At Summit Dental Excellence, we use dental crowns in Oconomowoc to restore teeth that have been weakened by decay, cracks, fractures, large fillings, or significant wear. A dental crown is a custom-made restoration that covers and protects the remaining structure of a damaged tooth while restoring its shape, strength, and appearance.
Crowns are typically recommended when a tooth has sustained more damage than can be predictably repaired with a traditional filling or other conservative restoration. They can also be used to restore certain cracked or fractured teeth and to protect teeth following root canal treatment.
A crown is designed to fit over the prepared tooth like a protective cap. Once securely bonded or cemented into place, it can restore the tooth’s function while blending naturally with the surrounding teeth. Dental crowns are also closely related to dental bridges. While a crown generally restores an individual damaged tooth, a bridge uses one or more crowns to support a replacement tooth and fill a space created by tooth loss.
Getting a dental crown generally involves two appointments, although the exact process can vary depending on your situation and the type of restoration being used.
First Visit — Preparation
Your dentist will carefully evaluate the tooth and determine how much healthy tooth structure remains. Any decay or damaged material is removed, and the tooth is shaped to create the space necessary for the crown.
Your dentist will then take digital scans or impressions of your teeth so the permanent crown can be custom fabricated to fit your bite and surrounding teeth. A temporary crown may be placed to protect the prepared tooth while your permanent restoration is being made.
Second Visit — Permanent Crown Placement
Once your custom crown is ready, you will return to Summit Dental Excellence for your final appointment. The temporary crown is removed, and the permanent restoration is carefully evaluated for fit, appearance, bite, and comfort.
After any necessary adjustments, the crown is permanently secured to the tooth. The goal is a restoration that looks natural, functions comfortably, and provides durable protection for the tooth.
Types of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are available in a variety of materials. Your dentist will recommend the material that best meets your needs based on the location of the tooth, its function, your bite, cosmetic goals, and the amount of remaining tooth structure.
All-Metal Crowns — Metal crowns are extremely durable and can be particularly useful for teeth subjected to significant chewing forces. Their metallic appearance, however, makes them less desirable when aesthetics are a primary concern.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns — These crowns combine a metal substructure with a tooth-colored porcelain exterior. They can provide a natural appearance while maintaining the strength of the underlying metal, although the metal base can sometimes affect the appearance of the restoration.
All-Ceramic and Zirconia Crowns — Metal-free restorations are popular because they can provide an excellent balance of strength, durability, and aesthetics. Modern ceramic and zirconia materials can be customized to closely resemble natural teeth, making them especially appealing for visible areas of the smile.
When Might You Need a Dental Crown?
A dental crown may be recommended when a tooth needs more protection or structural support than a filling can provide. Common reasons for a crown include:
- Extensive tooth decay that has weakened much of the natural tooth
- Cracked or fractured teeth that require additional structural support
- Large or failing fillings where insufficient healthy tooth structure remains
- Teeth that have experienced significant wear
- Restoration following root canal treatment, when additional protection is appropriate
- Severely damaged or weakened teeth that need to be reinforced
- Cosmetic concerns in select cases where a crown is an appropriate restorative solution
The goal of treatment is always to preserve as much healthy natural tooth structure as possible while providing the strength and protection the tooth needs.
Restore and Protect Your Smile in Oconomowoc
A damaged tooth does not always mean that extraction is necessary. When enough healthy tooth structure remains, a dental crown can often help preserve and restore the natural tooth.
If you think you may need a dental crown in Oconomowoc, schedule an appointment with Summit Dental Excellence. Our team can evaluate your tooth and help determine whether a crown or another restorative treatment is the right solution for your smile.
