Vecchio & Schafer DDS Dental Services
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a custom-made, tooth-shaped cap placed over a damaged or decayed tooth to fully restore its size, shape, strength, and appearance. Once securely cemented into place, a crown completely encases the entire visible portion of the tooth lying at and above the gumline, becoming your tooth’s new outer surface.
When a tooth is too compromised to be repaired by a standard filling, a dental crown provides an exceptionally durable, long-lasting solution.
I have been going to this dentist for a long time. I started with Dr. Ray and now seeing Dr. Paul. They both are great along with their whole office staff. Everyone is so friendly and they make you feel very comfortable in a not so fun situation like going to the dentist ( at least for me). I would recommend them to anyone who needs a great dentist!
— Cathy Howard
The Dental Crown Process
The process of receiving a dental crown is typically completed across two comfortable office visits. During your first appointment, the dentist prepares the tooth by carefully removing any decay and shaping the outer enamel so the custom cap can fit over it seamlessly.
Once the tooth is shaped, precise impressions are taken to capture the exact contours of your bite. These impressions are sent to a premier dental laboratory, where specialized technicians fabricate your permanent crown using high-quality materials, such as porcelain or ceramic, matched to your natural tooth shade. Before you leave, a temporary crown is put in place to shield your prepared tooth. At your second visit, the temporary cap is removed, and your new permanent crown is meticulously adjusted for fit and permanently bonded into position.
When a Dental Crown is Needed
Dental crowns are essential for restoring teeth that have suffered extensive structural damage. They are commonly required to protect weak teeth from fracturing due to deep decay, hold together parts of a cracked tooth, or restore a tooth that has already broken down significantly.
Neglecting to cover a heavily compromised tooth can lead to severe structural failure, painful nerve exposure, and eventual tooth loss. Beyond structural repair, crowns are used to cover poorly shaped or severely discolored teeth for a dramatic cosmetic upgrade. They also provide the vital concluding step to protect a tooth after root canal therapy, anchor a traditional dental bridge securely in place, and serve as the final lifelike replacement tooth attached to a dental implant.
Should I Get a Dental Crown?
Scheduling a clinical examination is the most reliable way to find out if a dental crown is necessary for your specific situation. Our team utilizes advanced diagnostic tools and digital imaging to assess the structural integrity of your tooth and determine the most effective restoration path.
At Vecchio & Schafer DDS, we take the time to evaluate your oral health carefully and present you with clear, personalized treatment options. Whether you are addressing an emergency fracture or proactive structural reinforcement, we ensure your absolute comfort during every step of the process. We have spent decades delivering premium restorative dental care to families throughout Elyria, Lorain, North Ridgeville, Sheffield Lake, and Amherst. Call our office or book an appointment online today to keep your teeth strong and protected.
Maintenance and Crown Care
While a dental crown itself cannot decay, the natural tooth structure underneath it and the surrounding gum tissue still require dedicated care to remain healthy. With exceptional oral hygiene and standard lifestyle precautions, a well-crafted crown can comfortably last for many years.
To ensure the longevity of your restoration, maintain an excellent daily routine by brushing twice a day and flossing carefully around the base of the crown to prevent plaque buildup at the margins. Avoid chewing on overly hard materials, such as ice, hard candies, or unpoped popcorn kernels, which can potentially chip the porcelain surface. Most importantly, continue visiting our office for your regular professional cleanings and checkups so our clinical team can inspect the margins of your crown and preserve your overall oral health.