Dental Crowns in Charleston, SC & West Ashley

Dental CrownsAn Overview

West Ashley Family Dentistry is home to two highly trained and experienced dentists, Dr. James Dickert and Dr. Agatha Lynn. We offer high-quality dental crowns that are custom-made to enhance both function and aesthetics.

Dental crowns can be used to address both cosmetic and restorative dental concerns with lasting results that will preserve the integrity of your natural smile. We are your top restorative dental care team, dedicated to restoring your smile.

Dental crowns can be made from a variety of materials, and we will recommend the most appropriate choice for you depending on the location of the affected tooth and your cosmetic goals. In most cases, color-matched porcelain or ceramic crown is suggested for both durability and a natural appearance.

Common dental crown treatments include:

Damaged tooth
Decayed tooth
Misshapen tooth
Discolored tooth
Fix gaps between teeth
Strengthen a tooth after a root canal or support a dental bridge

Same-Day Crowns in Charleston

same day dental crowns in charleston sc For many patients, the need for a new dental crown is due to tooth damage, decay, or the loss of a previous crown. When placing a traditional crown restoration, two separate visits were required before you could walk out with your permanent crown and a functional smile.

Dr. Dickert and Dr. Lynn use advanced CAD/CAM technology to offer the best possible result without the wait. There is no need for a temporary tooth cap. This innovative technology works by using E4D technology to scan an image of your compromised tooth.

Our doctors use this digital image to design and create a custom dental crown before sending it on to our in-office milling system. We can design, create and place a high-quality dental crown during one visit and send you on your way with a functional, comfortable smile.

Digital technology, something we embrace at West Ashley Family Dentistry, enables us to provide the best possible patient experience with more accurate treatment planning, comfortable procedures, and lasting results.

The Uses of a Dental Crown

Dental crowns play an important role in restoring and protecting teeth. Dentists use crowns for various reasons, from fixing broken teeth to supporting dental bridges.

Restoring Damaged Teeth

One of the most common uses of dental crowns is to repair teeth damaged by decay, injury, or wear. When a tooth has a large cavity that cannot be fixed with a filling, a crown provides the extra protection to prevent further damage. Crowns are also used when a tooth is cracked or broken. Without a crown, a damaged tooth may weaken and eventually require extraction.

Teeth worn down by grinding or clenching can also benefit from crowns. The crown restores the tooth’s original shape and size, allowing it to function properly again.

Protecting a Tooth After a Root Canal

A root canal removes infection inside a tooth, but the procedure can leave the tooth weak. Dentists often place a crown over the treated tooth to protect it from breaking. This strengthens the tooth and allows it to function like a normal, healthy tooth. Without a crown, a root canal-treated tooth may crack over time.

Supporting Dental Bridges

A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring to the teeth on either side of the gap. These anchor teeth, called abutment teeth, must be strong enough to support the bridge. To ensure their durability, dentists place crowns over them. The crowns provide a solid foundation, helping the bridge stay secure while restoring the ability to chew and speak properly.

Improving the Appearance of Teeth

Crowns are not only used for strength and function—they also improve the appearance of teeth. A crown can create a more natural and attractive look if a tooth is severely discolored, misshapen, or uneven. Dentists often use porcelain crowns for front teeth because they closely match the color and texture of natural teeth.

Strengthening Dental Implants

A dental implant provides a permanent solution for patients missing a tooth. The implant is a small titanium post placed in the jawbone, but the visible part of the replacement tooth is a crown. The crown is attached to the implant, completing the restoration and allowing the patient to chew, smile, and speak confidently.

Dental Crowns What to Expect

The dental crown process will depend on whether your crown is being fabricated in a dental lab or completed in our Charleston dentist office using CAD/CAM technology.

The dental crown process will begin with getting your dental impressions. These will be used to fabricate your new custom crown from either a dental lab or our in-office milling machine. We use digital impressions, which means no more messy, gooey trays and a more comfortable experience.

First, we will prepare the tooth to be treated by removing a minimal amount of structure to allow the crown to be securely attached and fit comfortably. If your crown is to be made in a dental lab, a temporary crown may be placed to allow normal function until your final restoration is ready. If your crown is being fabricated with CAD/CAM technology, you will simply wait while it’s being made.

Once complete, your new dental crown will be permanently secured to your tooth. We will make any adjustments to ensure a proper fit and then the crown to blend with your natural teeth. You can expect your new crown to last for many years with proper dental care and oral hygiene.

Dental Crowns FAQs

Is it painful to have a crown put on your tooth?: No. Getting a dental crown placed for any purpose is not painful. You usually get a crown placed following a root canal procedure. During this time, your mouth is numbed with local anesthesia. You are not in pain and will not feel pain during and after treatment.
Can you whiten a crown?: No. Crowns can not be whitened by a dentist, or at home. Crowns are made of a material that does not react with traditional teeth whitening methods. We can however replace your tooth crown with a modern crown that is highly stain-resistant.
Are there any preparations required before receiving my dental crown?: No. You do not need to prepare your teeth or mouth for a dental crown. Placing a dental crown is similar to getting a dental filling, and sometimes it may be completed in a single visit, such as in the case of same-day crowns.
How long do dental crowns last?: How long a crown will last depends on the type of crown you get, how well you take care of your teeth, and other factors. In general, dental crowns can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years with proper care. With regular brushing and flossing, visiting the dentist for regular check-ups, and avoiding hard or sticky foods that can damage your crowns, you can further extend the lifespan of your dental crown.
Are there any alternatives to dental crowns?: Yes! Dental crowns are a popular option for restoring damaged teeth, but they may not be the best choice for everyone. Some of the alternative options available as an alternative for dental crowns include dental inlays, onlays and veneers. Inlays and onlays can repair minor damage, and porcelain veneers can hide imperfections.
How much tooth is needed for a crown?: The amount of tooth that needs to be removed in order to place the crown will depend on the size and shape of your tooth, as well as any existing dental work that the dentist completes. Our dentist will be able to advise you on the amount of tooth that they need to remove in order for them to fit your new crown properly. With our expertise, we will ensure that you get a crown that fits comfortably and securely in your mouth.

Dental Crown Charleston SC