Crowns in Woodhaven

A crown is the right solution when a tooth has lost too much structure to be repaired with a filling. We commonly recommend one after root canal therapy, since a treated tooth becomes more brittle and needs full coverage to hold up to chewing. We also use crowns to rebuild teeth that have fractured, to protect teeth with deep cracks, to restore a tooth that has been worn flat by bruxism, and to complete a dental implant. Crowns are the anchors for bridges as well, filling the space left by a missing tooth.

Not every damaged tooth needs a crown, and we'll tell you honestly when a filling or composite bonding will do the job. Candidacy depends on how much healthy tooth remains, whether the gums and bone around the tooth are stable, and whether decay or infection needs to be addressed first. Sometimes a tooth has broken below the gumline, and a crown lengthening procedure is needed to expose enough structure — that's something our team can handle in the same office. We offer a complimentary consultation, so you can get a clear answer before committing to anything.

Your first visit begins with an exam and X-rays so we can see what's happening below the surface. We'll talk through what we find, show you the images, and explain your options, including what the tooth would look like with and without treatment. If decay or an infection is present, we address that first — our doctors perform root canal therapy on front teeth, premolars, and molars right here.

When we move forward with the crown, we numb the area and reshape the tooth, removing damaged structure and creating room for the crown to fit over it. We then capture a detailed impression of the tooth and the way your bite comes together. Because our lab is on site, our technicians can begin work immediately and our dentists can communicate with them directly about shade, contour, and bite — a level of back-and-forth that isn't possible when a case is shipped elsewhere. Many patients leave the same day with their permanent crown cemented in place. For cases that require more time, we place a temporary crown and bring you back for a short seating appointment.

Comfort is a priority throughout. Our comfort menu includes blankets, warm towels, neck pillows, headphones, Netflix, and refreshments, and we offer nitrous oxide sedation and IV sedation for patients who feel anxious about dental work.

Aftercare and Keeping Your Crown Healthy

For a day or two after placement, mild sensitivity to temperature or pressure is common and usually fades. If you have a temporary crown, we'll ask you to avoid sticky and very hard foods on that side until the permanent one is seated. Once your crown is cemented, you can eat normally — though we still suggest not using your teeth to open packages or chew ice.

Brush and floss around the crown just as you would a natural tooth; the margin where crown meets tooth is where decay can start if plaque builds up. Keep up with regular cleanings and exams with our hygienists so we can check the fit and the gum health around it. If you grind your teeth, we can make a custom night guard in our lab to protect your investment.