Crowns & Caps in Goldsboro
Custom Restorations for Damaged or Weakened Teeth
At Sean M. Hamilton, DDS, we provide crowns and caps for Goldsboro patients with damaged, weakened, broken, worn, discolored, or misshapen teeth. Each restoration is custom-designed to match the natural look and feel of your existing teeth.
Call (252) 397-4122 to request an evaluation and discuss whether a dental crown is right for your tooth.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns, also called caps, are restorative coverings placed over a tooth to improve its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Dental crown is the clinical term, though crown and cap are often used interchangeably.
A crown encases the visible portion of the tooth above the gum line. It doesn’t replace the tooth root. Instead, the restoration covers the prepared tooth structure and creates a protective barrier against additional damage or decay.
Crowns are commonly used to protect a weak tooth, restore a broken tooth, or cover a dental implant. By restoring the tooth’s shape and chewing surface, a crown can also improve function when eating or speaking.
Whether a crown is appropriate depends on the condition of the tooth and the amount of healthy structure remaining. A crown may be considered when a filling alone wouldn’t provide sufficient support.
Common reasons for crown treatment include:
- Protecting a weakened or extensively restored tooth
- Restoring a broken, cracked, or worn-down tooth
- Covering a tooth affected by significant decay
- Improving the appearance of a discolored or misshapen tooth
- Protecting remaining tooth structure after root canal treatment
- Supporting a dental bridge
- Completing a dental implant restoration
How We Choose a Crown Material for Your Tooth
The best crown material depends on the tooth’s location, chewing forces, remaining tooth structure, appearance goals, sensitivities, and cost considerations. We use porcelain, ceramic, and metal alloys, with the final recommendation based on an individual dental evaluation.
Common crown material categories include:
- Porcelain Crowns: Tooth-colored restorations commonly considered when a natural appearance is a priority.
- Ceramic Crowns: Tooth-colored options that can be matched to surrounding teeth.
- Metal Crowns: Metal-alloy restorations that may be considered for areas exposed to substantial chewing forces.
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns: Restorations that combine a metal base with a tooth-colored porcelain surface.
- Resin Crowns: Another crown material category whose suitability depends on the individual tooth and treatment needs.
Cost of Dental Caps in Goldsboro
The cost of dental caps can vary based on the material used and the complexity of the procedure. The tooth involved, the preparation required, related treatment, and applicable laboratory fees may also affect the estimate.
Dental insurance may cover part of the cost, depending on your plan. Before treatment, review the proposed care and expected out-of-pocket responsibility with our office and your insurer.
Dental Crown Procedure Steps
- Consultation: We examine the tooth, assess your dental health, and discuss your treatment goals.
- Preparation: The tooth is reshaped to accommodate the crown.
- Impression: An impression of the tooth is taken for custom crown fabrication.
- Temporary Crown: A temporary crown may protect the prepared tooth while the permanent restoration is made.
- Fitting: The permanent crown is checked and adjusted for fit, comfort, appearance, and bite.
- Cementing: The crown is secured in place.
- Follow-Up: We provide follow-up care based on your treatment needs.
The number of visits and whether you’ll need a temporary crown can vary according to the restoration, laboratory workflow, and clinical circumstances.
Comfort During & After Crown Treatment
Local anesthesia is used to numb the treatment area during tooth preparation. Tell us about dental anxiety, sensitivity, or other comfort concerns before the procedure so we can address them as part of your care.
Some patients may experience temporary sensitivity or mild discomfort after treatment. Contact our office if discomfort is significant or persistent, if it worsens, or if the crown feels uneven when you bite.
How Long Do Crowns Last?
Crown longevity varies rather than following a fixed timeline. Material, fit, oral hygiene, chewing forces, tooth grinding, diet, and the health of the supporting tooth and gums can all affect how long a restoration remains serviceable.
Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices can support crown longevity. Brush daily, clean between your teeth, and don’t use a crowned tooth to open packaging or break hard objects. A crown can still develop problems if decay forms near its margins or the supporting tooth and surrounding tissues aren’t maintained.