What Are Dental Crowns?<\/b><\/h2>\n
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Think of it as a protective shield, giving your tooth a fresh start while blending perfectly with your natural smile.<\/p>\n
Crowns are used to:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Protect weak or cracked teeth<\/li>\n
- Restore broken or severely worn teeth<\/li>\n
- Cover discolored or misshapen teeth<\/li>\n
- Support teeth with large dental fillings<\/a><\/li>\n
- Top a tooth after root canal therapy<\/a><\/li>\n
- Anchor dental bridges<\/li>\n
- Complete dental implants<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Crowns aren’t one-size-fits-all, either. Depending on your goals, budget, and the location of the tooth, your dentist may recommend an all-ceramic crown, a full metal crown, or a porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crown<\/b>. PFM crowns are a popular option that blends the strength of metal with the natural look of porcelain. We’ll cover PFM crowns in more detail below.<\/p>\n
What Is a Dental Bridge?<\/h2>\n
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring a false tooth (called a pontic) to the natural teeth or dental implants on either side of the gap. Unlike a removable partial denture, a bridge stays firmly in place, functioning and feeling much like your natural teeth.<\/p>\n
Bridges are typically recommended to:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Fill the gap left by one or more missing teeth<\/li>\n
- Restore your ability to chew and speak properly<\/li>\n
- Prevent shifting of surrounding teeth<\/li>\n
- Maintain your natural facial shape<\/li>\n
- Distribute bite forces evenly by replacing missing teeth<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Benefits of Dental Crowns<\/h2>\n
- \n
- Protection<\/b> \u2014 Shields weak or damaged teeth from further decay or breakage.<\/li>\n
- Restoration<\/b> \u2014 Brings back the function and appearance of a damaged tooth.<\/li>\n
- Durability<\/b> \u2014 Strong enough to last many years with proper care.<\/li>\n
- Versatility<\/b> \u2014 Works for everything from a broken tooth to covering a dental implant.<\/li>\n
- Aesthetics<\/b> \u2014 Can be matched to the color and shape of your natural teeth for a seamless result.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If you’re wondering how dental crowns may benefit you, contact our Goldsboro, NC dentist near you today at 919-735-3431<\/b> to schedule your next appointment.<\/p>\n
A Closer Look: Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns<\/h2>\n
Among the crown materials available, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns remain one of the most popular for good reason. A PFM crown consists of a metal substructure, typically an alloy containing gold, nickel, or chromium, with a layer of tooth-colored porcelain fused over top. The result is a restoration that combines the resilience of metal with an appearance that mimics a natural tooth.<\/p>\n
Benefits of PFM Crowns<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Aesthetic Appeal<\/b> \u2014 The porcelain layer can be shaded to match your surrounding teeth for a seamless blend.<\/li>\n
- Strength and Durability<\/b> \u2014 The metal core stands up well to the everyday forces of biting and chewing.<\/li>\n
- Versatility<\/b> \u2014 Effective for decay, cracks, fractures, and discoloration.<\/li>\n
- Longevity<\/b> \u2014 With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, PFM crowns commonly last 10 to 15 years, sometimes longer.<\/li>\n
- Stability and Fit<\/b> \u2014 The metal substructure helps the crown stay securely in place.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Drawbacks to Consider<\/h3>\n
No material is perfect for every situation, and PFM crowns have a few trade-offs worth knowing:<\/p>\n
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- Metal Visibility<\/b> \u2014 A thin dark line can sometimes become visible at the gumline, particularly for people with thinner or receding gums.<\/li>\n
- Slightly Less Translucency<\/b> \u2014 PFM crowns look natural, but they don’t quite match the light-reflecting quality of all-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns.<\/li>\n
- Tooth Preparation<\/b> \u2014 As with most crowns, some healthy tooth structure must be removed to make room for the restoration.<\/li>\n
- Wear Over Time<\/b> \u2014 The porcelain layer can wear gradually, which may subtly affect appearance or bite alignment.<\/li>\n
- Rare Allergic Reactions<\/b> \u2014 Occasionally, patients may react to the metals in the substructure.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Your dentist can help you weigh these factors against your specific tooth, smile goals, and budget during your consultation.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\nNow Offering: Same-Day Crowns<\/h2>\n
We’re excited to now offer same-day crowns<\/b>, giving patients a faster path to a fully restored tooth, often in a single visit.<\/p>\n
Traditional crowns, including PFM crowns, require a temporary crown while your permanent restoration is fabricated at an outside dental lab, typically over one to two weeks. Same-day crowns skip that wait. Using advanced digital scanning and in-office milling technology, we can design, create, and place your custom crown in one appointment, with no impressions, no temporary crown, and no second visit required.<\/p>\n
How Same-Day Crowns Work<\/h3>\n
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- Digital Scan<\/b> \u2014 Instead of a traditional putty impression, we use a digital scanner to capture a precise 3D image of your prepared tooth.<\/li>\n
- In-Office Design<\/b> \u2014 Your crown is designed chairside using the digital scan, allowing for a custom fit and natural appearance.<\/li>\n
- On-Site Milling<\/b> \u2014 A milling machine in our office carves your crown from a solid block of ceramic material while you wait.<\/li>\n
