Dental crowns are a versatile and effective way to restore damaged or decayed teeth, offering both functional and aesthetic benefits. At Eddleman Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we strive to make the process of getting a dental crown as seamless and comfortable as possible for our patients in Monroe, West Monroe, Bastrop and Ruston, LA. Whether you have a fractured tooth, severe decay, or need to protect a tooth after a root canal, our team is here to guide you through the process and restore your smile.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown, sometimes called a cap, is a custom-made covering that fits over a tooth to restore its shape, strength and appearance. Crowns address a range of dental concerns, such as:
- Severe tooth decay
- Chipped, cracked, or fractured teeth
- Teeth with large fillings that need extra support
- Discolored or stained teeth
- Teeth that have undergone a root canal
At Eddleman Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Monroe, LA, crowns are designed to blend naturally with your existing teeth, ensuring that your restored tooth looks and functions just like the others.
Types of Crowns Offered
At Eddleman Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer two types of crowns to cater to the needs and preferences of our patients:
Same-Day Crowns (CEREC)
Our same-day crowns, made using advanced CEREC technology, are an excellent option for patients who want a quick and efficient solution. Instead of requiring multiple visits, same-day crowns are crafted and placed in just one appointment. Here’s how the process works:
- Digital Impressions: Using modern scanning technology, we take precise digital impressions of your tooth, eliminating the need for traditional molds.
- Computer-Aided Design: The digital impression is used to create a 3D model of your crown with exact precision.
- In-Office Crafting: We use a milling machine to fabricate your crown from durable ceramic material, right in our office.
- Same-Day Placement: Once your crown is ready, it is bonded to your tooth, providing immediate restoration.
Traditional Crowns
Traditional crowns are a tried-and-true option for restoring damaged teeth. This process typically requires two visits, as the crown is fabricated in an external lab. A temporary crown is placed while you wait for your permanent one to be made. The steps involved in this process include:
- Tooth Preparation: The damaged tooth is reshaped, and decayed areas are removed to make room for the crown.
- Impressions: Impressions of the prepared tooth are taken and sent to a lab where the crown is custom-made.
- Temporary Crown: A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while your permanent crown is being fabricated.
- Final Placement: During a second visit, the permanent crown is bonded to your tooth, completing the restoration.
Benefits of Same-Day Crowns
At Eddleman Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Monroe, LA, we are proud to offer same-day crowns using CEREC technology. These crowns come with several advantages:
- Single Appointment: The entire process, from taking digital impressions to placing the crown, is completed in one visit, saving you time.
- Precision: The digital design and manufacturing process ensures that your crown fits perfectly, providing optimal comfort and function.
- Natural Aesthetics: Same-day crowns are made from high-quality ceramic material that mimics the look of natural teeth, offering a beautiful, seamless appearance.
- Conservative Treatment: The advanced digital technology allows for more precise tooth preparation, preserving as much of your natural tooth as possible.
What Materials Are Crowns Made Of?
Crowns are crafted from different materials, each providing its own set of advantages. At Eddleman Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer:
- Full Porcelain Crowns: These crowns offer the most natural appearance, blending seamlessly with your other teeth.
- Porcelain Fused to Metal Crowns: These crowns combine the durability of a metal base with the cosmetic appeal of a porcelain exterior, making them a strong and discreet option.
The Dental Crown Procedure
Getting a dental crown at Eddleman Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Monroe, LA is designed to be as stress-free as possible. Here’s an overview of what to expect during the procedure:
- Examination and Consultation: Dr. Eddleman will assess your tooth to determine the best type of crown for your needs.
- Tooth Preparation: The damaged or decayed portion of the tooth will be removed, and the tooth will be reshaped to accommodate the crown.
- Impressions: For same-day crowns, we use digital impressions. For traditional crowns, we take physical impressions to send to the lab.
- Temporary Crown (if applicable): If you’re getting a traditional crown, a temporary one will be placed to protect your tooth while the permanent crown is being fabricated.
- Crown Fabrication: Same-day crowns are created in-office, while traditional crowns are sent to an external lab for crafting.
- Crown Placement: Once your crown is ready, it will be carefully bonded to your tooth, restoring its function and appearance.
Recovery and Aftercare
Once your crown is placed, you can expect it to function just like a natural tooth. It may take a few days to adjust to the feel of the new crown, but this is normal. We will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions, which may include advice on eating soft foods and taking over-the-counter pain relievers if necessary.
With the right care, dental crowns can provide long-lasting durability for many years. To ensure their longevity, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily and attending regular dental check-ups every six months.
Getting a Dental Crown: Request Your Appointment in Monroe, LA Today
If you think you may need a dental crown or want to learn more about the benefits of dental crowns, we’re here to help. Request your appointment with Eddleman Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Monroe, LA today!