that closely resembles real tooth enamel.
Covering A Misshapen or Discolored Tooth
If you have a misshapen tooth, you might be wasting too much of your time trying to hide it. It might be causing you stress or even making it hard to eat or speak. A dental crown covers the entire tooth, restoring its function and appearance. Our custom crowns look natural, so they fit in perfectly with the rest of your teeth.
While many people choose teeth whitening to deal with stains, it doesn’t always work for all types of stains. Dental crowns can cover stains caused by genetics, medication, or a dead tooth. Since we custom-make our crowns, we can match them to the exact shade of white you want.
Stabilizing a Tooth
One of the most common uses for dental crowns is to stabilize teeth after root canals. During a root canal procedure, we remove the infected pulp from inside the tooth and fill the space with a safe compound. But this doesn’t make the tooth as strong as it used to be. A dental crown restores full strength and function to the tooth and helps protect it from future infections.
Taking Care of a Broken or Cracked Tooth
A broken tooth can be a cosmetic problem or an emergency. When a large piece of a tooth breaks off, it can expose the nerves, causing pain when touched. A crown replaces the missing part of the tooth, allowing you to use it without discomfort.
A cracked tooth often exposes the dental pulp, making it prone to infection. Cracks can also cause the tooth to split into pieces. A dental crown seals the tooth, protecting it from infection and holding the cracked parts together. We always try to save the damaged tooth with a crown before considering extraction.
The Final Restoration for Dental Implants
Dental implants are the best option for replacing missing teeth, especially when finished with a dental crown. An implant-supported crown looks and feels more natural than other tooth replacement options. We make the crown to match the shape, size, and color of your other teeth, so it blends perfectly with your smile.
Unlike other tooth replacements, an implant-supported crown is anchored securely in your jawbone, just like a real tooth root. This keeps the crown stable and stops it from shifting or moving, giving you the confidence to eat, speak, and smile without worry. The implant also keeps your jawbone strong, which can prevent the sunken look that sometimes happens when teeth are lost. This makes an implant-supported crown not just a cosmetic fix but also a smart choice for long-term dental health.
The Dental Crown Process
Getting a dental crown is a quick process that usually takes a couple of visits to complete. First, our dentist will work with you to choose the best material and shade for your crown so it blends naturally with your smile and strengthens your teeth. Once you’ve agreed on the shade, Dr. Henrich will take impressions of your teeth to create your new crown.
During this time, Dr. Henrich may place a temporary crown for added comfort. When your final crown is ready, Dr. Henrich will remove the temporary crown and place the permanent one. He will make any needed adjustments to ensure it fits well, restores function, and feels comfortable.
We make sure you feel at ease during every step of the process. We will numb the area with a local anesthetic, so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. Most patients experience no pain. Visit Henrich Dental in Tulsa, OK, to learn more about our crowns and see if they’re right for you.
Dental Crown FAQs
Will dental insurance cover the cost of dental crowns?
In most cases, your dental benefits may partially cover the cost of a dental crown. We can help you get an estimate from your provider to understand your coverage and what portion you may need to pay.
How long do dental crowns last?
With good oral care, a dental crown can last 10 or more years. The lifespan of a crown depends on how well you take care of your teeth. Factors like the crown’s location, materials used, and type will also affect its lifespan.
Can a dentist place crowns on larger teeth or molars?
Dr. Henrich will suggest the best option for restoring a molar or larger tooth. In some cases, a dental crown is the best choice, but an inlay or onlay might be more effective in others.
Is it painful to have a dental crown put on your tooth?
When placing a dental crown, Dr. Henrich will numb the area with a local anesthetic, so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. You might feel some tooth sensitivity afterward, but it usually goes away over time. Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth to help stop the odd feeling.
What are dental crowns made of?
Dental crowns can consist of metal or porcelain. Temporary crowns are often made from stainless steel. Metal crowns require removing less tooth structure, while porcelain crowns look more like natural teeth.
Visit Henrich Dental to explore your dental crown options. We also offer cosmetic treatments like porcelain veneers, Botox® Cosmetic, and more to enhance your smile. Our team is here to help you achieve a more functional and beautiful smile, so schedule an appointment today.