- Same-Visit Placement<\/b> \u2014 Once milled and finished, your new crown is checked for fit, color, and bite, then cemented into place \u2014 all in the same appointment.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Benefits of Same-Day Crowns<\/h3>\n
- \n
- One Visit<\/b> \u2014 Skip the temporary crown and the follow-up appointment.<\/li>\n
- Less Time in the Chair<\/b> \u2014 No need to schedule and attend a second procedure.<\/li>\n
- No Temporary Crown<\/b> \u2014 Avoid the extra care instructions and limitations that come with a temporary restoration.<\/li>\n
- Precise Digital Fit<\/b> \u2014 Digital scanning can offer a highly accurate impression compared to traditional putty molds.<\/li>\n
- Durable, Natural-Looking Material<\/b> \u2014 Same-day crowns are milled from solid ceramic, offering both strength and a tooth-like appearance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Same-day crowns aren’t the right fit for every case. Your dentist will help determine whether a same-day crown, a PFM crown, or another restoration option best suits your tooth and smile goals. Ask us about same-day crowns at your next visit, or call 919-735-3431<\/b> to learn more.<\/p>\n
The Dental Crown Process<\/h2>\n
Getting a traditional, lab-fabricated crown generally follows the process below. (If you opt for a same-day crown, this entire process is condensed into a single visit\u2014see the section above.)<\/p>\n
1. Consultation and Examination<\/b><\/h3>\n
Dr. Stovall examines your tooth, often with X-rays, discusses your goals, and recommends the best crown material for your situation.<\/p>\n
2. Tooth Preparation and Impressions<\/b><\/h3>\n
On your first treatment visit:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Local anesthesia keeps you comfortable.<\/li>\n
- Our Goldsboro dentist reshapes the tooth, removing a small amount of enamel to make room for the crown.<\/li>\n
- If needed, a filling material reinforces the tooth’s structure.<\/li>\n
- A digital or physical impression captures the exact shape of your prepared tooth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
3. Temporary Crown<\/b><\/h3>\n
A temporary crown protects your tooth while your permanent one is crafted at a dental laboratory. For PFM crowns specifically, skilled lab technicians build a custom metal substructure from your impression, then layer porcelain over it to achieve a natural, tooth-like finish. This process usually takes one to two weeks. Our team will walk you through how to care for your temporary crown in the meantime.<\/p>\n
4. Permanent Crown Placement<\/b><\/h3>\n
At your second visit:<\/p>\n
- \n
- The temporary crown is removed.<\/li>\n
- Your permanent crown is checked for fit, color, and bite alignment.<\/li>\n
- Once everything looks and feels right, it’s securely cemented or bonded in place.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
5. Follow-Up Care<\/b><\/h3>\n
To help your new crown go the distance, maintain good oral hygiene by brushing at least twice a day with a soft-bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste. Keep up with routine dental checkups.<\/p>\n
Ready to get started? Contact our dentist in Goldsboro at 919-735-3431<\/b> to discuss your options.<\/p>\n
How to Care for Your Dental Crown<\/h2>\n
- \n
- Brush twice daily<\/b> with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.<\/li>\n
- Floss daily<\/b> around the crown to prevent plaque buildup.<\/li>\n
- Avoid hard foods<\/b> like ice, hard candies, or tough meats that can chip or dislodge a crown.<\/li>\n
- Wear a nightguard<\/b> if you grind your teeth to protect the crown from excess wear.<\/li>\n
- Visit our office regularly<\/b> \u2014 checkups every six months help keep your crown and your smile healthy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n
Are dental crowns permanent?<\/a><\/p>\n
Dental crowns aren\u2019t considered permanent \u2014 they\u2019re designed to last for a specific period but may eventually need replacement. Durability depends on factors like oral hygiene, chewing habits, and the material used. PFM crowns, for example, typically last 10 to 15 years, while crowns overall commonly last 5 to 15 years.<\/p>\n
Can dental crowns be whitened?<\/a><\/p>\n
No. Crowns are made from materials like porcelain, ceramic, or metal, which don\u2019t respond to bleaching gels or whitening strips the way natural teeth do. If a crown becomes stained, a professional cleaning may help remove surface stains.<\/p>\n
Can a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown be repaired?<\/a><\/p>\n
In some cases, yes. Whether repair is possible depends on the extent of the damage and where the crown is located. Your dentist will assess the crown and recommend the best path forward.<\/p>\n
Do porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns contain mercury?<\/a><\/p>\n
No. PFM crowns consist of a metal substructure \u2014 usually an alloy of gold, nickel, or chromium \u2014 covered with porcelain. Neither the metal nor the porcelain contains mercury.<\/p>\n
- Floss daily<\/b> around the crown to prevent plaque buildup.<\/li>\n
- Brush twice daily<\/b> with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.<\/li>\n
- Less Time in the Chair<\/b> \u2014 No need to schedule and attend a second procedure.<\/li>\n
- In-Office Design<\/b> \u2014 Your crown is designed chairside using the digital scan, allowing for a custom fit and natural appearance.<\/li>\n
- Slightly Less Translucency<\/b> \u2014 PFM crowns look natural, but they don’t quite match the light-reflecting quality of all-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns.<\/li>\n
- Strength and Durability<\/b> \u2014 The metal core stands up well to the everyday forces of biting and chewing.<\/li>\n
- Restoration<\/b> \u2014 Brings back the function and appearance of a damaged tooth.<\/li>\n
- Protection<\/b> \u2014 Shields weak or damaged teeth from further decay or breakage.<\/li>\n
- Top a tooth after root canal therapy<\/a><\/li>\n
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