A crown (or cap) is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface, restoring it to its original shape and size. A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations.
Although there are several types of crowns, porcelain (tooth-colored crowns) are the most popular, because they resemble your natural teeth. They are highly durable and will last many years, but like most dental restorations, they may eventually need to be replaced. Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size, and color of your teeth, giving you a natural, long-lasting, beautiful smile.
Reasons For Crowns
- Broken or fractured teeth
- Cosmetic enhancement
- Decayed teeth
- Fractured fillings
- Large fillings
- A tooth has a root canal
What Does Getting A Crown Involve?
A crown procedure usually requires two appointments. Your first appointment will include taking several highly accurate molds (or impressions) that will be used to create your custom crown. A mold will also be used to create a temporary crown, which will stay on your tooth for approximately two weeks until your new crown is fabricated by a dental laboratory.
While the tooth is numb, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the surface to properly fit the crown. Once these details are accomplished, your temporary crown will be placed with temporary cement, and your bite will be checked to ensure you are biting properly.
At your second appointment, your temporary crown will be removed, the tooth will be cleaned, and your new crown will be carefully placed to ensure the spacing and bite are accurate.
You will be given care instructions and encouraged to have regular dental visits to check your new crown.
Crowns At South Suburban Family Dental
At South Suburban Family Dental in Blue Island, IL, dental crowns are one of the most commonly placed restorations in our practice, and our doctor approaches every crown case with the same honest, patient-centered standard that defines everything we do. A crown is recommended only when it is genuinely the most appropriate solution for the tooth in question; when the remaining tooth structure cannot be reliably restored with a filling or more conservative approach, and when placing a crown offers the best chance of preserving the natural tooth for the long term.
Our doctor takes the time to explain why a crown is being recommended, what the procedure involves at each appointment, and what you can expect in terms of fit, appearance, and longevity before treatment begins. Patients are never left uncertain about what is happening or why, because clear communication is a core part of how South Suburban Family Dental has served this community since 1983.
Caring For Your Porcelain Crown
With proper care, a well-placed porcelain crown can last many years and continue to look and function naturally throughout its lifespan. A few straightforward habits make a meaningful difference in how long your crown performs:
- Brush twice daily and floss carefully around the crown margin where the restoration meets the gum tissue
- Avoid chewing ice, hard candies, or other very hard foods that place excessive stress on the crown material
- Wear a custom nightguard if you grind or clench during sleep, as parafunctional forces are one of the most significant contributors to premature crown wear and failure
- Attend regular professional cleanings and check-ups so our team can monitor the crown margin, the health of the surrounding gum tissue, and the integrity of the restoration over time
If you have questions about whether a crown is the right treatment for a tooth you are concerned about, the friendly and reliable team at South Suburban Family Dental in Blue Island, IL is always happy to take a look and give you an honest assessment of your options.