Crowns Specialist

What are crowns?

Dental crowns are restorations that repair a damaged or decaying tooth. Once bonded in place, they restore your tooth to its near-original size and shape, making routine activities like biting and chewing much easier. 

Crowns mimic the color and light-reflecting properties of your natural tooth enamel. They blend in with your existing healthy teeth and prevent the need for more complex procedures like extractions. 

Dr. Casey collaborates with skilled dental technicians to design and create custom crowns. Each restoration looks amazing, feels great, and restores your smile to a vibrant, healthy condition.

Why would I need a dental crown?

Dr. Casey uses dental crowns for various reasons, including to:

• Repair chipped, cracked, or damaged teeth
• Restore weak or decaying teeth
• Complete root canal therapy
• Attach to dental implants
• Hold a bridge in place

You might also benefit from a crown if you have an unusually shaped or severely discolored tooth and want to make a cosmetic modification.

What does getting crowns involve?

Getting a crown takes two appointments about a week apart.

First appointment

Before recommending a crown, Dr. Casey conducts an oral exam, asks about your symptoms, and takes digital X-rays. She uses the X-rays to assess the condition of your tooth and to determine if it will support a crown.

If Dr. Casey decides you qualify, she administers a local anesthetic and removes the damaged or decaying portion of the tooth. Then, she takes digital impressions with an intraoral scanner and sends them to a dental laboratory that’s minutes away.

The skilled technicians at the laboratory use your impressions to design and manufacture a custom crown that fits your tooth perfectly.

Second appointment

When Dr. Casey receives your new crown, you return to the office. She administers a local anesthetic, lines up the crown with your tooth, and bonds it in place. Afterward, Dr. Casey polishes your teeth, trims any excess material, and provides care instructions.

How long do crowns last?

Crowns last an average of 10-12 years, but it’s possible to extend their lifespan by practicing good oral hygiene. Dr. Casey recommends brushing and flossing daily and visiting the office two times a year for an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning.

To keep your crown in optimal condition, avoid bad habits like opening packaging with your teeth or chewing on hard objects like popcorn kernels or ice.

To explore dental crowns, make an appointment at the practice of Diane E. Casey, DDS, by calling the office or clicking the online booking tool today.