CEREC Same-Day Crowns - Spring Hill, TN
Single Day Tooth Restoration with CEREC Technology
Dental Crowns Can Give You a Beautiful Smile
Smile with confidence again thanks to dental crowns. These custom tooth caps can restore damaged teeth to their former glory, improving both function and appearance. Whether you’re dealing with a cracked tooth, severe decay, or cosmetic concerns, dental crowns at our Spring Hill, TN dental office provide a durable, natural-looking solution.
Learn more about dental crowns and discover if this solution is the right fit for your smile by calling Dr. Robinette, our Spring Hill dentist, now!
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns, also known as caps or tooth crowns, are prosthetic devices placed over damaged or decayed teeth to restore their function, shape, and appearance. They’re custom-made to fit over the entire tooth, from the gum line to the chewing surface, and are made of porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of these materials.
Using materials like zirconia ceramic for dental crowns helps preserve the natural tooth structure, which is beneficial for both back teeth and cosmetic purposes. A dental crown can also be used on top of a dental implant, to support a dental bridge, or act as a cosmetic solution to improve the appearance of teeth.
Talks About Advanced Technologies, Techniques, and Instrumentation – Does Your Dentist Have This?
When Is a Dental Crown Necessary?
There are multiple dental issues that a crown can fix. Our Spring Hill, TN dentist may recommend a dental crown for various reasons, including:
- Protecting a Weak Tooth: If a tooth has been weakened by decay, a large filling, or a root canal, a dental crown can provide additional support and prevent the tooth from breaking.
- Restoring a Broken or Damaged Tooth: A dental crown can restore a tooth that has been broken, cracked, or severely worn down.
- Covering a Dental Implant: After a dental implant is placed, a dental crown is often used to cover the implant and create a natural-looking tooth replacement.
- Supporting a Dental Bridge: A crown can support a dental bridge, which can replace missing teeth.
- Improving the Appearance of a Tooth: Dental crowns can improve the appearance of misshapen, discolored, or poorly spaced teeth.
Signs You Need Dental Crowns
Some signs that you may need a dental crown include:
- Tooth pain or sensitivity
- A cracked or chipped tooth
- A large filling that needs to be replaced
- A tooth that has had a root canal
- A tooth that’s misshapen or discolored
- Tooth decay that requires protection to prevent further dental health issues
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Some of the benefits of dental crowns include:
- Protection: Dental crowns can help protect weak or damaged teeth from further damage or decay.
- Restoration: Dental crowns can restore the function and appearance of damaged teeth.
- Durability: Dental crowns are strong and durable, and can last many years with proper care.
- Versatility: Dental crowns can be used for many dental problems, from restoring a broken tooth to covering a dental implant.
- Aesthetics: Dental crowns match the color and shape of your natural teeth, creating a natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing result.
If you’re wondering how dental crowns may benefit you, contact our Spring Hill, TN dentist today to schedule your next appointment!
Types of Dental Crowns
When it comes to dental crowns, there are also third-party financing options available to help you manage the costs. Here’s what you can expect:
- Personal Loans: Another option to consider is taking out a personal loan from a bank or credit union. Personal loans can provide you with the funds necessary to cover the cost of your dental crown treatment. It’s important to evaluate the interest rates and repayment terms offered by different lenders to find the most suitable option for your financial situation.
- Healthcare Credit Cards: Healthcare credit cards, such as CareCredit, are specifically designed to cover medical and dental expenses. These cards offer flexible financing options, including interest-free promotional periods. They can be used to pay for dental crown treatment, allowing you to make manageable monthly payments over time.
- Payment Plans: Talk with your dental office as some may offer unique payment plans for patients. These often allow you to pay for a set amount of months, rather than the full cost upfront.
The Dental Crown Procedure
Consultation and Planning
- The dentist will examine the tooth to determine if it needs a crown or if there are other treatment options.
- X-rays might be taken to check the roots of the tooth and surrounding bone.
First Visit
- Preparation: The dentist will numb the tooth and surrounding gum tissue using a local anesthetic. The tooth is then reshaped along the chewing surface and sides to make room for the crown. The amount of tooth that needs to be removed will depend on the type of crown material.
- Impression: After reshaping, an impression of the tooth is created to ensure a proper fit and bite for the crown. This may be done traditionally using a mold or digitally with intraoral scanners.
- Temporary Crown: A temporary crown is placed to protect the prepared tooth while the permanent crown is created. It’s generally made from acrylic and is temporarily cemented in place.
Second Visit
- Permanent Crown Fitting: The temporary crown is removed. The dentist will place the new crown on the tooth to check its fit and color. If everything is acceptable, the tooth is cleaned and the new crown is permanently cemented in place.
- Adjustments: Bite adjustments might be made to ensure a proper fit. The dentist may ask you to bite down several times to verify the fit and adjust as necessary.
Aftercare and Follow-up
- It’s not uncommon to experience some sensitivity or mild discomfort after the procedure, especially after the anesthesia wears off. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be helpful.
- Oral hygiene is crucial. Proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups will ensure the longevity of your new crown.
- Avoiding hard foods and not using the crowned tooth as a tool (e.g., to open packages) will help prolong the life of the crown.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do dental crowns last?
Generally, dental crowns can last anywhere from five to 15 years or even longer with proper care. The lifespan of your dental crown will depend on various factors such as the material used, oral hygiene routine, and the amount of wear and tear the crown is subjected to. Porcelain and ceramic crowns tend to have a longer lifespan than metal or resin-based crowns.
Is it painful to get a dental crown?
Getting a dental crown should not be painful as the procedure is usually performed with a local anesthetic. Some patients may experience some discomfort or sensitivity during or after the procedure. Your dentist can prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to manage any discomfort.
How long does it take to put a dental crown on a tooth?
Generally, it takes two dental visits to complete the dental crown placement process. The total time it takes to place a dental crown on a tooth can vary depending on the specific case and the dentist’s technique. Your dentist will provide a treatment timeline at your initial consultation.
Can a dental crown be placed in one day?
Yes, it’s possible to get a dental crown placed in one day using a technology called CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics). This technology allows the dentist to create and place a custom crown in a single dental visit. The dentist will take digital impressions of the tooth, design the crown using computer-aided design (CAD) software, and then use an in-office milling machine to fabricate the final crown.
Discover if Dental Crowns Are Right for You
Dental crowns are a popular and effective way to restore damaged or decayed teeth. Contact our Spring Hill, TN dental office today to schedule a consultation with our dentist. We’ll evaluate your oral health and recommend the best treatment for you.
We look forward to meeting new and returning patients from Spring Hill and its surrounding areas, such as Thompson’s Station, Jameson, and Bethesda, TN.
