About Dental Crowns

A dental crown can restore tooth strength, function, and appearance while protecting the natural tooth underneath.

At Family Dentistry, Inc., we provide custom dental crowns in our Lebanon and Franklin, Ohio, offices to repair damaged teeth, restore smiles, and help patients maintain long-term oral health. 

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a custom-made restoration that completely covers a damaged or weakened tooth above the gumline. Often called a "cap," a crown is designed to restore the tooth's size, shape, strength, and appearance while protecting it from further damage.

Dental crowns are carefully crafted to match the color and contour of your surrounding teeth, creating a natural-looking smile while restoring normal chewing and speaking function.

When Is a Dental Crown Recommended?

Your dentist may recommend a dental crown if you have:

• A tooth with extensive decay that cannot be restored with a filling
• A cracked or fractured tooth
• A weakened tooth following root canal treatment
• A severely worn tooth
• A large filling that no longer adequately supports the tooth
• A dental implant that requires a permanent restoration
• A cosmetic concern involving the shape or appearance of a tooth

When you visit us in Lebanon or Franklin, our team will perform a comprehensive examination and discuss whether a dental crown is the best treatment for your individual needs.

What to Expect During Treatment

Receiving a dental crown typically requires two appointments.

During your first visit, your dentist will examine the tooth, remove any damaged or decayed areas, and prepare it to receive the crown. Impressions or digital scans are taken to ensure your custom restoration fits comfortably and functions properly. A temporary crown is then placed to protect the tooth while your permanent crown is being fabricated.

At your second appointment, your custom crown is carefully fitted, adjusted, and permanently bonded into place, restoring both the appearance and function of your tooth.

Benefits of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns can:

• Protect weakened teeth from further damage
• Restore the ability to chew comfortably
• Strengthen teeth following root canal treatment
• Improve the appearance of damaged or discolored teeth
• Restore the natural shape and function of your smile
• Provide a long-lasting solution with proper care

Caring for Your Dental Crown

Dental crowns should be cared for just like your natural teeth.

To help your crown last for many years:

• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss carefully around the crown every day.
• Avoid chewing on ice or other hard objects.
• Wear a nightguard if you grind or clench your teeth.
• Visit Family Dentistry regularly for cleanings and examinations.

With good oral hygiene and routine dental care, many crowns can last 10 to 15 years or longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does getting a dental crown hurt?

Your tooth will be numbed during treatment to help ensure your comfort. Most patients experience little discomfort during the procedure and return to normal activities shortly afterward.

How long does a dental crown last?

With proper care, many dental crowns last between 10 and 15 years, and often much longer.

Will my crown look natural?

Yes. Our crowns are custom designed to match the color, shape, and size of your surrounding teeth, helping your smile look natural and feel comfortable.

Can a crowned tooth still get a cavity?

While the crown itself cannot develop decay, the natural tooth underneath can. Good oral hygiene and routine dental visits remain essential.

Schedule Your Dental Crown Consultation

If you have a damaged, weakened, or broken tooth, a dental crown may help restore your smile while preserving your natural tooth.

Contact Family Dentistry, Inc. today to schedule an evaluation at our Lebanon or Franklin office and learn whether a dental crown is right for you.