Ouch! Tooth pain when you bite or chew could be a sign that your natural crown is damaged. Whether from tooth decay like a large cavity, or from a crack or break due to trauma (like biting down hard on a popcorn kernel), a damaged crown needs prompt attention to prevent infection or further pain. Many times, Dr. Abbey Lee at Smiles 4 Grant Park treats a damaged tooth with a porcelain dental crown. She also sometimes uses dental crowns to correct a cosmetically flawed tooth (such as a chipped or discolored tooth that distracts from your beautiful smile). If you have ever wondered what this treatment involves, if it’s painful, or how long a crown lasts, continue reading!

Dental crowns are a versatile cosmetic and restorative treatment that helps protect your tooth while enhancing the beauty of your smile. When it comes to dental crown treatment in Grant Park, choose Dr. Abbey Lee! Dr. Lee is a dentist committed to excellence, completing over 100 hours of continuing education each year. You can trust you’ll receive care with the most up-to-date technology and techniques at our practice. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Lee, call us at 404.328.7177.

Preparing for a Dental Crown

Before receiving a crown, Dr. Lee will use digital x-rays to examine your tooth and surrounding structures. If a tooth is damaged beyond what a filling or inlay/onlay can repair, a dental crown may be recommended (as well as for certain cosmetic procedures, such as correcting a misshapen or deeply discolored tooth). Dental crowns are also used in conjunction with dental implants to restore a missing tooth.

During this exam, Dr. Lee will ensure that the delicate inner tooth is in good shape before placing a dental crown. If the inner tooth (or “pulp”) has become infected or inflamed due to the broken or deteriorated enamel, root canal therapy may be needed. This removes all infection and inflammation, and protects the rest of your oral health by eliminating the chance of the infection spreading. It also ensures the tooth does not cause continual discomfort.

The First Appointment

Before the final crown can be placed, the natural tooth must be shaped in order to fit under the porcelain crown, while maintaining a natural tooth appearance. A local anesthetic is first applied to dull feeling and keep you comfortable before shaping begins. Dr. Lee will then carefully remove any decay and file the enamel down. This process should not cause pain.

Once the tooth is cleaned and prepped, dental impressions are taken to help the dental laboratory technicians create a custom dental crown.  

Fitting Your Final Crown

When the final crown is completed, it will be sent to our office ready for placement. Dr. Lee will first check that it fits comfortably before permanently bonding it to the tooth; sometimes, slight adjustments to the natural tooth shape may need to be made again to ensure proper fit. Once placed, the dental bonding will create an extremely secure bond that can hold up to daily chewing and biting. Caring for your crown is much like caring for your natural teeth: brush twice daily with a soft-bristled crush, and floss once a day. It’s also a good idea to avoid chewing on tough or hard foods directly on the crown, as much as possible.

Grant Park Dental Crowns

For dental crown treatment from an experienced, highly skilled dentist near you, turn to Dr. Lee and our friendly staff! We can help restore the look and feel of your tooth in just two dental appointments. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.