Dental Crowns

Our Ann Arbor, MI, dentists may recommend dental crowns to restore teeth that are weakened by injury or decay. A dental crown sits on top of the tooth and covers the entire visible portion above the gum line. This strengthens your tooth and restores its natural appearance so you can smile with confidence.

Here’s what else you should know about dental crowns.

How We Use Dental Crowns

We may use a dental crown to restore a cracked or otherwise fragile tooth. But we also use crowns to cover dental implants or support a prosthetic tooth in a dental bridge.

Under certain circumstances, we may recommend a dental crown for cosmetic reasons. For example, we may recommend dental crowns to cover severe staining due to fluorosis. But in general, we would recommend less invasive options for stained teeth, such as teeth whitening or porcelain veneers.

Each patient is different. That’s why it’s important to schedule an appointment with our dentists if you suspect there’s something wrong with your oral health.

What to Expect

If you have a painful tooth, it’s time to schedule an appointment with us. During your appointment, we’ll perform a thorough dental examination. We’ll also take X-rays to diagnose any issues beneath the surface of your gums.

We may recommend a dental crown if a tooth has lost its structural integrity. That way, the crown is able to protect your tooth from further damage. The process of getting a dental crown usually takes two visits to our Ann Arbor dental office.

First, we’ll need to prepare the tooth so it’s ready to receive the dental crown. To do this, we’ll numb your tooth and then shape it so there’s space to place the dental crown over top. If we had to remove a large cavity, we may need to rebuild the tooth instead so it can support a crown.

Next, we’ll take impressions of your teeth and send them to a trusted dental lab. The lab will then use these impressions to create a permanent dental crown. In the meantime, we’ll place a temporary crown over your tooth to protect it until your permanent restoration is ready.

When you return for your second appointment, your permanent dental crown will be ready. One of our dentists will ensure that the crown is the perfect shape, shade, and fit to match the rest of the teeth in your smile.

As the final step, we’ll replace the temporary crown with the permanent one, bonding it in place. The result is a smile that looks and feels natural.

Schedule an Appointment With Us

Please don’t hesitate to call our office if you’re experiencing any dental pain or discomfort. Our dentists in Ann Arbor, MI, will be able to determine the best way to treat your tooth and restore your oral health.

To schedule an appointment with us, please call Excel Dental at (734) 929-9999. You may also fill out our online contact form.