Do you have severely stained teeth? Maybe you want to strengthen a weak tooth after a root canal. Dr. Ben Ahlbrecht offers dental crowns in Indianapolis, IN, as a restorative dental treatment. He uses dental crowns to address damaged, misshapen, worn-down, and discolored teeth.
Crowns can also cover dental implants or hold dental bridges in place. A tooth crown can make a broken tooth look like a natural tooth again. At North Meridian Dental Excellence, we provide long-term solutions for tooth damage. Visit our dental office for all your dental crown needs.
Dental Crowns in Indianapolis, IN
A dental crown is a fixed dental restoration. It will cover the entire tooth like a cap. Your dentist will permanently bond it into place after preparing the tooth. To prepare the tooth, the dentist will numb the area around the tooth. Then, he will remove any old crowns, fillings, decay, or damage from the tooth. He will significantly reduce the size of the tooth, leaving behind enough to secure the crown.
Dr. Ben Ahlbrecht can make a dental crown from sturdy porcelain ceramic material. Our same-day crowns strengthen weak teeth and blend in with your other teeth. Dental crowns are custom fit to each patient.
Best of all, we can typically complete yours in one visit using CEREC technology. CEREC crowns are just as strong and last decades with the right care. Dr. Ahlbrecht also places traditional ceramic and gold crowns depending on your needs and aesthetic goals.
CEREC Same-day Dentistry For Tooth Crowns
Patients can get same-day dental crowns using CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, or Ceramic REConstruction) at North Meridian Dental Excellence. This CAD/CAM technology uses digital impressions of your teeth to create a dental crown quickly while you wait.
With CEREC, there are no messy impression trays, no temporary crowns, and no return visits. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ahlbrecht to see if you qualify for same-day dental crowns with CEREC.
The Uses of Dental Crowns
One of the best things about dental crowns is their versatility. Not only do they treat restorative dental concerns, but they can also fix cosmetic problems as well.
Cosmetic Fixes
Usually, we brighten stained teeth with professional whitening. But some stains don’t go away with bleaching. Especially deep stains inside the tooth or discoloration from injuries. That’s where dental crowns come in. We match the crown to your ideal shade of white, then place it over your tooth to completely cover any discoloration.
Crowns also work great for teeth that are oddly shaped or don’t look right. While many patients want these fixed for cosmetic reasons, misshapen teeth can actually cause problems too. We design crowns to blend perfectly with your natural teeth, so they look good and work properly.
Strengthening Natural Teeth
Dental crowns are primarily used to protect a tooth after a root canal. During a root canal, we clean out the infected part inside your tooth and fill the space with a safe material. A crown then covers the tooth to keep it strong and working like normal, while also protecting it from future damage.
Crowns also help when you’re getting a dental bridge to replace missing teeth. Normally, bridges rest on your natural teeth, which can wear them down over time. But if we put crowns on these supporting teeth first, the crowns take all the pressure instead. This keeps your real teeth safe and helps your bridge last longer.
Salvaging Natural Tooth Structure
At our office, we practice conservative dentistry. We want to save as much of the natural tooth structure as possible. Without the natural tooth root, you can suffer many negative effects. Dental crowns are often the last line of defense we use to achieve this. A crown replaces the parts of the tooth that were too decayed to save, giving you a stable restoration.
They also help restore teeth where a large piece have broken off. A break exposes dental nerves and pulp, the sensitive inner layers of the tooth. When you’re eating, certain foods and beverages coming into contact with this can be very painful. The crown protects this sensitive tissue and minimizes pain.
Completing a Dental Implant
Dental implants are the gold standard of tooth replacement for many reasons. They bring many benefits that other restorations don’t. This includes their natural look and feel. One of the main reasons for this is that a custom dental crown is the perfect finishing touch for an implant.
The custom CEREC crown will look just like the rest of your teeth, matching size, shade, and shape. It will be almost impossible to tell that it isn’t a real tooth.
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Dental Crown FAQs
Learn the answers to frequently asked questions about dental crowns below.
How long do dental crowns last?
The lifespan of a dental crown depends on the material used, oral hygiene, and habits such as grinding teeth. On average, crowns last between 10 to 15 years, but they can last even longer with good care. Avoiding hard foods, practicing good oral hygiene, and visiting our office regularly can help extend the life of your crown. If a crown becomes loose or damaged, you may need to replace it.
Am I a candidate for dental crowns?
Patients who still have the tooth root intact can get dental crowns. If you have missing teeth, you can also get dental implants, dentures, or dental bridges capped off with dental crowns. Patients with tooth decay may need treatment but can get dental crowns after the dentist removes the infection.
Is it painful to get dental crowns?
Getting a dental crown is usually not painful because the dentist numbs the area before preparing the tooth. Some patients may experience slight sensitivity or discomfort after the procedure, but this typically goes away after a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage any mild discomfort. If the pain persists, contact us.
Can dental crowns fall out?
Yes, a dental crown can fall off if the bonding cement weakens, the tooth structure changes, or you damage the crown. If your crown falls off, contact us immediately. In some cases, we can reattach the same crown. You might need a new crown if it’s damaged or the tooth underneath has changed. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until we fix the issue.
Can a crowned tooth get infected?
Yes, a crowned tooth can get infections if bacteria gets under the crown and reaches the tooth’s nerve. This can happen if decay forms beneath the crown or the tooth was previously treated with a root canal. See us immediately if you experience pain, swelling, or sensitivity.
Can dental crowns stain?
Porcelain and ceramic crowns are stain-resistant but not completely immune to discoloration. Over time, consuming staining foods and drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine can cause slight color changes. Unlike teeth, crowns don’t respond to teeth whitening treatments, so maintain good oral hygiene to keep them looking their best.
Schedule a Dental Exam Today
Call North Meridian Dental Excellence at 317-204-7134 or request an appointment online today. We welcome new patients of all ages fro Indianapolis, Carmel, and surrounding neighborhoods. Dr. Ahlbrecht and our team will meet your needs in a caring and compassionate environment.