Dental Crown - Hardy Smiles

Restoring Your Smile with Dental Crowns at Hardy Smiles

A confident smile is the cornerstone of overall well-being- and healthy, beautiful teeth are the foundation for a confident smile. Unfortunately, over the years your teeth may become damaged or compromised due to a variety of factors including genetics, natural wear and tear, and more. This damage not only impacts your confidence but also your overall oral health.

Hardy Smiles in Louisburg, NC offers a variety of restorative procedures including dental crowns. A dental crown is a robust, versatile solution to restore the strength, function, and aesthetics of your smile.

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown, often referred to simply as a “cap” is a custom-made restoration that fits snugly over a damaged, weakened tooth. It encases the visible portion of the tooth to restore the size, shape, strength, and appearance. A dental crown is a strong, long-lasting solution that can significantly improve the functionality and aesthetics of your smile.

What are the Benefits of a Dental Crown?

Dental crowns offer a wide range of benefits for patients. Here’s a closer look at how they can enhance your oral health and overall well-being:

Strength and Durability: Crowns reinforce weakened teeth, preventing further damage from fractures, cracks, or excessive wear and tear. They offer a reliable solution for protecting compromised teeth, allowing you to bite and chew comfortably.
Preserved Functionality: Unlike large fillings, crowns restore the full functionality of the tooth, allowing you to speak and chew effortlessly. This can significantly improve your quality of life and prevent future complications.
Enhanced Aesthetics: Crowns can be designed to seamlessly blend with your natural teeth, replicating their color, shape, and texture. This allows you to achieve a confident and attractive smile that you’ll be proud to show off.
Protection after Root Canals: When root canal treatment is required to salvage the structure of a natural tooth, it becomes brittle. A dental crown offers protection, safeguarding it from further decay or breakage.
Support for Dental Bridges: Crowns can serve as anchors for dental bridges, replacing missing teeth and restoring functionality and aesthetics.
Addressing Cosmetic Concerns: Do you have discolored, misshapen, or uneven teeth? Crowns can effectively address these cosmetic issues, allowing you to achieve a more uniform and aesthetically pleasing smile.

Types of Dental Crowns

We offer a variety of dental crown options to suit your individual needs and preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:

Porcelain Crowns: These crowns are popular for their natural-looking appearance. They are made of durable porcelain material that closely resembles the color and translucency of your natural teeth, making them a great choice for front teeth or highly visible areas.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: PFM crowns offer a combination of strength and aesthetics. They have a metal base for added durability, particularly beneficial for back teeth that experience significant chewing pressure. The outer layer is made of porcelain, ensuring a natural look that blends with your smile.
Gold Crowns: These traditional crowns are known for their exceptional longevity. While not as aesthetically pleasing as porcelain options, gold crowns remain a viable choice for back teeth due to their unmatched strength and durability.

During your consultation, Dr. James Hardy will carefully assess your needs and discuss the most suitable crown material for your unique case.

Who is a Candidate for Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns can benefit patients experiencing various dental issues, including:

Severely Decayed or Damaged Teeth: When a large cavity weakens the tooth structure, a filling may not be sufficient. A crown can restore the strength and functionality of the tooth, preventing further complications.
Fractured or Broken Teeth: Cracks or chips in a tooth can compromise its integrity and leave you susceptible to further damage. Crowns protect the remaining tooth structure and prevent additional breakage.
Worn-Down Teeth: Excessive wear and tear due to grinding or other factors can leave teeth weak and susceptible to fractures. Crowns can restore the tooth’s shape and function, allowing you to bite and chew comfortably.
Root Canal-Treated Teeth: Following root canal therapy, the tooth becomes brittle and requires extra protection. Crowns provide a secure and durable cap that safeguards the treated tooth from future damage.
Cosmetic Concerns: Discolored, misshapen, or uneven teeth can be addressed with crowns for a more aesthetically pleasing smile. Crowns offer a reliable solution for achieving a confident and attractive smile you’ll be proud to share.

Dental Crown Procedure

Our team at Hardy Smiles prioritizes a comfortable and efficient dental crown procedure. Here’s a general overview of what to expect:

Consultation: During your initial consultation, Dr. Hardy will examine your teeth, discuss your oral health history, and assess your needs. X-rays may be taken to evaluate the tooth’s root structure and surrounding bone.
Tooth Preparation: After determining the appropriate crown type, a local anesthetic will be used to numb the area around the tooth. Dr. Hardy will then reshape the tooth to accommodate the crown. An impression of the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth will be taken to create a custom-made crown.
Temporary Crown: While the permanent crown is being crafted in a dental lab, a temporary crown will be placed to protect the prepared tooth and maintain its functionality.
Crown Placement: During your second visit, Dr. Hardy will check the fit and color of the permanent crown. Once everything is satisfactory, the temporary crown will be removed, and the permanent crown will be securely cemented.

Don’t Let Damaged Teeth Hold You Back!

Don’t let damaged teeth hold you back! Dental crowns at Hardy Smiles can restore your smile’s strength, function, and beauty. Take the first step towards a confident smile – schedule a consultation with Dr. Hardy today! Call us at (919) 726-9825 or click here to request an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

We believe that the best patient is an informed one. Therefore, we are happy to address any questions or concerns you have. Some of the most common questions include:

How long do dental crowns last?

Dental crowns typically last 10-15 years with proper care, but some can last much longer.

Does dental implant surgery hurt?

Modern techniques and gentle anesthesia minimize discomfort during surgery. You can expect some mild soreness and swelling after surgery, which can be managed with medication. We will provide specific instructions on pain management to ensure a comfortable recovery.

What is the success rate of dental implants?

Dental implants boast a very high success rate, exceeding 95% in most cases. This high success rate is attributed to their biocompatible nature and the osseointegration process, where the implant fuses with your jawbone for ultimate stability.

How do I care for dental implants?

Maintaining good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing twice daily as directed and visiting the dentist every 6 months for a professional cleaning and exam is crucial for the success and longevity of dental implants. Just like natural teeth, proper care will ensure your implants function and look great for years.