Dental Crowns Cary, NC

Dental Crown Services in Cary, NC

Our Cary, NC dental crown dentists have helped local patients restore damaged and decayed teeth for years. If you’re in need of a dental crown, you probably have questions — and as a patient of Alliance Dentistry, you can count on being informed at every step. If you live in Cary, NC and think you may need a crown, contact Alliance Dentistry to schedule an exam with our experienced dentists.

Why Patients May Choose Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a cap placed over a damaged tooth and cemented in place as a permanent solution. Crowns can also even out teeth that differ in strength, size, or shape, so they blend naturally with the rest of your smile.

Your dentist may recommend a crown to:

• Protect a tooth weakened by decay
• Prevent a cracked tooth from breaking further
• Restore a tooth that’s worn down or broken
• Secure a dental bridge
• Cosmetically cover a dental implant
• Conceal a discolored or misshapen tooth
• Support a tooth that’s been extensively filled and needs added strength

Dental Crowns for Adults in Cary, NC

Most of the crowns we place at our Cary office are for adults who want to save a damaged tooth and keep it working for years to come. Some of the most common reasons adults need a crown include:

• After a root canal: A tooth that’s had root canal treatment can become brittle. A crown protects it from cracking and lets you chew normally again.
• Large or failing fillings: When an old filling breaks down or there isn’t enough healthy tooth left to hold a new one, a crown restores strength and shape.
• Cracked or worn teeth: Grinding, clenching, and years of wear can leave teeth cracked or flattened. A crown holds a cracked tooth together and rebuilds worn surfaces.
• Dental implants: After your dental implant heals, a custom crown attaches to it to replace the visible part of your tooth.
• Cosmetic concerns: A tooth-colored crown can cover a badly stained, chipped, or misshapen tooth. For front teeth that only need a cosmetic change, veneers may be a more conservative option.

If a tooth is sensitive, cracked, or has a large filling, we’ll examine it and let you know whether a crown, a new filling, or another treatment is the best way to protect it.

When Dental Crowns Are Favorable for Pediatric Patients

Dental crowns aren’t just for adults — children can benefit from them too. Our dentists may recommend a crown for your child when:

• A tooth is too severely damaged by decay to support a filling
• Repeated treatment under anesthesia isn’t advisable for a young patient
• A child’s medical history prohibits the use of anesthesia
• A tooth is at high risk for advanced decay due to difficulty maintaining daily oral hygiene, or unusually vulnerable enamel

Types of Crowns from Which You Can Choose

There are several types of dental crowns that are available at our Cary, NC clinic. Your dentist may recommend one type over another based on your lifestyle and oral hygiene needs. The most common types of permanent crowns are ceramic or porcelain crowns, stainless steel crowns, metal or metal alloys high in gold or platinum content, porcelain crowns fused to metal, and resin crowns.

What to Expect: The Pediatric Crown Procedure

If your child needs a dental crown, we understand it can feel overwhelming — but knowing what to expect can ease a lot of that worry. At Alliance Dentistry, we’ve designed the process to be as smooth and stress-free as possible for both you and your child, right down to the cozy bean bags in our children’s waiting area. Here’s how the procedure typically works:

Initial Examination And Assessment

We start with a thorough examination of your child’s teeth, paying close attention to the tooth or teeth that may need a crown. This helps us determine the extent of the damage or decay and whether a crown is the best option.

We’ll walk you through why a crown is needed and how it will restore your child’s tooth — whether the issue is severe decay, a broken tooth, or a developmental problem — and answer any questions or concerns you have along the way.

Preparing the Tooth

Once we’ve determined a crown is the right option, we prepare your child’s tooth by removing any decay or damaged portions to create a stable foundation. How much tooth structure needs to be removed depends on the extent of the damage and the type of crown being placed.

Your child’s comfort is our priority throughout — we’ll use local anesthesia as needed to prevent any pain, and can discuss sedation options if your child is anxious or multiple crowns are being placed.

Taking Impressions and Placing a Temporary Crown

Next, we take an impression or digital scan of the tooth, which is used to create a custom crown made from stainless steel, porcelain, or another durable material, depending on your child’s needs.

While the permanent crown is being made, we place a temporary crown to protect the tooth. It’s not as strong as the permanent one, so be sure to follow our care instructions closely in the meantime.

Final Placement of the Permanent Crown

Once the permanent crown is ready, your child returns for final placement. We remove the temporary crown, carefully fit the permanent one, and make any adjustments needed for comfort and security. We’ll also walk you through how to care for the new crown — proper care is key to its longevity and your child’s ongoing oral health.

Moving Forward With Confidence

At Alliance Dentistry, we are committed to providing your child with the highest quality care. We understand that dental procedures can be daunting, but our team is here to support you and your child every step of the way. We encourage you to reach out with any questions or concerns you may have during this process. If your child needs crowns, we invite you to schedule a consultation with us. Together, we can ensure that your child’s smile stays healthy and strong, both now and in the future. For help, speak with our dentist about dental crowns in Cary, NC.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

With good care, dental crowns often last 10 to 15 years or longer. How long yours lasts depends on the material, where the crown is in your mouth, and your daily habits. Crowns on back teeth handle more chewing force, and patients who grind their teeth may need a night guard to protect their crowns.

Caring for Your Dental Crown

A crown can’t get a cavity, but the tooth underneath it still can, especially along the gumline. To help your crown last:

• Brush twice a day and floss daily, paying attention to the area where the crown meets your gums.
• Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, pens, and other hard objects.
• Wear a night guard if you grind or clench your teeth.
• Keep up with regular cleanings and exams so we can check your crown and the tooth beneath it.

Call our Cary office if your crown feels loose, your bite feels off, or you notice pain or sensitivity around it.

Alliance Dentistry, Cary Dental Crown Dentists

Dental Crown FAQs

Does getting a dental crown hurt?

Most patients feel little to no discomfort. We numb the tooth before preparing it, and any tenderness afterward is usually mild and goes away within a few days.

How many visits does a crown take?

A crown usually takes two visits. At the first, we prepare the tooth, take impressions, and place a temporary crown. At the second, we place and adjust your permanent crown.

Will my crown look natural?

Yes. Tooth-colored crowns are matched to the shade and shape of your surrounding teeth so they blend in with your smile. If you’re thinking about teeth whitening, it’s best to whiten before getting a crown so we can match your brighter shade.

Does insurance cover dental crowns?

Many dental insurance plans cover part of the cost of a crown when it’s needed to restore a damaged tooth. We’ll check your benefits and go over your costs before treatment.

Contact Our Dental Crowns Dentist Today

Contact us at Alliance Dentistry to schedule an exam with one of our dentists to learn more about dental crowns Cary, NC patients recommend and find out if they’re right for you.