The goal of dentistry is to preserve your natural teeth as much as possible. Dr. Stern and the Smile Brighter Willoughby Hills team offer Lake County residents a variety of solutions to restore and protect their smiles. Treatment with dental crowns is a great option for teeth that have been damaged by trauma, severe decay, or excess wear and tear associated with bruxism.
How dental crowns protect your teeth
Dental crowns serve as protective caps for your teeth, entirely covering the visible surfaces. While they can be made from a wide variety of materials, Dr. Stern prefers to use ceramic or gold because many people have sensitivities to the metals used in other types of crowns. Ceramic provides a natural-looking restoration that mimics the sheen of tooth enamel, while gold can withstand more bite force.
Dr. Stern may recommend a dental crown to add structure to a broken or damaged tooth. He may also suggest a dental crown to provide additional protection for a tooth after root canal therapy. Some patients request ceramic dental crowns for cosmetic reasons, such as correcting misshapen teeth or covering discoloration that does not respond to whitening treatment.
What to expect from your procedure
Dr. Stern will address any underlying decay or infection before placing a dental crown. Adding a dental crown requires removing the outer layer of dental enamel and reshaping your tooth for a tight fit to seal out bacteria. Your mouth will be numbed throughout this process, so you should not feel any pain or discomfort.
Once your tooth is prepared, Dr. Stern will take impressions of your mouth to send to the dental lab to craft your crown. He will place a temporary acrylic crown to protect your tooth in the meantime. Once your permanent crown is ready, you will return to the office to get it fitted and bonded to the tooth. Dental crowns can last for 15 years or more with proper care, and Dr. Stern will work with you to prevent further issues with your oral health. Contact our office at (440) 210-0999 to set up an appointment and learn more about how we can help.
Back to Crowns / Bridges Page