Restore Your Smile with Lasting Results at Glenwood Dental Associates
When you’re dealing with a damaged, weakened, or severely discolored tooth, you might find yourself at a crossroads in your dental journey. Perhaps you’ve been told that a simple dental filling won’t be enough, but the thought of losing your natural tooth to extraction feels too drastic. You may be experiencing discomfort when eating, sensitivity to hot or cold, or even embarrassment about the appearance of a cracked or worn-down tooth.
At Glenwood Dental Associates, we understand these concerns and offer dental crowns as an ideal middle-ground solution—a way to preserve your natural tooth while restoring its strength, function, and beauty for years to come. Our Smyrna dental team provides high-quality dental crowns to patients in Blackbird, Dover, Clayton, and surrounding Delaware communities.
If you’re dealing with damaged, decayed, or cosmetically imperfect teeth, dental crowns might be the solution you need. Call our dentist in Smyrna today at (302) 653-5011 to schedule your consultation and learn how dental crowns can transform your smile.
Your Smyrna Neighborhood Dentist
Located in the heart of Smyrna, our practice is proud to be part of this historic community. Just minutes away from the Lindens’ estate and the Historic Bellmont Hall, we bring the same commitment to excellence and attention to detail that has defined our neighborhood for generations. When you visit us for your dental care, you’re not just getting top-quality treatment—you’re experiencing the warmth and pride of a practice deeply rooted in Smyrna’s rich heritage.
Our restorative dental services preserve your smile’s natural beauty, just as Smyrna preserves its historic treasures. We believe in honoring tradition while embracing modern techniques—a philosophy that resonates throughout our community.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are protective caps placed over damaged or decayed teeth to restore their shape, size, strength, and appearance. These custom-made restorations completely encase the visible portion of a tooth from the gum line up, providing durability and aesthetic improvements. Crowns serve both functional and cosmetic purposes, helping patients maintain their oral health while improving their smile.
At Glenwood Dental Associates in Smyrna, DE, we create dental crowns that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Our crowns are designed to withstand daily wear and tear while looking completely natural. This combination of strength and beauty makes dental crowns one of the most versatile and effective dental treatments available today.
When Do You Need a Dental Crown?
Several dental conditions may indicate the need for a crown. Our Smyrna dentists recommend dental crowns in the following situations:
Protecting a Weak Tooth: Teeth that have been damaged by decay or large fillings may need additional support.- Restoring a Cracked Tooth: Cracked, chipped, or severely worn teeth can be restored with dental crowns.
- Supporting Dental Bridges: Crowns can anchor bridges that replace missing teeth.
- Covering Dental Implants: Crowns serve as the visible portion of dental implants.
- After Root Canal Treatment: Teeth that have undergone root canal therapy often require crowns for protection.
- Improving Appearance: Misshapen or severely discolored teeth can be transformed with cosmetic crowns.
Protecting a Weak ToothEarly intervention with dental crowns can prevent further damage and potentially save your natural tooth. If you’re experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity, or visible damage, contact our Smyrna, DE, dentist at (302) 653-5011 to schedule an evaluation.
Types of Dental Crowns Available at Glenwood Dental Associates
At our Smyrna dental practice, we offer various types of dental crowns to meet our patients’ needs. Each material has distinct advantages, and our dentists will help you select the best option based on your specific situation.
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns provide exceptional aesthetic results, making them ideal for front teeth. These crowns:
- Match the color and translucency of natural teeth
- Are biocompatible and safe for patients with metal allergies
- Create a natural, lifelike appearance
- Provide durability and resistance to staining
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
PFM crowns combine the strength of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain. These versatile crowns:
- Offer excellent durability for back teeth
- Provide a natural-looking appearance
- Create a strong bond to the tooth
- Have a long track record of success
All-Metal Crowns
Made from gold or other metal alloys, these crowns are known for their exceptional strength and longevity. Metal crowns:
- Require minimal tooth reduction
- Resist wear and rarely chip or break
- Withstand strong biting forces
- Last longer than other crown types
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia crowns represent the latest advancement in dental crown technology. These modern crowns:
- Offer exceptional strength and durability
- Provide a natural tooth color
- Are compatible with digital scanning and milling technology
- Work well for patients who grind their teeth
The Dental Crown Procedure at Glenwood Dental Associates
Getting a dental crown at our Smyrna office typically involves two visits. Here’s what you can expect during the process:
First Visit
Examination and Preparation: Our Smyrna, DE, restorative dentist will examine your tooth and prepare it by removing any decay and shaping it to accommodate the crown.- Impressions: We’ll take detailed impressions of your prepared tooth to create a crown that fits perfectly.
- Temporary Crown: A temporary crown will be placed to protect your tooth while your permanent crown is being created in a dental lab.
Examination and PreparationSecond Visit
- Removal of Temporary Crown: The temporary crown is removed, and the area is cleaned.
- Fitting the Permanent Crown: Your new crown is carefully checked for fit, color, and alignment.
- Cementation: Once both you and our dentist are satisfied with the fit and appearance, the crown is permanently cemented in place.
