Like Us Like us on Facebook Reviews Read Our Reviews Call Give us a Call Text Send us a Text Map View our Map
6316 Gaston Ave Dallas, TX 75214

Dental Crowns – Lakewood, Dallas, TX

Natural-Looking Repair for Damaged Smiles

woman with dental crowns in Lakewood, Dallas, TX in front of a turquoise background

You might think bone is the strongest material in the human body, but did you know that tooth enamel is even stronger than that? As durable as your teeth are, though, there are still plenty of ways that they can sustain damage over the years. Unfortunately, teeth cannot heal themselves when they become fractured or weakened like bones can. That’s where dental crowns come in! Dr. Travis Spillman and Dr. Jacquelyn Green can deliver natural-looking repair for damaged smiles with dental crowns in Lakewood, Dallas, TX. This solution can protect your pearly whites from further harm while also blending in with the rest of your smile. Contact Dental Center of Lakewood today to find out if a dental crown is right for you!

Why Choose Dental Center of Lakewood for Dental Crowns?

What Is a Dental Crown?

model of a dental crown being placed over a tooth

Each tooth has two distinct parts: the section that you can see above the gums (also known as the crown of the tooth), and the roots hidden underneath. When a tooth’s crown becomes damaged, the tooth will only worsen over time, as enamel can’t regenerate after it has been lost. Fortunately, a custom dental crown can shield the tooth.

A dental crown is a cap designed to cover the entire crown of a tooth, safeguarding it against future issues. Crowns can be made from durable metals for back teeth, but for front teeth, we prefer tooth-colored materials like ceramic. These crowns are virtually just as durable as metal, but they appear more natural in your smile.

Your dentist in Lakewood, Dallas, TX may recommend a dental crown for a tooth that:

The Dental Crown Process

dentist in Lakewood, Dallas, TX holding a dental crown on their finger

The process of getting a dental crown is a relatively quick one. In most cases, it only takes two appointments (after your consultation, where we determine whether you’re a good candidate for a crown). First, we remove a sliver of enamel from the tooth to ensure there is sufficient room for the crown. Then, we take impressions and fit you with a temporary crown while your real one is being created in a dental lab.

A few weeks later, you’ll return to our office to have your temporary switched out for your permanent crown. We’ll make sure that your bite feels comfortable and you’re satisfied with the results before bonding the crown to the tooth.

The Benefits of Dental Crowns

man in a blue shirt pointing to his smile

Dental crowns are actually one of the most popular dental treatments, and for good reason! They allow you to enjoy several benefits, including:

Dental Crowns FAQs

Row of three porcelain crowns on dark reflective surface

Dental crowns in Lakewood can serve as an important part of your smile’s health and appearance. But since this procedure may cost a significant amount of money, it is understandable if you want to learn as much as possible about it before you commit to anything. To help you out, we have put together the following list of FAQs about crowns. If you do not see the answers to your specific questions, contact us directly so we can personally assist you.

Learn More

What Are Dental Crowns Made Of?

Often, temporary crowns are constructed out of stainless steel. Their primary purpose is to protect a tooth while a permanent crown is being fabricated, so they are designed for cost-effectiveness and easy removal, rather than for aesthetics or top-tier function.

Permanent crowns can be made out of various materials, such as gold, silver, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or 100% porcelain. Here at the Dental Center of Lakewood, we tend to favor porcelain crowns because they are durable and biocompatible. They also offer remarkable aesthetics. In fact, they are so lifelike that onlookers are unlikely to notice that you have had some work done on your smile!

Are Dental Crowns Permanent?

We often refer to some dental crowns as “permanent,” but in the context of dental crowns, we are talking about a treatment that offers long-term results, rather than one that is technically permanent. Typically, crowns last for 5 – 15 years before they need to be replaced.

Also, keep in mind that while a crown does not last forever, it does require a permanent commitment on your part. After your tooth is prepared for its restoration, it will always need something to protect it.

How Do You Know When a Dental Crown Needs to Be Replaced?

Your dentist can determine with certainty whether a dental crown needs to be replaced. However, there are some signs that you can look out for that indicate a need to get your restoration checked out:

  • A crown is visably damaged or discolored.
  • The tooth beneath a crown is in pain.
  • A crown is interfering with your bite, causing jaw pain and other forms of discomfort.
  • A crown is unstable. It may feel loose or unsteady when you use it to chew sticky or tough foods.
  • There is a dark line at the crown's base. With porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, the outer layer of porcelain may begin to wear away, leaving a noticeable sliver of metal near the base of your tooth.

Does It Hurt to Get a Dental Crown?

During the crown preparation process, your tooth will be numbed, so you might feel a bit of pressure, but you should not experience any pain. After any anesthesia wears off, some mild soreness and increased sensitivity are to be expected.

Placing a permanent crown is typically a fast and comfortable process that does not require local anesthesia. Of course, if you have a sensitive mouth, there is no shame in asking your dentist in Lakewood to numb you.