Dental crowns or caps are used to rebuild teeth when damage is so extensive that a porcelain filling or veneer can’t be used, but the natural teeth can still be saved. A dental crown reconstructs the structure of a tooth after a fracture, heavy wear, or decay, making it possible to prolong the tooth’s life and preserve its root.

Why Dental Crowns?

A dental crown covers the entire tooth, reshaping and replacing its surface while leaving the root and base of the natural tooth intact. This is a viable solution for issues like:

• Weak or brittle teeth
• Extensive tooth decay
• Extensive wear or damage to teeth
• A cracked or fractured tooth
• Failed fillings

In cases where an implant can’t be safely used, crowns are also sometimes used on healthy teeth to anchor dental bridges.

Dental Crown Benefits

Where many other cosmetic dentists may suggest a veneer or inlay for certain types of damage, Dr. Kleive is likely to recommend a crown to support the integrity of your teeth. It’s not enough to simply cover up damage, as the weak tooth may continue to disintegrate. A crown is a safe, lasting way to protect and maintain your teeth’s health and longevity.

In other circumstances, Dr. Kleive is likely to suggest a crown instead of pulling a tooth and replacing it with an implant. Dental crowns are a less invasive option, allowing you to maintain your natural tooth root without surgery or extraction—a better option, in many cases.

Dental crowns can be made from either porcelain or metal alloy. Porcelain is the more natural-looking option, because it reflects light like enamel, but either can be tinted to precisely match the shade of your teeth. Dr. Kleive will discuss the benefits of each of these alternatives with you during your initial consultation.

FAQs

Will a crown look and feel natural?

High-quality crowns that have been precisely fitted and bonded can’t be distinguished from your natural teeth. Your new crown will look and feel just like a real tooth, allowing you to effortlessly eat your favorite foods again. Best of all, it will last for decades if properly cared for.

How do I know whether a dental crown, filling, veneer, or implant is the right choice?

• Dental bonding and porcelain fillings are used to repair the smallest areas of damage or decay removed from a tooth.
• Veneers cover the surface of the tooth to repair cosmetic appearance, but don’t do anything to support tooth structure or repair damage.
• Dental implants are used to replace a tooth when the root is damaged so extensively that it needs to be removed.

A crown can be considered an intermediate step between the more superficial repairs of a filling or veneer and the extreme repair of replacing a tooth with an implant.

I have an old crown that came loose. How do I know that won’t happen again?

A crown that is poorly made or badly fitted to the tooth can come loose, sometimes popping off while you’re eating or allowing bacteria and decay to spread under it. Our crowns are custom-made for each patient using state-of-the-art technology, and are carefully bonded to your teeth to ensure a perfect, lasting fit.

If you’re interested in more information about dental crowns or in scheduling a free consultation, contact us today. Dr. Kleive proudly serves Asheville, North Carolina.