Durable Dental Crowns From Our East Lansing Dentist
Discolored and decayed teeth can impact your smile’s function and appearance. Damaged teeth can make it difficult to chew, speak, and smile. You deserve a smile you can rely on, which is why Dr. Caroline Kim offers dental crowns to patients looking to restore and enhance their smiles.
Our East Lansing cosmetic dentist recommends dental crowns to refresh your smile while preserving your tooth’s natural structure. Dental crowns are a durable and affordable cosmetic and restorative solution that can resolve several dental issues. Read on to learn how patients can enjoy a restored smile with dental crowns in Bath, Okemos, and Mason, MI.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are customized dental caps placed over the targeted tooth, protecting against unhealthy bacteria above the gum line. Because crowns cover and preserve the natural tooth structure, our dentist can use them for cosmetic and restorative purposes.
Our East Lansing dentist will customize your crowns to match your surrounding teeth’s shape, size, and color for a beautiful and natural appearance. Patients looking to improve their smile’s health and image may benefit from dental crowns.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
There are several benefits of dental crowns that make them a popular choice for both restorative and cosmetic dental treatments, including:
- Durability and Longevity: Dental crowns are durable enough to withstand your daily activities and can last up to 15 years before needing to be replaced.
- Natural Appearance: Dr. Kim will ensure your dental crowns blend seamlessly with your natural teeth for a stunning smile.
- Shields Against Unhealthy Bacteria: Dental crowns protect your natural tooth from unhealthy bacteria, helping prevent cavities, infection, and decay.
- Short, Minimally Invasive Procedure: Depending on your personalized treatment plan, you may be able to receive your dental crowns through minimally invasive means in as few as two visits to our East Lansing dentist.
When Are Dental Crowns Necessary?
There are several reasons why Dr. Kim may recommend a dental crown. Some reasons to consider having a dental crown placed include:
- Holding dental bridges in place
- Restoring cracked, chipped, or broken teeth
- Protecting decayed or damaged teeth
- Concealing stained or yellowed teeth
- Covering teeth with large fillings
Dental crowns are ideal for resolving functional and cosmetic dental problems. Schedule a consultation with our East Lansing, MI dentist to learn if you may benefit from dental crowns.
Dental Crown Process
You’ll first attend a consultation with Dr. Kim, where she’ll evaluate your oral health to determine if dental crowns will be sufficient for your individual needs. She’ll also discuss your other treatment options and preference for dental sedation, if necessary.
After you’ve cleared to receive dental crowns, Dr. Kim will begin the procedure by administering a local anesthetic. She’ll then gently remove a small portion of your tooth’s enamel to provide enough room for a dental crown.
Finally, our East Lansing dentist will use our iTero digital scanner to take detailed 3D images of your teeth. These scans will be used as blueprints at a dental lab in creating your customized dental crowns.
Once we receive your crowns from the lab, you’ll return to our dental office for a final fitting. Dr. Kim will ensure your crowns fit comfortably and naturally with a dental-grade adhesive. After making any necessary adjustments, you’ll be free to leave our East Lansing office and show off your restored smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental crowns can last between ten and 15 years, with proper maintenance and care, before needing replacements. Practicing good oral hygiene can help make the most of your restorations. It includes daily brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash.
We encourage patients to schedule biannual dental visits with our East Lansing dentist. Routine dental check-ups are crucial in supporting oral health and upkeeping dental restorations.
Receiving dental crowns is a virtually painless process. Dr. Kim will administer a local anesthetic beforehand so you won’t feel any pain during your procedure. We also offer sedation dentistry options for patients who struggle with dental anxiety or resistance to numbing agents.
It’s normal to experience mild discomfort once the numbness subsides, though any pain should fade within a few days. You can use cold compresses and over-the-counter pain medications in the meantime to alleviate any soreness.
You can care for dental crowns like you would natural teeth. Simply brush twice, floss once daily, and rinse with mouthwash between meals to keep them in prime condition. We also encourage you to schedule dental exams and cleanings once every six months so Dr. Kim can support your oral health and keep your mouth free of unhealthy bacteria.
Restore and Enhance Your Smile With Dental Crowns
Ready to take the first step toward a better smile? Dental crowns are a convenient and versatile treatment that can resolve cosmetic and restorative dental issues. Our East Lansing dentist and team are well-equipped to help you achieve your smile and oral health goals.
To schedule an appointment, call our East Lansing office at (517) 332-8665. You can also book an appointment by filling out our online contact form below. We look forward to seeing you in the office!