Crowns

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over the entire visible portion of a tooth. Think of it as a protective shell. It holds a damaged tooth together, restores its shape and size, and lets it handle everyday chewing again. Because a crown covers the whole tooth rather than filling one small area, it is often the right choice when too much natural structure has been lost for a filling or bonding to hold up.

Crowns help a wide range of people. Patients come to us for crowns for many different reasons, including:

• A tooth that has cracked or broken, whether from biting something hard or from an injury
• A tooth with a large, aging filling that no longer leaves enough healthy tooth around it
• A tooth that is badly worn down or misshapen
• A tooth that is discolored or doesn't match the rest of your smile
• A dental implant that needs a natural-looking replacement tooth on top
• A bridge, where crowns on neighboring teeth anchor a replacement for a missing tooth

Because we see patients of all ages and offer general, cosmetic, and restorative care in one office, we can look at how a crown fits into your overall dental health rather than treating one tooth in isolation.

Not every damaged tooth needs a crown, so we always start with a thorough exam. We look at how much healthy tooth remains, the condition of your gums, and how your bite comes together. If a smaller restoration like a filling or composite bonding will do the job, we'll tell you. We recommend crowns when they offer the best long-term protection.

Some situations call for a little extra planning. When a tooth is broken near the gumline, there may not be enough exposed tooth to hold a crown securely. Our team performs crown-lengthening procedures, which gently reshape the gum and bone to expose more of the tooth so a crown can fit properly. We also treat cracked teeth and traumatic dental injuries, and we offer emergency appointments, so if you've chipped or broken a tooth suddenly, please call us. We can assess the damage and talk through your options.

Caring for Your Crown Over Time

A crown is strong, but the tooth underneath still depends on healthy habits. Brush twice a day, floss daily, and pay special attention to the area where the crown meets the gumline, since that edge needs to stay clean to prevent new decay. Try to avoid using your teeth to open packages or chewing on ice and other very hard objects, which can stress any restoration.

Regular visits are just as important. During your dental cleanings and exams, our hygienist and dentists check the fit of your crown, the health of the surrounding gums, and your bite. If you have gum concerns, we also provide gum disease treatment and periodontal maintenance to help protect the foundation your crown relies on. With attentive home care and routine checkups, your crown can continue to serve you well.