A damaged, weakened or severely decayed tooth may need more support than a traditional filling can provide. A dental crown can restore the shape, strength and function of a tooth while also improving its appearance.
At Oak Park Family Dental, we provide dental crowns in Lenexa, KS for patients who need to restore and protect damaged teeth. Our dentists can examine your tooth, evaluate your oral health and discuss whether a dental crown is appropriate for your situation.
If you are looking for dental crowns in Lenexa, contact Oak Park Family Dental at 913-492-9660 to schedule a consultation.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made restoration that fits over a damaged or weakened tooth.
Sometimes called a “cap,” a crown covers the visible portion of the tooth and is designed to restore its shape and function. Depending on the type of crown and your individual needs, the restoration can be made from materials such as porcelain, metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal.
The appropriate crown material depends on factors including the location of the tooth, its function, the amount of remaining tooth structure and your cosmetic goals.
Why Might You Need a Dental Crown?
A dentist may recommend a crown when a tooth needs more protection or structural support than a filling can provide.
Dental crowns may be considered for teeth that are:
- Significantly damaged by decay
- Fractured or cracked
- Weakened by a large filling
- Worn or misshapen
- Damaged following an injury
- Requiring protection after root canal treatment
- Supporting a dental bridge
- Being restored as part of a dental implant
The current Oak Park Family Dental page specifically describes crowns as restorations for significantly damaged or decayed teeth and lists root canal treatment, bridges, implants, fractured teeth and large fillings among other situations where crowns may be used.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Depending on your individual situation, a dental crown may help:
- Restore the shape of a damaged tooth
- Protect weakened tooth structure
- Restore chewing function
- Improve the appearance of a damaged tooth
- Support a tooth following root canal treatment
- Cover a large filling
- Support certain dental bridge designs
- Complete a dental implant restoration
Your dentist will determine whether a crown is appropriate after evaluating the tooth and surrounding oral structures.
Types of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns can be made from several different materials. Your dentist can explain the advantages and considerations of each option.
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns can be designed to closely resemble natural teeth. Their tooth-colored appearance makes them a popular option when aesthetics are important.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns combine a metal structure with a tooth-colored porcelain exterior.
They can provide strength while maintaining a more natural-looking appearance.
Metal Crowns
Metal crowns can provide durability and may be considered for certain teeth, particularly when strength is an important consideration.
The current practice information lists gold, porcelain and porcelain-fused-to-metal among the crown materials available for consideration.
How Does the Dental Crown Procedure Work?
The exact process depends on the condition of your tooth and the type of crown being used.
A typical crown treatment may include the following steps.
1. Dental Examination
Your dentist examines the tooth and surrounding gums and evaluates the amount of healthy tooth structure that remains.
Digital X-rays may be recommended when additional information is needed.
2. Treatment Planning
If a crown is appropriate, your dentist discusses the treatment plan and the type of restoration that may be suitable.
Your dentist can also explain alternatives when a crown is not the only treatment option.
3. Preparing the Tooth
The tooth is prepared so that the crown can fit securely over it.
The amount of preparation depends on the condition of the tooth and the type of crown being placed.
4. Creating the Crown
Information about the prepared tooth is collected so the dental laboratory can create a restoration designed for your mouth.
Your dentist will consider the shape, size and appearance of the surrounding teeth.
5. Temporary Protection
Depending on the treatment process, a temporary restoration may be placed while your permanent crown is being prepared.
Your dentist will provide instructions for protecting the tooth during this period.
6. Permanent Crown Placement
Once the permanent crown is ready, your dentist checks its fit, appearance and bite.
After any necessary adjustments, the crown is secured in place.
Dental Crowns After Root Canal Treatment
A tooth that has received root canal treatment may require additional protection depending on the amount of remaining tooth structure and the tooth’s location.
A crown can cover and protect a weakened tooth after root canal treatment when recommended by your dentist.
If you are experiencing tooth pain or have been told that you may need root canal therapy, our dental team can evaluate the tooth and discuss appropriate treatment options.
Learn more about Root Canal Therapy in Lenexa, KS.
Dental Crowns and Large Fillings
Large fillings can restore teeth with significant decay, but sometimes there may not be enough remaining tooth structure to provide the desired support.
In these situations, a crown may be considered to cover and protect the remaining tooth structure.
Your dentist will evaluate the tooth before determining whether a filling, crown or another restoration is appropriate.
Dental Crowns for Broken or Fractured Teeth
A broken or fractured tooth should be evaluated by a dentist, particularly if you are experiencing pain or sensitivity.
Depending on the location and severity of the fracture, treatment may involve a filling, bonding, crown, root canal therapy or another restoration.
A dental crown may be appropriate when enough healthy tooth structure remains to support the restoration.
Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges
Dental crowns can also be used as part of a traditional dental bridge.
A bridge replaces a missing tooth or teeth and may use crowns on supporting teeth next to the space. These crowns help hold the artificial replacement tooth in position.
Learn more about Dental Bridges in Lenexa, KS.
Dental Crowns and Dental Implants
Dental crowns can also be used to restore a dental implant.
