Crowns

Teeth rarely break for one single reason. Years of grinding, a large filling that has outgrown the tooth around it, decay that reaches below the chewing surface, or a sudden bite into something hard can all leave a tooth structurally compromised. When that happens, rebuilding with filling material alone can set the tooth up for another fracture, because there isn't enough healthy enamel left to hold everything together. A crown works differently: it wraps the tooth and redistributes the force of your bite across the whole restoration.

We also place crowns after root canal therapy, which we provide for front teeth, premolars, and molars. A treated tooth is no longer fed by its internal blood supply and tends to become more brittle over time, so capping it is often the step that makes the treatment last. Crowns are used on top of dental implants as well, finishing a tooth replacement from the root up, and they anchor bridges when a missing tooth needs neighbors to support it. On front teeth, a crown can correct a tooth that is badly worn, discolored, or misshapen when bonding or veneers aren't the better fit — something we're glad to talk through during a complimentary consultation.

Most people are candidates, as long as the tooth has enough healthy structure left to support a crown and the gums around it are in good shape. If there's active gum disease, we usually address that first with scaling and root planing or periodontal maintenance so the foundation is stable. When decay or a fracture extends below the gumline, crown lengthening can expose enough tooth to hold a restoration properly. And if a tooth truly can't be saved, we'll say so honestly and walk you through extraction and replacement options instead of placing a crown that won't last.

A few things are worth knowing before you start. Preparing a tooth for a crown means reshaping it, which is permanent. Teeth can feel sensitive to temperature for a short while afterward. If you grind or clench, that habit will work on your crown the same way it worked on your natural tooth, which is why we often recommend a night guard — also made in our lab. We use nitrous oxide sedation or IV sedation for patients who feel anxious in the chair, and our comfort menu of blankets, warm towels, neck pillows, headphones, Netflix, and refreshments is there for anyone who wants it.

Caring for Your Crown and Paying for It

A well-cared-for crown can serve you for many years. Brush twice daily, floss around it carefully each day, and keep your regular cleanings and exams so we can check the margins where the crown meets the tooth. The crown itself won't decay, but the natural tooth beneath it can, so prevention still matters. Avoid chewing ice or using your teeth as tools, and wear a night guard or sports guard if we've recommended one.

• We accept all major PPO insurance plans and offer a complimentary insurance benefits check
• Self-pay patients are welcome; we accept cash, checks, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express
• CareCredit financing is available for patients who prefer to spread payments out
• Our in-house membership plan is $199/year for adults and $99/year for ages 17 and under, with no annual maximum, no deductibles, no waiting period, and no pre-authorizations — exams, X-rays, two cleanings, and two fluoride treatments covered at 100%, plus 20% to 50% off other treatment

If a tooth is cracked, sensitive, or just doesn't feel right, we'd be glad to take a look and tell you honestly what it needs. Call us at 22500 Allen Rd. in Woodhaven to schedule — se habla español.