Dental Crowns in Raleigh

On occasion, patients may experience issues with their teeth becoming damaged, decayed, or even less aesthetically pleasing than the surrounding teeth. In these cases, dental crowns can be an excellent solution to restore the surface of your teeth back to a naturally beautiful and healthy shine.

What is a Dental Crown?

When dentists examine the ‘crowns’ of your teeth, they are referring to the surface of your tooth that shows over the gum-line. When this area is damaged, a dental crown is a covering that sits directly on top of the tooth to help protect the remaining tooth structure and improve oral hygiene. Crowns are typically shaded to the color of your existing teeth but can be constructed using a variety of materials such as metal, resin, porcelain, or ceramic.

Dentists recommend placing a dental crown when a patient’s tooth is damaged by cracking, decay, or significant fractures. Crowns can also be used to improve the look of unsightly teeth or protect weak areas on the surface of the teeth.

Raleigh_Dental-175

Anna Abernethy, DDS

Dr. Abernethy, originally from Concord, North Carolina, moved to Raleigh for college and graduated from Meredith College in 2001 with a degree in biology and a minor in chemical physics. Her journey towards dentistry began unexpectedly when she experienced a dental emergency during her college years, leading her to explore the field through externship programs. Witnessing a patient's life-changing smile makeover after a car accident inspired her to become a dentist. She pursued her dental education at UNC-Chapel Hill Dental School, actively participating in various community service initiatives and events. After graduation, she gained valuable experience as an associate in a dental practice.

Raleigh_Dental-141

Jill Sonner, DDS

Dr. Sonner, a Raleigh native, completed her undergraduate studies at NCSU in Biological Sciences in 1999. She pursued dental education at UNC Dental School and trained at Fayetteville VA Medical Center, gaining skills in treating medically compromised and geriatric patients, and in advanced surgical techniques, including implant placement. She achieved Fellowship with The International Dental Implant Association, mentored by Dr. Arun Garg. Dr. Sonner, alongside Drs. Abernethy and Wells, took part in a mission to the Dominican Republic, contributing to dental implant surgeries, enhancing chewing function for locals who wouldn't otherwise have the chance. Their efforts significantly improved the quality of life for many recipients.

Raleigh_Dental-177

Anita Wells, DDS

Dr. Anita Wells, developed her passion for dentistry in her hometown of Pinehurst, inspired by her childhood dentist's compassionate and personalized care. From a young age, she was fascinated by his ability to transform lives through beautiful smiles. Observing his artistic skills and the positive impact he made on patients, she decided to pursue dentistry. Dr. Wells graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor's degree in Biology and Chemistry, and later earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery with the highest honors. After practicing in Chapel Hill, she co-founded Renaissance Dental Center in 2009, aiming to provide personalized dental care based on her dedication to changing people's lives.

Dental Crown Process

Before a final crown can be placed, X-rays will need to be taken of the tooth or teeth in question to determine if there is any damage below the gum line. If the root and gums are stable, your dentist will remove the decayed areas of the tooth before reshaping it to prepare for the fitting of the crown.

Next, impressions of the tooth will be made as a tool for the lab to construct your crown, a process taking about two to three weeks to complete. In the meantime, your dentist may place a temporary crown, typically made from acrylic, to protect the reshaped tooth from further damage.

When your crown is complete, you will need to schedule an additional appointment for removal of the temporary crown and placement of the final one. Your dentist may suggest a dose of local anesthetic, so you are comfortable during the procedure. Once the color and shape of the crown are approved, it is cemented into place, and you are free to go with your new smile.

Dental Crowns Vs. Veneers

When considering your dental options, you may be wondering what procedure is best for your particular circumstance. If you have compared the options of crowns and veneers, it’s important to note that these procedures differ in placement, purpose, and functionality.

Veneers: Veneers are thin shells, typically made of porcelain, that cover the front surface of your teeth to alter their color, size, and shape. They can hide signs of discoloration. However, they serve mostly as a cosmetic option rather than a restorative procedure.

Crowns: Patients who need a dental crown typically are interested in restoring both the appearance and functionality of their teeth. As opposed to veneers, crowns cover the all the surfaces of the tooth above the gum line, allowing for more effective chewing and biting when eating. The treatment does have cosmetic benefits, but the primary purpose is focused on the repair of damaged and/or decayed teeth.

It’s always best to discuss multiple treatment options with your dentist to assure you are choosing the correct procedure for your dental concern.

Cost of Dental Crowns

The cost of a dental crown, much like any other dental procedure, differs based on your insurance plan. Cost of the treatment will also vary based on the type of material used to construct your crown. Before visiting your dentist, it would be helpful to check with your insurance company to review your coverage for crowns.

Knowing this information before going into your appointment will help both you and your dentist to determine what crown will fit best for your circumstance. You can also discuss financing options with your dental team if you are interested in a crown that is not covered or only partially covered by your insurance plan.

Dental crowns can dramatically change the lives of individuals with damaged teeth. By providing a healthy alternative to repairing teeth, you can be confident again in your smile. If you’re experiencing trouble with decaying or broken teeth, don’t wait to contact your dentist to see if you are a candidate for a crown procedure.

What Happens In A Smile Consultation?

Setting expectations can be the first part of a smile consultation.   Here is some information to outline what to expect during a smile consultation with Renaissance Dental Center. The first part of a smile makeover consultation is for the patient to discuss their goals with the dentist.  Some of the most popular smile makeover goals include the following:

  • Replacing missing or decaying teeth with Dental Implants
  • Straightening crooked, weak or thin teeth with Clear Aligner Therapy
  • Whitening severely stained teeth
  • Lengthening teeth that are too short with Veneers
  • Filling gaps in between teeth with Bioclear

Second it is important for patients to expect the dentist to help them consider different procedures. The dentists at Renaissance Dental Center and our staff are trained to know what procedures will work best for certain conditions, which is why they help recommend the appropriate ones. For example, a cracked tooth may benefit from a dental crown or dental bonding, both of which are smile makeover options. Once the dentist makes their recommendation, the patient can begin to consider their options.

Your timeline is another expectation for the smile makeover consultation is for a timeline to be determined. Most patients want to know how long the process will take so that they can prepare appropriately. Certain smile makeover procedures may take a few months, which is good to be aware of prior to the process beginning. On the flip side, it is good to be aware of procedures that may not take as long, which can be helpful if the patient needs to undergo multiple procedures, such as teeth straightening and whitening. Oftentimes, multiple procedures are combined to complete a smile makeover because there may be multiple goals. Being aware of how long it may take can be helpful for the patient.

Done be afraid to ask questions.  The last part of the smile makeover consultation is to go over questions and concerns. Patients should expect the dentist and staff to discuss concerns that they have with the treatment and vice versa. Our team will answer any questions or concerns regarding the smile makeover so that the patient knows what to expect and how to prepare. This part of the consultation is extremely important because it allows for open communication between the dentist and the patient.