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Restore Damaged Teeth
Dental Crowns in Durham
Dental crowns are a great way to protect and restore teeth that have been damaged by extensive decay or have been broken or cracked due to oral trauma. Dr. Messenger is experienced in restorative dentistry in Durham, and can provide you with the care you need to restore your smile after it’s been damaged.
How it Works
Smile Restoration with Crowns
Crowns are usually recommended to restore teeth that have been damaged by decay or oral injuries. They may also be used to restore a tooth after root canal therapy. Occasionally, crowns may also be used for cosmetic purposes if other treatments like veneers or dental bonding will not suffice.
Dental crowns are designed to cover up and replace your entire natural tooth structure. During treatment, your damaged enamel is removed and your remaining tooth structure is trimmed to provide a strong, stable platform to which the crown can be attached. We offer both porcelain and zirconia crowns which are custom crafted to look and function just like a natural tooth. When your custom crown is attached to your remaining enamel, it restores your bite and your smile. It also protects the underlying tooth from further damage and decay.
When is a Crown Necessary?
Candidates for Dental Crowns
Crowns are highly versatile and are a great treatment option for preserving your natural tooth structure. If you have a large cavity, a cracked tooth, or have recently had a root canal, dental crowns may be the right restorative treatment for you. During your consultation, Dr. Messenger will discuss whether a crown is right for your dental needs.
The Benefits of
Dental Crowns
- Dental crowns look, feel, and function just like your natural tooth and are indistinguishable from the rest of your teeth.
- They help cover up your natural tooth structure and protect it against further damage.
- Crowns are very durable, and they have a lifespan of more than 15+ years with proper care.
- Beyond regular brushing, flossing, and routine cleanings, dental crowns require no special care.
What to Expect
The Crown Placement Process
It usually takes two appointments over 2-3 weeks to prepare your teeth and place your crown. At your first appointment, your mouth will be numbed and cleaned. Then, Dr. Messenger will use a dental drill to remove damaged and decayed enamel from your tooth and shape it into a stable platform. Then, she will take impressions and images of your teeth, and send them to our local dental lab.
This process takes a few weeks, so you will be sent home with a temporary crown. Once your crown arrives, you will come back to our office for your follow-up. Dr. Messenger will check the crown to make sure it fits perfectly. If everything looks good, she will use dental cement to bond it to your enamel permanently, and restore your smile.
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