Do you have severely stained teeth? Maybe you want to strengthen a weak tooth. Dr. Ben Ahlbrecht provides dental crowns in Indianapolis, IN. Tooth crowns are one of the restorative dentistry treatments Dr. Ahlbrecht provides to the public. He uses dental crowns at North Meridian Dental Excellence to address damaged, misshapen, or discolored teeth.
They 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. They provide long-term solutions to individual cracked or stained teeth.
What is a Dental Crown?
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.
What are Dental Crowns Made Of?
Your dentist can make a dental crown from sturdy porcelain ceramic material. It will strengthen weak teeth and blend in with your remaining natural teeth. Dental crowns are custom fit to each patient. We can typically complete yours in one visit using CEREC technology. Dr. Ahlbrecht also places traditional ceramic and gold crowns depending on your needs and aesthetic goals.
CEREC Same-day Dentistry For Tooth Crowns
Patients often receive same-day dental crowns using CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, or Ceramic REConstruction). This CAD/CAM technology allows us to create digital impressions of your teeth and fabricate a dental crown quickly and efficiently.
With CEREC, there are no messy impressions 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 a variety of restorative dental concerns, but they can take care of cosmetic problems as well.
Cosmetic Fixes
Traditionally, we correct discolored teeth with professional teeth whitening. But not all staining and discoloration respond to traditional whitening methods. Intrinsic stains beneah the surface of the tooth and discoloration caused by trauma won’t get better with teeth bleaching. We color-match a dental crown to the shade of white that you desire. It covers the entire tooth, so the discoloration is completely hidden from view.
Crowns can also fix teeth that are misshapen or deformed. When patients come with concerns about these teeth, it’s usually because of their looks. But they can also impact your mouth’s function. Depending on where they’re located, they can make it difficult to speak clearly or chew your food properly. We craft dental crowns so that they match the size and shape of the rest of your teeth, restoring full function and aesthetic value.
Strengthening Natural Teeth
One of the most common things we use dental crowns for is to stabilize a tooth after a root canal. During a root canal, we remove infected dental pulp from the core of your tooth. We fill the empty space with a biocompatible material and seal it to prevent further infection. But we want to ensure that you get full functionality as well. A dental crown give you this, as well as sealing the tooth off further from future problems.
Dental bridges are a common solution to replace one or multiple missing teeth. When a bridge isn’t supported by implants, natural teeth on each side of the span support it. It puts a lot of stress on these teeth. They’re more likely to succumb to tooth decay and wear down faster than the rest of your teeth. Capping each of these anchor teeth with a dental crown allows the crown to take on the pressure and stress of that dental bridge.
Salvaging Natural Tooth Structure
At our office, we practice conservative dentistry. We want to save the natural tooth structure whenever possible. Without the natural tooth root, you suffer various negative effects. Dental crowns are often the last line of defense we have to achieve this. For severely damaged teeth, a crown holds the pieces of a tooth together. When it comes to decay, they help replace 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 has broken off. A break like this 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 that they look and feel the most like natural teeth. One of the main reasons for this is that a custom dental crown is the perfect finishing touch for an implant. They’re custom and look and function exactly like the rest of your teeth, matching size, shade, and shape. It’s almost impossible to tell that it isn’t a natural tooth.
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, it may need to be replaced.
Am I a candidate for dental crowns?
Patients who still have the tooth root intact can receive dental crowns. If you have missing teeth, you may also receive dental implants, dentures, or dental bridges that can be capped off with dental crowns. Patients with tooth decay may need treatment but can receive dental crowns after the dentist removes the infection.
Is it painful to receive 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 subsides within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage any mild discomfort. If the pain persists, you should contact us.
Can dental crowns fall out?
Yes, a dental crown can fall off if the bonding cement weakens, the tooth structure changes or the crown becomes damaged. If your crown falls off, contact us immediately. In some cases, we can reattach the same crown, but a new crown may be needed if it is damaged or the tooth underneath has changed. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until the issue is resolved.
Can a crowned tooth get infected?
Yes, a crowned tooth can be infected if bacteria get under the crown and reach the tooth’s nerve. This can happen if decay forms beneath the crown or the tooth was previously treated with a root canal but develops complications. 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 natural teeth, crowns do not respond to teeth whitening treatments, so it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene to keep them looking their best.
Schedule a Dental Exam Today
North Meridian Dental Excellence at 317.204.7134 or request a consultation with our professional team today. We welcome new patients of all ages and can meet your needs in a caring, compassionate environment.