Dental Crowns – Athens, GA
Benefit from Same-Day Dentistry
A dental crown is the most commonly performed restorative procedure because of its versatility and effectiveness. Traditionally, crowns have been made from a variety of metals, but our office uses ceramic materials. You'll benefit from a high-quality restoration that looks like a real tooth. Our office uses CEREC technology, so you can get the crown you need in just one day
Why Choose Athens Dental Associates for Dental Crowns?
- CEREC Technology
- High-Quality Materials
- Personalized Solutions
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a cap that covers your tooth down to the gum line. It can be used to protect a weakened tooth. Crowns can also repair damage, like a large area of decay or a fracture. The versatility of crowns allows them to be used with other procedures as well, like root canal therapy or a dental bridge. Ceramic materials allow crowns to offer cosmetic benefits too. A crown can be a great option to cover an abnormally shaped tooth or a stubborn stain.
The Dental Crown Process
Our office uses the most advanced technologies, allowing you to get the crown you need in one appointment. You won't require a temporary restoration either. After prepping your tooth for the crown, we will make a digital impression of your mouth. You don't have to worry about holding a messy impression material in your mouth. In a matter of a few seconds, the image will be sent to our CAD/CAM software for your dentist to create the specifics for your restoration. The information is sent to our in-office milling machine, where your crown will be cut from a single block of ceramic material. In about 1 hour, your crown will be ready for bonding. Your dentist will use dental cement to hold your crown in place. Your new restoration can last for 10 years or longer with the correct care, like brushing and flossing.
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Crown
If your dentist recommends a dental crown, it's an investment in your oral health. Every tooth is essential for a healthy, functional smile. A crown can protect a compromised tooth from additional damage to prevent needing extraction down the road.
Ceramic materials are biocompatible, so there's no risk of metal sensitivities or allergic reactions. Although your crown will be metal-free, it will be durable to serve you for several years. It will be customized to match the color, size, and shape of your real teeth to blend in seamlessly.
If your restoration is medically necessary, your dental insurance may cover some of the costs. We offer various flexible financial solutions to keep dental crowns within everyone's budget.
Don't settle for less than the best if you need a crown. Choose state-of-the-art technology for unmatched accuracy. You'll save time while investing in a crown that will look and feel natural. Request an appointment through our website or call our office at (706) 808-4632.
Dental Crowns FAQs
Are Dental Crowns Permanent?
While dental crowns are not technically permanent, they are a long-term solution that can keep your tooth beautiful, functional, and healthy for about five to fifteen years after severe infection or injury. Teeth that receive crowns must usually wear them for life for protection from damage and reinfection, so your appliance will eventually need to be replaced. To keep your dental crown in excellent condition, it’s best to stick to smart habits like:
- Brushing and flossing every day
- Using antibacterial mouthwash regularly
- Being mindful when chewing
- Abstaining from tobacco and excessive alcohol intake
- Refraining from using your teeth to open packages or bottles
- Not chewing on ice or inedible materials like plastic, wood, glass, metal, or fingernails
- Wearing an athletic mouthguard when riding a bike or playing sports
- Wearing a customized nightguard from our office if you grind your teeth in your sleep
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
You can typically expect your dental crown to last between five and fifteen years if you take proper care of it, but your appliance’s lifespan can vary based on several factors. While metal crowns may last longer than metal-free ones, the difference is often marginal. Crowns that restore teeth in the back of the mouth may not last as long as those placed toward the front of the mouth since they endure more pressure during the chewing process. However, the most important factor in how long your crown can last is how well you take care of it by practicing excellent oral hygiene habits and protecting it from injury.
Does My Dental Crown Need to Be Replaced?
Only a qualified dentist such as one of the skilled team members at Athens Dental Associates can properly determine if a dental crown needs to be replaced, so it’s a great idea to schedule a consultation at our office if you think your crown is at the end of its lifespan. Your crown may be ready for replacement if:
- The tooth hurts: Pain may mean there is an untreated dental infection beneath the crown. In this case, the restoration will have to be removed so the problem can be addressed. The crown may be able to be put back on the tooth afterward, but it’s also possible that it will need to be replaced.
- Instability: If your crown is wiggling about on its tooth, it probably needs to be recemented or replaced.
- Degraded appearance: A crown should help your tooth stay beautiful as well as functional, so chips, cracks, and stains can be reason enough to replace it.
- A dark line forming around the base: An old-fashioned porcelain-fused-to-metal crown may begin to show a dark gray line around its base as the ceramic part separates from its metal anchor. This usually means the crown is ready to be replaced.