A dental implant replaces the root portion of a missing tooth, while a crown can be attached to the implant to restore the visible portion of the tooth.
Whether an implant-supported crown is appropriate depends on your oral health, jawbone condition, the location of the missing tooth and other treatment considerations.
Learn more about Dental Implants in Lenexa, KS.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
The lifespan of a dental crown varies from patient to patient.
Factors that may affect the longevity of a crown include:
- Oral hygiene
- Gum health
- Bite forces
- The condition of the supporting tooth
- The crown material
- Diet and habits
- Regular dental examinations
- Proper maintenance
Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits can help protect both the crown and the surrounding teeth.
How to Care for a Dental Crown
A crowned tooth still requires regular dental care.
To help maintain your crown and oral health:
- Brush your teeth twice daily
- Clean between your teeth every day
- Follow your dentist’s recommendations for cleaning around the crown
- Attend regular dental examinations
- Have professional cleanings as recommended
- Avoid using your teeth to open packages or bite hard objects
- Tell your dentist if the crown feels loose, cracked or uncomfortable
A crown does not make the tooth underneath immune to decay or gum disease, so continued oral hygiene remains important.
Can a Dental Crown Look Like a Natural Tooth?
Tooth-colored crowns can be designed to complement the appearance of your surrounding teeth.
The final appearance depends on factors such as the crown material, tooth location, shade and individual characteristics of your smile.
During treatment planning, your dentist can discuss the cosmetic considerations associated with different crown materials.
Dental Crowns vs. Dental Fillings
Fillings and crowns serve different purposes.
A filling may be appropriate when a tooth has a smaller area of decay or damage and enough healthy tooth structure remains.
A crown covers a larger portion of the tooth and may be recommended when the tooth is significantly weakened or damaged.
Your dentist will determine which restoration is appropriate after examining your tooth.
Dental Crowns vs. Veneers
Crowns and veneers are also different types of restorations.
A crown covers the tooth to provide structural restoration and protection, while a veneer generally covers the front surface of a tooth and is primarily used for cosmetic purposes.
If your main concern is the appearance of otherwise healthy teeth, cosmetic options such as veneers may be discussed. If a tooth is significantly damaged or weakened, a crown may be more appropriate.
Learn more about Dental Veneers in Lenexa, KS.
What Happens If a Damaged Tooth Is Not Treated?
A damaged or weakened tooth may become more difficult to restore if the underlying problem progresses.
The appropriate treatment depends on the condition of the tooth. Some teeth may be treated with a filling or crown, while others may require root canal treatment or extraction.
If you have a broken, painful or severely damaged tooth, schedule a dental examination so your dentist can evaluate the problem.
Dental Crowns in Lenexa, KS
At Oak Park Family Dental, our dentists provide restorative dental care for patients in Lenexa and surrounding communities.
A dental crown may be recommended when a tooth requires additional strength, protection or restoration. Our team can evaluate your tooth and explain the available treatment options based on your individual needs.
The practice’s broader General & Family Dentistry services include dental crowns, bridges, root canal therapy, dentures, dental emergencies, preventive care and other treatments.
Our office is located in Lenexa, Kansas, and serves patients from nearby communities including Overland Park, Prairie Village, Shawnee, Olathe and Leawood.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a custom restoration that fits over a tooth to restore its shape, function and appearance while providing additional protection.
Why would I need a dental crown?
A crown may be recommended for a significantly damaged, decayed, fractured or weakened tooth. Crowns may also be used after root canal treatment or as part of a bridge or dental implant restoration.
Are dental crowns permanent?
Dental crowns are designed as long-term restorations, but they are not considered permanent for life. Their longevity varies depending on oral hygiene, bite forces, the supporting tooth and other factors.
Do dental crowns look natural?
Many tooth-colored crowns are designed to closely resemble natural teeth. Your dentist can discuss available materials and aesthetic considerations.
Can a crown fix a broken tooth?
A crown may be used to restore a broken or weakened tooth when sufficient healthy tooth structure remains. Your dentist must examine the tooth to determine the appropriate treatment.
Can I get a crown after a root canal?
Yes. Depending on the tooth and amount of remaining structure, your dentist may recommend a crown to protect a tooth following root canal treatment.
How many visits does a dental crown require?
The number of appointments depends on the tooth, crown type and treatment process. Your dentist can provide an estimated timeline during your consultation.
How should I clean my dental crown?
Brush and floss around a crowned tooth just as you do your natural teeth. Your dental team can provide specific instructions for cleaning around the restoration.
Can a dental crown fall out?
A crown can occasionally become loose or come off. If this happens, contact your dentist rather than attempting to permanently reattach it yourself.
How much do dental crowns cost in Lenexa, KS?
The cost depends on factors such as the tooth being treated, the type of crown, the condition of the tooth and whether additional treatment is necessary. Oak Park Family Dental can provide treatment and cost information after evaluating your individual situation.
Where can I get dental crowns in Lenexa, KS?
Oak Park Family Dental provides dental crown treatment at its Lenexa office at 12148 W. 95th St., Lenexa, KS 66215. Call 913-492-9660 to schedule a consultation.