Dental Crowns – Middleburg Heights, OH
Strengthening and Protecting Damaged Teeth
At Kirlough Family Dentistry, we want to provide our patients with high quality service and state-of-the-art treatments. That’s why we offer custom-made dental crowns to help restore patients’ damaged or decayed teeth. If you have issues with your dental structure, it’s important to seek treatment right away. Unlike other medical conditions that get better with time, dental problems will only get worse. Keep reading to learn more about dental crowns and how they not only strengthen your teeth, but they also protect them in the future.
Why Choose Us for Dental Crowns?
- All Ceramic, Metal-Free Restorative Materials
- Experienced Dental Team
- Insurance & Financing Available
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a restoration that is made to cover the entire visible portion of your tooth. This restoration got its name because it literally “crowns” your tooth. They are designed to look and feel like your natural teeth, while also providing weaker, decayed, or damaged teeth with some much-needed support. They can be used to restore teeth, hold dental bridges in place, and even restore dental implants. If this sounds like the right option for you, contact us to request an appointment.
What are the Benefits of Dental Crowns?
We offer dental crowns at our practice because they provide our patients with health and aesthetic benefits like:
- Protecting teeth from additional decay
- Strengthening teeth for better chewing
- Improving the appearance of teeth
- Correcting misshapen teeth
- Masking permanent discoloration
- Restoring cracked, decayed, or damaged teeth
- Replacing silver crowns
- Lasting for years to come
How Do I Know if I Need a Dental Crown?
An additional benefit of dental crowns is their versatility. We use dental crowns to correct numerous issues, including:
- Protection of a weakened tooth
- Restoration of a broken or fractured tooth
- Replacing a large filling
- Attaching a dental bridge for multiple missing teeth
- Restoration of a dental implant
- Improving the size and shape of a tooth
- Protecting and covering a tooth that had root canal therapy
What is the Process Like for Getting a Dental Crown?
Receiving a dental crown happens in a two-step process. First, you will come into our office, where Dr. Kirlough will remove a slight portion of your tooth, and then take special images and impressions of it. These images will be sent to a lab, where your personalized crown will be created. After about 2 weeks, you’ll come back into our office. Dr. Kirlough will ensure that you’re satisfied with your restoration before permanently placing it on your tooth. Then, you can leave our office with a strong and beautiful smile.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
With proper care, dental crowns can last 15 years! Our restorations are made out of durable, high-quality ceramics, but their lifespan will ultimately depend on how well you take care of them. It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth daily as well as visiting our office for routine checkups and cleanings. Contact us today if you’re ready to get started on a healthier smile.
Dental Crowns FAQs
Dental crowns in Cleveland have held commonplace in dentistry for generations because of their versatility. It's normal to have some concerns about the procedure, but don't worry because Dr. Kirlough will explain everything during your initial consultation. While you wait for your appointment, here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about crowns.
Are Dental Crowns Permanent?
A dental crown provides a long-lasting solution; however, it won't last forever. Eventually, your restoration will need to be replaced. Although various factors affect the life expectancy of a dental crown, most need to be replaced about every 10 years. It's not uncommon for a crown to last for much longer with the correct care, like brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup. You can get the most from your investment by limiting how often you have hard or chewy foods. It's also important to moderate your sugar consumption and break any bad habits that can damage your restoration, like chewing ice.
Can Dental Crowns Get Cavities?
Dental crowns cannot get cavities, but that doesn't mean you can stop brushing your teeth. Your underlying tooth is still vulnerable to decay, despite being covered by the crown. Plaque buildup near the gumline can harbor bacteria that can gain access to your tooth through small cracks that develop in the dental cement over time. Decay can go unnoticed until it turns into a big problem, like an infected tooth. Good oral hygiene at home and regular dental care will ensure you maintain a cavity-free smile.
Does It Hurt to Get Dental Crowns?
You don't have to worry about a painful day in the dentist's chair if you need a crown. Your dentist in Cleveland keeps your comfort as their top priority. Dr. Kirlough may use a local numbing agent to block any pain while your tooth is being prepared, but it isn't always necessary. Although you won't feel anything during your procedure, your tooth can be a little tender for a few days after the effects of any numbing medications dissipate. You can manage it using an over-the-counter pain reliever and eating soft foods until your discomfort improves. After just a couple of days, you may forget your crown isn't part of your natural smile.
How Do You Know When a Dental Crown Needs to be Replaced?
Dr. Kirlough will check your restoration at each preventive appointment to ensure the underlying tooth is healthy and your crown is functioning as intended. He will monitor your smile to determine when it's time for a replacement. However, if you notice any signs that your restoration is failing in between your regular appointments, don't wait to contact our office. Common symptoms include gum recession near the restoration, visible damage, or pain. Dr. Kirlough will create the replacement you need to restore your tooth's protection.