Protect Damaged Teeth With Dental Crowns

Eliminate Tooth Pain And Love Your Smile Once Again

Whether you’re suffering from a toothache, you’ve chipped or broken one of your teeth, or you have a piece of worn-out dental work, a dental crown from Dental Studio of Pine Lake may be just what you need to restore your smile, your bite, and your self-confidence. Dr. Shane Harmon and Dr. Vivienne Zhang are experts in restorative dentistry and specialize in lifelike, tooth-colored dental crowns in La Porte, IN.

What Are Dental Crowns?

Basically, a dental crown is a hollow false tooth. Crowns are designed to fit perfectly over a natural tooth once it has been trimmed and prepared. Once in place, the crown takes the place of your natural tooth, covering it up and protecting it all the way down to your gums.

Lots of different materials can be used to create a dental crown. But today, porcelain crowns are the most popular type of restoration. This is because porcelain can be easily matched to the color of your existing teeth to provide a seamless result.

The benefits of porcelain dental crowns

Eliminate pain and sensitivity – Crowns cover up and protect your tooth, eliminating any pain from a toothache and preventing tooth sensitivity, too.

Fits in perfectly with your smile – Dr. Harmon or Dr. Zhang will create a natural-looking restoration that will look and feel just like a real tooth.

Long-lasting and durable – Porcelain crowns have a typical lifespan of between 10-20 years, and can last even longer with proper care.

No special care needed – You can treat your crown just like a natural tooth. Brush twice daily, floss once per day, and make sure you don’t skip your six-month visits to Dental Studio of Pine Lake.

When Would I Need A Dental Crown?

Dental crowns are a restorative procedure, so they're usually only used to treat serious oral health issues such as:

-Treating tooth decay that’s too extensive for a filling
-Restoring worn-down teeth
-Repairing deeply chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
-Replacing old, worn-out fillings or crowns
-Covering up and protecting a tooth after a root canal

Dental crowns can also be used for purely cosmetic purposes, but this is not as common since they require the removal of much more enamel than alternative cosmetic treatments like porcelain veneers and dental bonding. 

What To Expect When Getting A Dental Crown

Initial consultation

First, you’ll meet with Dr. Harmon or Dr. Zhang at our office. They will examine your tooth, take X-rays of your mouth, and make sure a crown is the best option for your situation. At Dental Studio of Pine Lake, our dentists practice conservative care and will never recommend unnecessary dental procedures.

Preparing your tooth

At your next appointment, your dentist will begin by cleaning up your mouth and numbing the treatment area. We also offer sedation options if you want to feel more comfortable during your visit. Once your mouth is numb, your dentist will use a dental drill to remove any damaged tooth material and reshape your tooth to prepare for your crown.

Tooth scanning and crown design

Next, your dentist will scan your tooth with a handheld 3D scanner. This creates a 3D image of your mouth, which will be sent to a computer program. Dr. Harmon or Dr. Zhang will use this image to create your new crown. In the meantime, you’ll be sent home with a temporary crown to protect your smile until your permanent porcelain crown is ready.

Creating your permanent crown

Once they finalize the design of your crown, we will send it to a dental lab. An expert technician will craft your crown, ensuring that it fits into your bite perfectly and matches the natural color of your teeth. It usually takes 2-3 weeks for the lab to complete your crown and send it back to our office.

Final crown placement

Once your porcelain crown is finished, you’ll come in for one last visit at Dental Studio of Pine Lake. Dr. Harmon or Dr. Zhang will remove your temporary crown, then prepare your tooth for permanent crown placement. Then, your dentist will check the fit of your dental crown to make sure it fits perfectly into your smile and bite. Finally, Dr. Harmon or Dr. Zhang will bond it in place permanently. After one final polishing, you’ll be sent home to enjoy your newly restored tooth.

Need A Dental Crown In La Porte, IN? Book Your Visit Today

Whether you have a damaged tooth, a deep cavity, or an old crown that’s starting to wear out, our team is here to help. We offer durable, lifelike, porcelain crowns that provide unbeatable protection. Give us a call at (219) 380-0029 or book your first visit online. We’re always accepting new patients, and we look forward to meeting you soon!