Dental Crowns in Kernersville, Explained By Your Dentist

At Dr. Veronica S. Walker’s office, we want to treat your smile like royalty — and sometimes, a dental crown is the best way to do just that! You may know them as “caps.” These restorations repair significantly damaged but salvageable teeth in just two visits to our office. Want to know more about dental crowns in Kernersville? We’ve got the facts below.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a thin, tooth-shaped covering that is permanently affixed around a severely damaged or decayed tooth. Made out of sturdy materials, the dental crown restores the size, shape, and strength of a tooth in the back or front of the jaw. As a fixed restoration, you cannot remove a crown once it has been affixed to the tooth.

Some of the most common functions of a dental crown include:

• Holding together a weak or broken tooth
• Repairing decay when there is not enough room for a filling
• Restoring the size and strength of a worn tooth
• Fixing a broken filling
• Completing a root canal procedure
• Restoring a dental implant

What Are Dental Crowns Made Of?

Dr. Walker offers three types of dental crowns to meet a variety of patient needs. You can choose from a dental crown constructed of:

• Porcelain fused-to-metal
• All-ceramic
• Gold

The material that is best for your smile depends on the location of the tooth, your budget, and your personal preference. Because it looks totally natural, all-ceramic is usually the preferred option for teeth located in the front of the smile. Sturdy gold is better for the back teeth, as it can withstand more force from chewing. You and Dr. Walker will thoroughly discuss your options to decide which crown will suit your smile needs best.

What’s the Procedure for a Dental Crown?

Placing a dental crown takes two visits to Dr. Walker’s office. In the first appointment, your dentist will put together your treatment plan and prepare your tooth to receive the restoration. Preparation involves removing tooth enamel to make room for the crown. Then, impressions (or molds) of the tooth are taken and your treatment plan is sent to our trusted lab. You’ll wear a temporary crown in the time between appointments. Once the crown has been crafted and sent back to us, you return for your second visit and the final placement of your new restoration.

How Long Do Crowns Last?

Dental crowns can last for many years with proper care. Make sure you maintain excellent dental hygiene, brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly, to enjoy better oral health over a lifetime. We will continue to check in on your crown in routine visits, but do not hesitate to notify us if it becomes loose, damaged, or uncomfortable at any point.

Come See Your Dentist in Kernersville!

Do you have an aching or significantly damaged tooth? Don’t put off treatment any longer — that tooth probably won’t get better on its own! Instead, come see Dr. Walker and her team in Kernersville for the caring treatment you need. Request an appointment for high quality restorative dental care today.