Throughout the process, our Smyrna dental team prioritizes your comfort and satisfaction. We use local anesthesia to minimize discomfort during the preparation phase and make adjustments as needed to create the perfect fit.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns offer numerous advantages for patients with damaged or decayed teeth:
Functional Benefits
- Strengthen weakened teeth to prevent further damage
- Restore chewing function and bite alignment
- Protect teeth following root canal treatment
- Support dental bridges and replace missing teeth
- Improve speech by restoring proper tooth structure
Aesthetic Benefits
- Enhance smile appearance by correcting shape, size, and color
- Create uniform, symmetrical teeth for a balanced smile
- Cover discoloration that doesn’t respond to whitening
- Correct minor misalignments without orthodontic treatment
- Boost confidence by improving overall smile aesthetics
Long-Term Benefits
- Prevent tooth loss by reinforcing damaged teeth
- Maintain proper bite alignment to prevent TMJ issues
- Reduce the need for future dental work by protecting teeth
- Preserve jawbone health by maintaining natural teeth
- Provide a durable solution that lasts for many years
Caring for Your Dental Crowns
With proper care, your dental crowns can last 10-15 years or even longer. Follow these tips to maximize the life of your restorations:
Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush twice daily and floss around your crowned teeth.- Use The Right Tools: Consider an electric toothbrush and water flosser for thorough cleaning.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Minimize consumption of ice, hard candy, and nuts.
- Don’t Use Teeth As Tools: Never open packages or bite fingernails with crowned teeth.
- Address Grinding: If you grind your teeth, ask about a nightguard to protect your crowns.
- Attend Regular Dental Checkups: Visit Glenwood Dental Associates twice yearly for professional teeth cleanings and evaluations.
Practice Good Oral HygieneOur Smyrna dental team will provide detailed care instructions specific to your crown type. Following these guidelines will help maintain your investment and preserve your oral health.
Dental Crown Alternatives
While dental crowns are often the ideal solution for damaged teeth, alternative treatments may be appropriate in certain situations. Our dentists will discuss all options with you, including:
- Dental Inlays and Onlays: Less invasive than crowns, these restorations repair damaged areas while preserving more natural tooth structure.
- Composite Bonding: For minor damage, tooth-colored resin can repair chips and small cracks.
- Veneers: Thin porcelain shells cover the front surface of teeth to improve appearance.
- Dental Implants: When a tooth cannot be saved, an implant provides a permanent replacement option.
Our recommendation will depend on the extent of damage, your oral health, aesthetic goals, and budget. We believe in providing conservative treatment whenever possible while ensuring long-lasting results.
Cost of Dental Crowns in Smyrna
The cost of dental crowns varies depending on factors such as the material used, the complexity of the case, and whether additional procedures are needed. Many dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for crowns, especially when they’re needed for functional reasons rather than purely cosmetic purposes.
Our Smyrna dental staff can help verify your insurance benefits and discuss payment options to make dental crowns more affordable. We believe in transparent pricing and will provide a detailed treatment estimate before beginning any work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental crowns typically last between five and 15 years, though many last much longer with proper care. The lifespan of your crown depends on factors including the material used, your oral hygiene habits, and whether you grind or clench your teeth. Regular dental checkups can help identify issues early and extend the life of your crown. Most patients can expect their crowns to provide many years of functional and aesthetic benefits.
Getting a dental crown should not be painful, as local anesthesia is used during the preparation process. You may experience some sensitivity or discomfort after the procedure, particularly if you’ve had a root canal or significant tooth decay. This discomfort typically subsides within a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Many patients report minimal to no discomfort throughout the entire crown process.
Unlike natural teeth, dental crowns cannot be whitened with traditional whitening treatments. The material used for crowns is stain-resistant but cannot change color once fabricated. For this reason, many patients choose to whiten their natural teeth before getting crowns so the crown can be matched to their preferred shade. If you’re concerned about the color of existing crowns, replacement may be needed to achieve a brighter smile.
Initially, a new crown may feel slightly different from your natural teeth, but this sensation typically disappears within a few days. Your dentist carefully adjusts the fit and bite of your crown to ensure it functions properly with your other teeth. The crown is designed to mimic the shape and size of your natural tooth, so once you’ve adjusted to it, you shouldn’t notice any difference when eating or speaking. Most patients report that their crowned teeth feel natural and comfortable.
Signs that your crown may need replacement include visible damage (chips or cracks), pain or sensitivity in the crowned tooth, receding gums around the crown, or loosening of the crown itself. Aesthetic concerns such as a visible margin at the gum line or discoloration may also indicate it’s time for replacement. Regular dental checkups allow your dentist to evaluate the condition of your crowns and recommend replacement before problems develop.
Schedule Your Dental Crown Consultation with Dr. Wisk Today
Don’t let damaged or decayed teeth affect your smile and oral health. Glenwood Dental Associates provides high-quality dental crowns in Smyrna to restore function and beauty to your teeth. Our skilled dentists use advanced techniques and materials to create crowns that look natural and last for years.
Serving patients from Blackbird, Dover, Clayton, and throughout Kent County, our practice is committed to helping you achieve optimal oral health. Whether you need a single crown or more comprehensive dental work, we’re here to help.
Call us today at (302) 653-5011 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a stronger, more beautiful smile. Your healthy, restored smile is just a phone call away!