Protect, Strengthen, and Restore Your Smile with Dental Crowns
If you have a damaged, worn, weakened, or heavily restored tooth, a custom dental crown can restore its strength, appearance, and function while helping protect it from further damage.
At Schaefer Advanced Dentistry, Dr. David Schaefer and Dr. Anna Malone create custom dental crowns designed to blend naturally with your smile. Using modern materials and advanced technology, we provide restorations that are comfortable, durable, and customized to fit your bite.
Whether your tooth has been weakened by decay, fractured in an accident, or treated with a root canal, a dental crown can help preserve your natural tooth while restoring your confidence.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made restoration that completely covers the visible portion of a damaged tooth. It protects the remaining tooth structure while restoring the tooth’s size, shape, strength, and appearance.
Dental crowns are carefully designed to match your surrounding teeth in color, contour, and bite so they look and function naturally. Once permanently bonded into place, the crown becomes a strong protective covering that allows you to chew, speak, and smile with confidence.
When Is a Dental Crown Recommended?
Dr. Schaefer and Dr. Malone may recommend a crown when a tooth has been damaged beyond what a filling alone can predictably restore.
Dental crowns are commonly recommended for:
- Large fractures or cracks
- Teeth weakened by extensive decay
- Large fillings that are failing or breaking down
- Teeth that have received root canal therapy
- Severely worn teeth caused by grinding or erosion
- Misshapen or severely discolored teeth
- Replacing a missing tooth as part of a dental bridge
- Completing treatment after dental implant placement
Every recommendation is based on the condition of your tooth, your bite, and your long-term oral health goals.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
- Restore the strength of weakened teeth
- Protect teeth from further fracture or wear
- Improve chewing comfort and function
- Restore the appearance of damaged teeth
- Provide long-lasting durability
- Blend naturally with surrounding teeth
- Help preserve your natural tooth whenever possible
What to Expect During Your Crown Treatment
Most traditional dental crowns are completed in two appointments.
First Visit: Preparing the Tooth
- Your comfort is ensured with local anesthesia. Sedation options may also be available for patients with dental anxiety.
- Decay, weakened tooth structure, or old restorations are removed.
- The tooth is carefully reshaped to create room for the crown.
- If necessary, the tooth is reinforced with a buildup to improve support.
- Digital impressions are taken to create your custom restoration.
- A temporary crown protects your tooth while your permanent crown is being fabricated.
Second Visit: Placing Your Permanent Crown
- Your temporary crown is removed.
- Your permanent crown is checked for color, fit, and bite.
- Small adjustments are made if necessary.
- The crown is securely bonded into place.
- Your bite is evaluated to ensure long-term comfort.
Once completed, your crown should feel comfortable and function much like a natural tooth.
What Materials Are Dental Crowns Made From?
Dental crowns can be fabricated from several different materials depending on the location of the tooth, the forces placed upon it, and your cosmetic goals.
Modern crowns often provide an excellent combination of:
- Strength and durability
- Natural translucency
- Excellent color matching
- Long-term reliability
During your consultation, we will recommend the material that best fits your specific situation.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
With proper oral hygiene and regular dental care, many crowns last well over 10 to 15 years. Their longevity depends on several factors, including oral hygiene, bite forces, diet, and whether you grind or clench your teeth.
To help your crown last as long as possible, we recommend:
- Brushing twice daily
- Flossing around the crown every day
- Keeping regular dental cleanings and exams
- Avoiding chewing ice and other very hard objects
- Wearing a nightguard if you grind your teeth
Related Restorative Treatments
Depending on your needs, your treatment plan may also include:
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns
Will my dental crown look natural?
Yes. Every crown is customized to match the color, size, and shape of your surrounding teeth so it blends naturally with your smile.
Does getting a dental crown hurt?
Your tooth will be numbed before treatment to help keep you comfortable. Most patients experience little to no discomfort during the procedure.
Can a crown repair a cracked tooth?
Many cracked or weakened teeth can be restored with a crown. During your examination, we will determine whether the tooth can be saved or if another treatment is more appropriate.
Can I eat normally with a crown?
Yes. Once your permanent crown is bonded and any initial sensitivity has resolved, you should be able to eat comfortably with your restored tooth.
Can a crown fall off?
Although uncommon, crowns can occasionally become loose due to decay, heavy biting forces, or cement breakdown. If this happens, contact our office so we can evaluate and re-cement or replace the restoration if necessary.
Is a crown better than a filling?
For smaller areas of decay, a filling may be appropriate. When a tooth has lost significant structure or is at risk of fracturing, a crown often provides stronger long-term protection.
Custom Dental Crowns in Louisville, KY
If you have a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring it early may help prevent more extensive treatment in the future. At Schaefer Advanced Dentistry, Dr. Schaefer and Dr. Malone provide custom dental crowns that restore strength, comfort, and natural appearance.
We look forward to helping you protect your smile and enjoy long-lasting oral health.
