Dental Crowns in North Carolina

Providing quality restorative dentistry in Durham, Raleigh, and Goldsboro.

At Carolina Dental Arts, we understand the importance of maintaining your oral health and the beauty of your smile. Dental crowns, often simply called “caps,” are crucial in restorative dentistry, providing solutions for damaged, weakened, or missing teeth. Tooth-colored options, in particular, restore the tooth’s structural integrity while improving its appearance. Our offices in Durham, Raleigh, and Goldsboro are equipped to handle your needs promptly with our advanced treatments.

Understanding Dental Crowns

A cracked or missing tooth isn’t just a cosmetic issue; it can lead to further dental problems by affecting adjacent teeth and gums. Specifically, bacteria can enter the cracks, leading to decay and gum disease. Missing teeth can increase pressure and wear on adjacent teeth during chewing, causing them to shift, crack, or loosen over time. Additionally, the gap from a missing tooth can cause surrounding teeth to shift inward, resulting in misalignment.

To prevent these problems, we may recommend a dental crown. Crowns completely cover a damaged tooth, enhancing its appearance and restoring its function. This protective cap strengthens the impacted tooth and prevents further damage. Additionally, an artificial crown can cover a dental implant, effectively replacing a lost tooth.

When Is a Dental Crown Needed?

Dental Crowns in North Carolina | Carolina Dental Arts A traditional crown or implant-supported crown may be the best restorative solution if:

Your tooth is decayed, cracked, misshapen, worn, or otherwise damaged
Your tooth has been treated with a root canal, requiring extra protection
Your tooth is severely discolored
You have lost a tooth or need a permanent tooth extracted

Traditional dental bridges, which replace one or more consecutive missing teeth, feature dental crowns on each end that attach to the adjacent teeth for support.

If you are experiencing any of these issues, a dental crown can help.

Types of Dental Crowns

At Carolina Dental Arts, we provide various types of crowns tailored to meet individual needs and preferences:

White ceramic crowns are best for a natural look as they blend seamlessly with your other teeth.
Metal crowns are known for their durability and are ideal for restoring molars that undergo the most wear and tear.
Implant-supported crowns are engineered for stability and strength. They connect to a dental implant in the jaw, providing a long-lasting solution to tooth loss.

Our crowns are crafted using state-of-the-art technology to ensure they are durable and lifelike. Whether you need to cover a dental implant, support a bridge, or restore a tooth after a root canal, we can help you choose the perfect type of crown for your situation.

Same-Day Dental Crowns

Dental Crowns in North Carolina | Carolina Dental Arts Recognizing that our patients lead busy lives, we offer same-day crown services at our offices. We utilize the advanced CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) system. This technology enables to design, fabricate, and fit high-quality ceramic crowns within a single visit. This means you can walk in with a damaged tooth and leave with a fully restored smile in just one hour. The same-day dental crown option ensures that your dental care fits into your hectic schedule.

The Procedure

Traditional Dental Crown

Consultation and preparation: The first step involves a thorough examination and preparation of the tooth. Your dentist will reshape the tooth by filing down the enamel to make space for the crown.
Impression and temporary crown: Once the tooth is prepared, your dentist will take an impression of the tooth and surrounding teeth. This impression is sent to a dental lab where your custom crown is made. In the meantime, we will use a temporary crown to protect the tooth.
Permanent crown placement: On your second visit, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and check that the permanent crown fits well and blends with your smile. Once everything is satisfactory, the dentist will cement the crown into place.

Same-Day CEREC Crown

Digital impressions and design: Using CEREC technology, the procedure starts with a digital scan of your mouth. This scan is used to create a precise 3D model of your tooth. The crown is then designed on the spot to fit perfectly with your bite and the color of your surrounding teeth.
Milling and application: The design is sent to our on-site milling machine, which sculpts the crown from a ceramic block that matches your tooth color. Once milled, your dentist will polish the crown and fit it onto your tooth. Adjustments are made as needed, and then it is bonded securely in place. The entire process is completed in a single visit.

Implant-Supported Crown

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, we value efficiency and affordability. That’s why we often recommend mini dental implants for our patients’ tooth replacement needs.

Implant and temporary crown placement: The procedure begins with the placement of the mini dental implant, which is smaller than a traditional implant and requires a less invasive procedure. Your dentist will make a small pilot hole through the gums and then screw the implant into the jawbone. A temporary crown is then attached immediately. Thanks to the simple and minimally invasive technique, the procedure can often be completed in a single visit under local anesthesia.
Healing and osseointegration: After the mini implant is placed, a short healing period is required for the implant to integrate securely with the jawbone. This period can vary but typically takes a few weeks. During this period, your custom crown is being fabricated.
Final crown attachment: Once the implant has integrated with the bone, your dentist will replace the temporary crown with your permanent restoration. The mini implant-supported crown will enhance your bite function and greatly improve the appearance of your smile.

Experience the Difference of High-Quality Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are versatile tools in restorative dentistry. They cover, protect, and restore the structure of damaged or weakened teeth while enhancing their appearance. At Carolina Dental Arts, we offer various types of crowns to suit different needs and preferences, including aesthetic ceramic and porcelain crowns and durable metal crowns.

We also specialize in providing same-day crowns using CEREC technology, allowing patients to receive a custom-fitted crown in just one visit. Additionally, for those needing replacement teeth, crowns supported by mini dental implants offer a stable and long-lasting solution, integrating seamlessly with the jawbone to improve bite function and smile aesthetics.

If you have a damaged or missing tooth and want to discuss your options, contact us today to schedule your consultation. It’s time to take the first step toward a revitalized smile!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do dental crowns cost?

The cost of dental crowns can depends on certain factors, such as the type of material used and the complexity of your needs. Porcelain crowns, which offer a natural appearance, tend to be more expensive than metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal options.

Additional costs may include preliminary procedures such as root canals or buildups if the tooth structure is insufficient to support the crown.

Insurance may cover a portion of the cost, especially if the crown is needed for restorative reasons rather than purely cosmetic ones. Consulting with your insurance provider is always recommended. However, we offer financing options to ensure our patients can afford their needed dental care.

Do dental crowns stain?

Dental crowns are generally resistant to stains. However, the level of stain-resistance depends on the material chosen. Unlike natural teeth, which can absorb stains from foods, beverages, and tobacco, crowns maintain their color over time. However, the natural teeth around the crown can still stain, potentially causing a contrast.

To keep your smile looking uniform, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene and avoid excessive consumption of staining substances. Regular dental cleanings will help keep both your crowns and natural teeth in good condition. While crowns resist stains well, maintaining overall oral hygiene is key to preserving a bright, even smile.

Is it painful to get a crown?

Getting a dental crown is typically not painful. At the start of the procedure, we will numb the affected tooth and surrounding gum tissue with local anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable throughout the treatment. During the preparation phase, the dentist will shape the tooth to make room for the crown. You may feel slight pressure, but it shouldn’t be painful.

After the anesthesia wears off, it’s normal to experience mild sensitivity or discomfort, especially if the tooth was extensively reshaped. This discomfort is usually temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen. If you have concerns about pain or discomfort, please share them with your dentist so they can offer solutions.