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Meet Dr. SonDental Crowns: Expert Care from Our Westerville Team
A damaged or weakened tooth does not always need to be removed. In many cases, a dental crown can restore your tooth's strength, appearance, and function. Dental crowns are among the most common treatments in restorative dentistry because they protect natural teeth and help patients maintain long-term oral health. At Westerville Dental Associates, patients receive personalized dental care designed to restore and protect their smiles. Dr. Gretchen R. Zody, Dr. Sue Choi, and Dr. Yuchan Son provide custom dental crown treatment for patients with tooth decay, a broken tooth, or other structural concerns. With today's variety of materials and advanced techniques, a new crown can blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. If you are searching for reliable restorative dentistry in Westerville, our team is here to guide you through your treatment options and help you choose the best option for your dental needs.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over a prepared tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. The crown covers the entire visible portion of your tooth above the gumline, helping protect the remaining tooth structure from further damage.
Modern crowns are designed to blend with the rest of your smile. Many crowns are made of ceramic or porcelain that closely resemble natural tooth enamel.
These materials reflect light similarly to natural teeth and can be color-matched to surrounding teeth for a seamless appearance. When properly designed, a crown should feel comfortable and function just like your natural tooth.
Our dentists work closely with a dental lab to ensure every crown fits properly and aligns with opposing teeth. This careful process allows patients to enjoy a restored tooth that feels natural while supporting long-term oral health.
Each crown is carefully fabricated in a dental lab using impressions of your prepared tooth. This ensures that the permanent crown fits comfortably and aligns properly with opposing teeth.
Patients visiting Westerville Dental Associates often choose crowns because they offer both protection and a natural-looking appearance.
Common Reasons You Might Need a Dental Crown
There are several common reasons we recommend a dental crown. In many cases, the goal is to strengthen a weakened or damaged tooth so it can continue functioning normally.
Some of the most common reasons include:
- Protecting a weak tooth from breaking
- Restoring a broken tooth or a severely worn tooth
- Covering a tooth with large fillings that weaken the remaining structure
- Restoring a tooth after root canal therapy
- Supporting a dental bridge
- Completing a dental implant restoration
When tooth decay or injury compromises a natural tooth, a crown can help prevent further damage while preserving the tooth beneath.
Dr. Gretchen R. Zody, Dr. Sue Choi, and Dr. Yuchan Son carefully evaluate each patient's oral health before recommending a crown. Their goal is to choose treatment options that restore function while protecting the health of your natural teeth.
Can Dental Crowns Be Used on Front and Back Teeth?
Dental crowns can be used on both front teeth and back teeth, depending on the condition of the tooth and the type of crown selected.
Front teeth often require crowns that emphasize appearance and a natural look. Materials such as porcelain crowns or ceramic crowns are frequently used because they closely match the color of natural teeth.
Back teeth handle most of the chewing pressure and may require stronger materials. Zirconia, PFM (porcelain-fused-to-metal), and gold crowns are sometimes recommended for these areas due to their durability.
We consider factors such as bite pressure, tooth position, and the condition of the prepared tooth when recommending the most appropriate type of dental crown.
Types of Crowns Available
Today, Westerville dental offices like ours offer several types of crowns made from a variety of materials. Each type of crown has unique benefits depending on the location of the tooth and the patient's dental needs.
Porcelain and Ceramic
Porcelain crowns and ceramic crowns are popular for restoring front teeth because they provide a natural look. These crowns are made from ceramic material designed to mimic the color and translucency of natural teeth.
They are often recommended when appearance is a priority.
Zirconia
Zirconia crowns are extremely strong and resistant to wear. They are commonly used for posterior teeth where chewing forces are greater. Zirconia can also provide a natural appearance while maintaining durability.
Porcelain Fused to Metal
PFM crowns combine the strength of metal crowns with the appearance of porcelain. The metal base provides durability, while the porcelain exterior offers a more natural look.
These crowns have been used successfully for many years in restorative dentistry.
Gold Crowns
Gold crowns are one of the longest-lasting types of dental crowns. They are extremely durable and gentle on opposing teeth. Although less common today for cosmetic reasons, they remain an excellent option for certain back teeth.
Stainless Steel Crowns
Stainless steel crowns are typically used as temporary solutions or for pediatric dental care.
Our dedicated team will recommend the best type of crown based on the tooth's location, the amount of remaining tooth structure, and your personal treatment goals.
The Dental Crown Process
Receiving a dental crown in Westerville typically involves two office visits. The process is carefully designed to ensure the crown fits properly and functions comfortably.
First Visit: Tooth Preparation
During your first visit, one of our dentists will numb the area using local anesthesia. This keeps you comfortable during the procedure.
The first step is tooth preparation. A small amount of tooth enamel is removed to create space for the crown. This shaping allows the new crown to fit securely over the prepared tooth.
If the tooth has significant damage or missing structure, filling material may be used to rebuild the tooth before the crown is placed.
After preparation, impressions of the tooth are taken and sent to a dental lab where the permanent crown will be created. A temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth to protect it between appointments.
Second Visit: Permanent Crown Placement
During your second visit, the temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is carefully fitted.
Our team will check the crown's fit, appearance, and alignment with opposing teeth before securing it in place. Once bonded to the tooth, the new crown restores strength and function.
Patients in Westerville, OH, often find that their crown feels comfortable and natural shortly after placement.
How Should I Care for My Crown?
Dental crowns are designed to be durable, but they still require proper care to ensure long-term success.
Practicing good oral hygiene is one of the most important steps in protecting both your crown and your natural teeth. Brushing and flossing daily helps prevent tooth decay around the crown and supports overall oral health.
Regular dental visits are also important. Routine exams allow us to check the condition of your crown and monitor the surrounding tooth structure.
Additional care tips include:
- Avoid chewing extremely hard foods that could damage the crown
- Maintain consistent visits for cleanings and checkups
- Address issues such as teeth grinding if recommended by your dentist
Typically, dental crowns last between 5 and 15 years, but with proper care and good oral hygiene, they can sometimes last even longer.
Strengthen and Restore Your Tooth
An imperfect tooth does not have to affect your smile or daily comfort. Crowns provide a reliable way to strengthen and protect natural teeth while restoring normal function.
At Westerville Dental Associates, Dr. Gretchen R. Zody, Dr. Sue Choi, and Dr. Yuchan Son offer customized crown treatment for patients throughout Westerville, OH. Our friendly staff works closely with each patient to recommend the best restorative dentistry solutions for their dental needs.
If you have a damaged tooth, large fillings, or have recently undergone root canal therapy, a crown may be the right option to restore your tooth.
Call us at 614-665-5497 to schedule an appointment and learn more about dental crowns. Our team looks forward to helping you protect your smile and maintain strong, healthy teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a dental crown is better than a filling?
Fillings are typically used when enough healthy tooth structure remains. If a tooth is significantly weakened, cracked, or already has a large filling, a crown may be recommended to provide better long-term support and protection.
Will my dental crown look natural?
Yes. We use modern materials that closely match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth. Materials such as porcelain or ceramic are commonly used to create a seamless, natural-looking result that blends with your smile.
Can a dental crown come loose or fall off?
While crowns are securely bonded in place, they can occasionally loosen due to wear, decay beneath the crown, or biting on very hard objects. If this happens, it’s important to contact your dentist as soon as possible so it can be re-cemented or replaced if needed.
Can a dental crown be replaced if it wears out?
Yes. Although crowns are durable and can last many years, they are not permanent. If a crown becomes worn, damaged, or no longer fits properly, it can be replaced to continue protecting your tooth and maintaining your oral health.
