Dental Crowns in Bay City, MI

Dental crowns can be used to repair teeth that might otherwise be beyond repair, and in doing so, they solve pain problems and protect your smile. If you have one or more teeth that are badly damaged or cracked, and you don’t want to have that tooth extracted, dental crowns or caps are a potential solution. Dental crowns are also used to anchor dental bridges, to cover an implant, and in a variety of other treatments offered by Dr. Ward. Visit Bay City Dental Center today to learn more about the potential benefits of dental crowns at our office in Bay City, MI.

Custom dental crowns created by Dr. Ward are an effective way to repair and restore your smile with a number of great benefits, including:

• Saving teeth that are severely damaged
• Protecting teeth with a history of decay
• Restoring cracked, damaged, or worn down teeth
• Addressing misshapen teeth
• Relieving tooth pain and sensitivity
• Improving chewing and eating
• Creating a straighter, more beautiful smile
• Offering options that look just like your natural teeth
• Providing long-lasting durability and strength

The best candidates for a dental crown have one or more teeth that have been weakened by severe decay or damage. Often this includes teeth that are chipped, cracked, broken, worn down, or have had large dental fillings. Ideal candidates for dental crowns should also have good overall oral health with no periodontal disease. Dental crowns are an excellent way to save the affected tooth while enhancing the strength and beauty of your smile.

We offer several different types of dental crowns. Each tooth is different, and depending on the size and location of the tooth, we are able to use our vast array of different crowns to restore your tooth to its proper form and function. Our staff is able to provide everything from ceramic and porcelain-fused crowns to metal and full-gold crowns.

Choosing the right kind of crown is best done in consultation with a dental professional, such as Dr. Matthew Ward. We’re always happy to help our patients to find treatment solutions that relieve their pain, improve the appearance of their smile, and fit their lifestyle and budget.

Installing a dental crown usually involves two visits to our office. During the first visit, Dr. Ward will take x-rays, examine the tooth and the surrounding teeth, and make sure that the bone surrounding the tooth is still viable and strong enough to hold the tooth and its crown in place.

If significant decay exists, he might feel it’s necessary to perform a root canal procedure to ensure the crown doesn’t cover an active infection. In that case, our staff will use a local anesthetic to numb the area while we shape and file the teeth to accept the crown. If the tooth is cracked or broken, we may also add tooth-filling material where necessary to build it up enough to support the filling. We will take an impression of the tooth so the crown can be created. A temporary crown is fitted at the end of this appointment, and a follow-up is scheduled for the final procedure.

The second appointment is when the newly created dental crown will be fitted. Dr. Ward will remove the temporary crown, clean the tooth, and fix the new crown in place with a special adhesive. At this appointment, an x-ray will also be taken to verify the fit of the crown is precise.

Do I need a dental crown?
Dental crowns are ideal for teeth that have undergone decay or trauma. Crowns can strengthen teeth, restore form and function, mask small imperfections, and improve the appearance of your smile. Our dental crowns are made to blend in perfectly with your other teeth for a seamless grin.

What material is best for my dental crown?
Dental crowns are made from different materials to suit your needs and goals. Dr. Ward can discuss the benefits of the various materials we offer during your consultation. The most common dental crowns are ceramic, porcelain, and metal. Materials like porcelain can be made to match the exact shade of your teeth, which makes them less noticeable than other types of dental crowns.

How long will my dental crown last?
With proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, your new crown should last for many years. However, even the best dental crowns can break or wear down over time. If you need a dental crown replacement, we will work with you to determine the damage and discuss the best options for restoring your smile.

Is it painful to get a dental crown?
You shouldn't feel any pain when Dr. Ward performs the dental crown procedure. He and the Bay City Dental Center team will use a local anesthesia to ensure the tooth and surrounding gums are numb. However, once that anesthesia fades, it's natural to experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity. However, this usually eases up in a few days.

I've been thinking about whitening my smile. Can my dental crown be lightened, too?
Dental crowns, just like veneers and fillings, won't change color with teeth whitening treatments. So, if a brighter smile through professional teeth whitening is on your to-do list, it's a good idea to tackle that before getting a crown. This way, you can match your crown perfectly with your newly whitened teeth.

Once my tooth has a crown, is there any special attention it needs?
Even though your crowned tooth is like royalty, it doesn't demand extra-special care. Remember, good oral hygiene is always vital. Even with a crown, tooth decay can sneak in at the gum line. Dr. Ward recommends you steer clear of munching on super-hard foods or objects to avoid damaging your crown.

Dental cavities, broken teeth, and other issues could be best addressed with a crown from our Bay City, MI facility. A crown might help keep you from experiencing additional challenges while reestablishing your normal oral function and an improved aesthetic appearance for your tooth. Get in touch with Bay City Dental Center to schedule a treatment consultation with our dental practitioners and learn if a crown or another restoration is recommended for your needs.