Crowns

It’s easy to take your teeth’s enamel — their hard, protective coating — for granted, until you have an issue that leaves their sensitive interior exposed. Fortunately, Marvin Taylor, DDS, and the team at Dr. Taylor’s Family Dental Center in Waterford, Michigan, offer durable crowns to their patients who need to restore damaged or decayed teeth. To learn more about crowns and how they can protect and restore your teeth, call the office, or book your appointment online.

What is a crown?

A dental crown is essentially a cap for your tooth. Your dentist can place a crown to restore the shape of your tooth while also giving it a strong protective covering. The crown is custom-created to match all of your other teeth perfectly, so it’s an excellent way to restore your smile’s appearance, too. You might need a crown if you:

Have a misshapen tooth that you want to look better
Get a large filling that weakens the tooth
Have a tooth that’s weak from damage or decay
Have a dental implant
Get a root canal
Have a broken tooth that needs protection

When you come into Dr. Taylor’s Family Dental Center, your dentist can determine if a crown is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I expect when getting a dental crown?

Getting a crown is a two-step process because your provider needs to prepare your tooth then create a crown that’s tailored to match the exact size, shape, and color of your surrounding teeth. During your first appointment, your dentist examines your tooth. If they find extensive decay, they may recommend a root canal to clean out the damaged or infected part of your tooth.

If you need a root canal, your provider uses this first appointment to prepare your tooth for the crown. That means filing it down on all sides. This allows the crown to fit over it while still laying flush with your surrounding teeth. Don’t worry — your dentist numbs the area so you won’t experience any pain or discomfort during this process.

Then, your dentist takes measurements of the prepared tooth so your crown can be created to fit perfectly over it. They send you home with a temporary crown to protect your prepared tooth. Once your permanent crown is ready, you’ll come back to Dr. Taylor’s Family Dental Center. First, your provider will check that the crown fits seamlessly and matches the shape and color of your surrounding teeth. Then, they cement it into place.

How do I take care of my crown?

Caring for your crown is important because it helps maintain its lifespan. With proper care, a crown can last anywhere from 5-15 years. To take care of your crown, practice good oral hygiene, and avoid any activities that might damage the crown, like grinding your teeth, biting your nails, or opening things with your teeth. If you need a crown, call Dr. Taylor’s Family Dental Center, or book your appointment online today.