Dental Crowns – Houston, TX
Save Your Damaged Teeth with Crowns
Your teeth are meant to last for a lifetime with the right care at home and from your dentist. Unfortunately, even with the best preventive measures in place, a tooth’s health, function, or appearance can be compromised. Dr. Mark E. Lawton can rehabilitate the health and look of your teeth with dental crowns in Greater Inwood. The custom-made restorations are designed to look natural to improve your smile and your oral health.
Why Do I Need a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a cap that covers the entire visible surface of a tooth down to the gumline. It is used to improve a tooth’s size, shape, strength, and aesthetics. They are most often used in restorative dentistry to protect a weakened tooth from breaking or to repair it after decay or injury. It is common for them to be used in combination with other treatments as well, such as root canal therapy, a dental bridge, or dental implants.
Now, the use of all-ceramic materials allows them to hold a commonplace in cosmetic dentistry, such as to cover dark tooth discoloration or to enhance its shape.
Among the most common reasons a crown may be needed includes:
- Protect a weakened tooth, such as one with a large cavity.
- Treat a tooth with a significant break or fracture.
- Hold a dental bridge in place.
- Cover a misshaped or discolored tooth.
- Cover a dental implant.
- Provide an added layer of protection, such as after a root canal.
What is the Process for Getting a Crown?
After an initial consultation with your dentist in Greater Inwood, Dr. Lawton creates a treatment plan catering to your needs. Your tooth is reshaped to allow the crown to fit over it. A digital impression is taken to get the specifications needed to craft your tooth to meet your exact needs, including the size and shape.
Our office features advanced technology to simplify the process. Instead of sending the information to a dental lab to create your crown, it is sent to our CAD/CAM software. Dr. Lawton sets the specifics for your crown, including the color, before sending the information to our in-office milling machine.
The milling machine cuts your restoration from a single block of all-ceramic material. In less than an hour, your crown is ready to be bonded in place. There is no need for a temporary crown or a second appointment. The entire process is handled in just one day.
Caring for a Dental Crown
Although the crown is not subject to tooth decay, you must still take the time to care for it. When brushing and flossing, pay careful attention when cleaning near the gumline to remove harmful plaque and bacteria. While the crown is durable, it can break. It is best to avoid chewing overly hard or sticky foods with it. In addition, do not use your teeth as tools or chew on inedible objects. With the right care, your crown can last for an average of 10 years before needing to be replaced.
Save Your Smile with a Crown
If you have a damaged tooth, we can save it with a dental crown. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
Dental Crown FAQs
Are Dental Crowns Permanent?
While dental crowns can typically last 10 to 15 years or more with proper care, they’re not technically permanent. To prepare your tooth for a dental crown, Dr. Lawton will remove the decayed or damaged portions and use his instruments to reshape it. This part of the procedure is irreversible. However, the crown that fits over the top will eventually need to be replaced, especially if it becomes compromised by decay or gum disease. Practicing excellent oral hygiene is the best way to ensure your dental crown lasts as long as possible.
Do Dental Crowns Get Cavities?
Because manufacturers make dental crowns from ceramic materials, they are not capable of decaying. However, the remaining tooth structure and the gum tissues underneath can still be affected by oral bacteria. An excessive buildup of plaque around the crown or along the gumline can cause the tooth to decay and the crown to fail. Professional cleaning and regular assessments with Dr. Lawton, along with routine home oral care, are important strategies to prevent the spread of oral bacteria and the failure of dental crown treatment.
Can Dental Crowns Be Whitened?
Natural teeth are porous, so whitening treatments can penetrate the enamel to break down stains. However, the elements used in dental crown fabrication are non-porous. This means that once Dr. Lawton has matched your restoration to your natural tooth color, it will remain the same—even if you have your teeth professionally whitened. If you want to brighten your smile, discuss your intentions with Dr. Lawton at your consultation so he can plan your treatment. He may possibly perform whitening treatment before placing your dental crown, so your new restoration matches the lighter shade.
Are Dental Crowns Covered by Insurance?
While many insurance plans will cover some of the costs of dental crowns, every provider offers different rates and procedure classifications. Where one plan may cover a portion of the costs, another may not cover them at all depending on the circumstances. Most insurance providers consider crowns to be a “major” procedure, so they’re often eligible for coverage at 50 percent after your deductible has been paid. No matter what your situation, our team at Mark E. Lawton DDS will handle all your insurance claims for you and keep you apprised of your coverage. We strive to simplify your treatment to give you a stress-free experience every time.