A tooth that is broken, damaged or in poor condition can affect more than just your oral health. It can also affect feeling comfortable about your tooth and your self-confidence. Dental crowns offer a solution that restores both the function and appearance of your tooth, giving you back the smile you deserve.
Dental crowns are custom made caps that fit over your entire tooth, protecting it from further damage while restoring its natural shape, strength and appearance. At Davis Family Dentistry, we create crowns that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, so no one will know you’ve had dental work done.
Whether you have a broken or fractured tooth, severe decay, a large filling that’s failing or need restoration after a root canal, dental crowns provide a durable and long lasting solution. Crowns allow us to save your natural tooth structure rather than resorting to extraction, preserving your smile and maintaining proper bite function.
Dental crowns are one of the most versatile restorative treatments we offer. They protect damaged teeth, restore function and improve appearance all at once. Here are the most common situations where a dental crown is the best solution:
If you have a tooth with extensive decay or damage that’s too large for a filling to repair effectively, a dental crown can save it. When more than half of your tooth structure is compromised by cavities or breakage, a crown covers and protects what’s left while restoring its shape and strength. This prevents the tooth from breaking further and allows you to chew normally again.
Teeth can crack or break from trauma, grinding or biting down on something hard. A dental crown holds the tooth together and prevents the crack from spreading. Even if the crack doesn’t hurt yet, leaving it untreated can lead to more serious problems. Crowns provide a protective shell that keeps cracked teeth stable and functional for years.
Teeth that have had root canal therapy become more brittle because we’ve removed the nerve and blood supply. A crown protects the tooth from fracturing and restores its appearance. Most back teeth that receive root canals need crowns to prevent them from breaking when you chew. This combination of root canal plus crown saves teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted.
If you have an old filling that’s cracked, leaking or taking up most of your tooth, replacing it with a crown is often the better long-term solution. Large fillings can weaken the remaining tooth structure and eventually fail. A dental crown covers the entire tooth, providing better protection and lasting much longer than trying to place another large filling.
Dental crowns can dramatically improve the appearance of teeth that are discolored, misshapen or uneven. As a cosmetic dentist in Indianapolis, we use crowns to create beautiful, natural looking smiles when other cosmetic treatments won’t achieve the desired result. Crowns can change the color, shape, and size of teeth for a complete smile transformation.
When we place a dental implant to replace a missing tooth, a crown is attached to the top of the implant to create the visible part of your new tooth. Implant crowns are custom-made to match your natural teeth and function just like real teeth. This combination gives you a permanent tooth replacement that looks, feels and works like your original tooth.
If you grind your teeth or have worn down enamel from years of use, crowns can protect vulnerable teeth from further damage. Crowns restore proper tooth height and function while preventing additional wear. This is especially important for people who’ve lost significant tooth structure from grinding, erosion or aging.
Ready to transform your smile and boost your confidence? Schedule your cosmetic consultation today!
Starting care with a new dental practice should feel easy and welcoming. Here’s exactly what you can expect during your first appointment at Davis Family Dentistry.
Complete your patient forms and meet our friendly team who will make you feel right at home
Dr. Davis performs a thorough examination using advanced digital imaging technology
We discuss your oral health goals and create a personalized plan tailored to your needs
Get all your questions answered and schedule any recommended follow-up treatments
Experience personalized dental care in a comfortable, welcoming environment. Schedule your appointment with us today and discover why families throughout Indianapolis trust us with their smiles.
Get answers to the most common questions about dental care, treatment options, and what to expect before your appointment.
When do I need a dental crown?
You might need a dental crown if you have a tooth that’s significantly damaged by decay, cracked or broken, weakened after a root canal, or worn down from grinding. Crowns are also used to replace large fillings that are failing, restore dental implants or improve the appearance of misshapen or severly discolored teeth. During your exam at our Indianapolis dentist office, we’ll evaluate your tooth and recommend a crown if it’s the best way to restore its strength and function.
Does getting a dental crown hurt?
The crown procedure doesn’t hurt because we numb the tooth and surrounding area with local anesthesia before starting. You might feel pressure while we shape the tooth, but you won’t feel pain. After the numbing wears off, you may have mild sensitivity or soreness for a day or two, but this is manageable with over-the-counter pain medication. Once your permanent crown is in place, it should feel comfortable and function just like your natural teeth.
How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns typically last 10-15 years or longer with proper care. How long your crown lasts depends on factors like your oral hygiene habits, whether you grind your teeth and where the crown is located in your mouth. Avoiding habits like chewing ice, biting fingernails or opening packages with your teeth helps crowns last longer. Regular checkups at our Indianapolis family dentist office allow us to monitor your crown and catch any issues early.
What's the difference between a crown and a filling?
Fillings repair small to medium-sized cavities by filling the hole left after removing decay. Crowns cover the entire visible portion of the tooth and are used when a tooth is too damaged or weak for a filling to work. Think of a filling as a patch and a crown as a full protective cap. If more that half of your tooth structure is compromised, a dental crown is usually the better option to protect what’s left and prevent the tooth from breaking further.
Will my dental crown look natural?
Yes! Modern dental crowns are made to match your natural teeth in color, shape and size. As both a family and cosmetic dentist, we take great care to ensure your crown blends seamlessly with your smile. Porcelain crowns have the same translucency and luster as natural tooth enamel, so most people won’t be able to tell you have a crown. We’ll work with you to choose the right shape and shape for beautiful, natural-looking results.
Can I eat normally with a dental crown?
Yes, once your permanent crown is in place, you can eat normally. Crowns restore full chewing function and are designed to withstand normal biting forces. However, you should avoid extremely hard foods like ice or hard candy, and be careful with sticky foods like caramel that could potentially pull on the crown. With proper care, your dental crown will function just like a natural tooth.
What happens if my dental crown falls off?
If your crown falls off, contact our office right away. Keep the crown in a safe place and bring it with you, we can often re-cement it if it’s still in good condition and the underlying tooth is healthy. Don’t try and glue it back yourself with super glue or other adhesives. Avoid chewing on that tooth until we can see you. We’ll schedule you as quickly as possible to protect the exposed tooth and restore your crown.
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