Your smile is a big part of your appearance, and a cosmetic dental crown can make a huge difference in how you feel about your teeth. We make our crowns with high-quality materials that can fix both cosmetic and oral health issues. Dr. Jacob Grapevine places dental crowns at our cosmetic dental office in Plano, TX.
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that can consist of materials like porcelain or zirconia. It fits over what’s left of your tooth to protect and restore it. Dr. Grapevine often suggests a crown after a root canal to keep your tooth strong and prevent future problems. Modern crowns look like natural teeth, and they come in different colors to match your smile.
Dr. Grapevine will guide you in choosing the best type of crown for your needs. In most cases, he recommends porcelain crowns because they are strong and last a long time.
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What Do Dental Crowns Treat?
Crowns can help fix many cosmetic and health issues. They cover the whole tooth, making them useful for fixing both the look and function of your teeth.
- Brighten Teeth: While professional teeth whitening can help with most stains, some teeth don’t respond well to it. In these cases, our dentist can color-match a crown to the shade of white you want.
- Cover Weakened Teeth: Crowns also strengthen teeth after procedures like root canals. During a root canal, the dentist removes infected tissue and seals the tooth, but sometimes the tooth needs extra protection. A crown helps protect it from more tooth decay and restores its function.
- Fix Tooth Damage: Crowns can also fix damaged teeth or teeth that have been through trauma. They can save a tooth that the dentist might otherwise need to remove. Misshapen or broken teeth can affect how you chew, speak, or even smile. A crown can fix these issues by covering the tooth and restoring its normal shape and function.
- Cap Off Implants: For dental implants, crowns are the finishing touch. They’re custom-made to look and feel like real teeth, making them the best option for replacing missing teeth.
Why the Right Crown Matters
One thing that separates Dr. Grapevine from many dentists is how he thinks about crowns. A crown that doesn’t fit your bite correctly can cause headaches, jaw soreness, and even damage neighboring teeth over time. Dr. Grapevine evaluates your bite before placing any crown. This extra step helps make sure your crown feels natural and lasts as long as possible. It’s part of the complete, whole-mouth approach to care that he has practiced for over 20 years here in Plano.
Dental Crown Procedure in Plano, TX
You can get a new dental crown after several office visits to Signature Dentistry. Here’s what you can expect when you get one or more crowns.
Consultation & Evaluation
First, Dr. Grapevine will examine your tooth, take X-rays if needed, and discuss your options. If you have gum disease or a tooth infection, he’ll treat those problems first. Good candidates for dental crowns in our Plano office are healthy but need to treat tooth damage. After your exam, Dr. Grapevine will explain exactly why you need a crown and what to expect during treatment.
Tooth Preparation
Dr. Grapevine will numb the area so you feel no pain. He’ll carefully prepare your tooth, removing only as much structure as necessary. As a Dawson-trained dentist, he takes a conservative approach that preserves more of the teeth than traditional methods. He’ll take precise impressions and fit you with a comfortable temporary crown.
Placing the Temporary Crown
You’ll wear your temporary crown that looks and functions like a normal tooth for several weeks. You can care for your temporary like you would a natural tooth, but be careful when you eat hard or crunchy foods. Meanwhile, a local dental lab will prepare your permanent crown to the right size, shape, and shade.
Final Placement
Once your final crown is complete, you’ll return to Signature Dentistry. Dr. Grapevine will remove the temporary crown, check the fit and bite of your permanent crown, make any necessary adjustments, and permanently cement it in place. You’ll leave with a fully restored, natural-looking tooth.
Dental Crown Aftercare
After getting a dental crown, we numb the area with a local anesthetic. Don’t eat until the numbness goes away so you don’t accidentally bite your tongue or cheek.
For the first 24 hours after you get a dental crown:
- Avoid hard or sticky foods since they can loosen the crown
- Chew on the other side of your mouth
- Avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks
It usually takes a few days to fully recover from the crown procedure. For the first week after the dental crown procedure:
- Some sensitivity to temperature is normal
- Mild soreness around the gum line is expected
- Over-the-counter pain medication usually handles any discomfort
- Avoid sticky or very hard foods
Call Dr. Grapevine if your crown feels loose or if your bite feels uncomfortable. Also, call if you feel severe pain that doesn’t improve after a few days or experience swollen gums.
Long-Term Crown Care
A well-made crown can last 15 to 20 years or longer with basic care. Brush twice a day, floss daily, and come in for your regular checkups every six months. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush. Medium bristles can scratch the crown surface over time. Avoid toothpaste with abrasive ingredients like activated charcoal. Even though the crown covers your tooth, bacteria can still get underneath it, so good hygiene matters.
See more dental crown before and after photos in our Smile Gallery.
Dental Crown FAQs
Do you have more questions? We can help. Read answers to common questions about dental crowns in Plano, TX.
How long will my tooth crown last?
Crowns usually last between 10 to 15 years. With good care and regular dental visits, they can last even longer. If your crown causes pain or discomfort, it may be time for a new one.
Can a dentist whiten a dental crown?
No, crowns do not respond to whitening treatments. The material crowns are made from does not absorb bleaching agents the way natural tooth enamel does. If you are planning to whiten your teeth, it is best to do that before your crown is placed so Dr. Grapevine can match the crown to your brighter shade. To keep your crown from staining over time, cut back on coffee, soda, and tobacco, and rinse with a baking soda and water mix a couple of times a week.
Do I always need a dental crown after a root canal?
Most of the time, yes. A crown is usually placed after a root canal to strengthen the tooth and protect it from further damage. Without a crown, the tooth can become more sensitive and prone to decay or fractures.
Can dental crowns fall off?
Yes, a dental crown can fall off, but it doesn’t happen often. This can be because of tooth decay, the crown not being placed right, or the adhesive failing. Taking care of your teeth and visiting the dentist regularly keeps your crown in place. If your crown does fall off, contact Dr. Grapevine right away. He can reattach or replace the crown to avoid more problems.
Can I get a dental crown if I grind my teeth?
Yes, you can still get dental crowns if you grind your teeth. Crowns can protect your teeth from damage caused by grinding. It’s important to choose a strong material like porcelain-fused-to-metal or zirconia, which can handle the pressure from grinding. Regular check-ups help the dentist make sure your crowns and teeth stay in good shape.
Can a dental crown replace a lost tooth?
A crown alone can’t replace a missing tooth, but it can be part of a bigger treatment plan. For example, dental implants and bridge procedures use crowns, which can replace missing teeth. In an implant procedure, the dentist places a titanium post in your jaw and secures a crown on top.
With a bridge, the crown attaches to nearby teeth to hold the false tooth in place. Your dentist will help you decide the best option for replacing a tooth.
Schedule a Dental Exam Today
If you have a damaged tooth or your dentist has recommended a crown, Dr. Grapevine is here to help. Signature Dentistry serves patients throughout Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, and North Dallas. Call us at (972) 449-5759 or request an appointment online. We would love to meet you.
