DENTAL CROWNS BALLANTYNE | CHARLOTTE NC

Dental crowns are essential for protecting and restoring damaged teeth. At our Ballantyne practice, crowns are designed and made in our in-house Natural Smile Dental Lab, which improves both the process and the results. Here’s what that means for you:

• Streamlined Appointments: Complete crown procedure in fewer visits
• Precise Fit and Comfort: Dr. Harrell checks the fit and shade on site, before the crown is placed
• Metal-Free Materials: Biocompatible ceramic, shaded to match your natural teeth
• Preservation of Healthy Tooth Structure: Conservative preparation maintains more of your natural tooth
• Long-Lasting Results: Durable restorations that maintain their appearance and function for years

Here’s what happens during your crown appointment at Adult Dentistry of Ballantyne:

1. Comprehensive Examination

Your visit begins with a thorough evaluation where Dr. Harrell assesses your tooth condition, discusses your restoration needs, and determines the optimal approach for your crown. We’ll explain the procedure in detail and address any questions you might have.

2. Digital Impression Capture

A digital scan replaces traditional putty impressions:

• Tooth Preparation: The affected tooth is carefully prepared to receive the crown
• Digital Scanning: A 3D intraoral scanner captures precise digital images of your prepared tooth
• No Messy Materials: The impression process is clean and comfortable, with no impression putty

3. Computer-Aided Design

Your crown is designed digitally in our in-house Natural Smile Dental Lab, under Dr. Harrell’s direction:

• 3D Modeling: The digital scan is transformed into a detailed three-dimensional model
• Custom Design Creation: Every aspect of your crown is designed for fit and function
• Color Matching: The exact shade is selected to blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth

4. On-Site Fabrication and Placement

Your crown is made right here, in our in-house Natural Smile Dental Lab:

• In-House Fabrication: Your custom ceramic crown is made in our on-site lab
• Customization and Staining: Artistic touches are added to ensure natural appearance
• Final Fit and Adjustment: The crown is tested and adjusted for a proper bite

Permanent Bonding: Once ideal fit is confirmed, the crown is permanently secured to your tooth

Dental crowns are versatile restorations that solve numerous dental problems:

• Severely Decayed Teeth: When a tooth has extensive decay that can’t be addressed with a filling
• Fractured or Cracked Teeth: Providing strength and protection to prevent further damage
• Root Canal Treated Teeth: Protecting and strengthening teeth that have undergone endodontic therapy
• Worn or Eroded Teeth: Restoring proper height and function to damaged tooth structure
• Cosmetic Enhancement: Improving the appearance of misshapen, discolored, or unattractive teeth
• Implant Restoration: Completing a dental implant with a lifelike replacement tooth

Preparation for your crown appointment is straightforward:

• Maintain Regular Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss as usual before your appointment
• Bring Your Dental History: Information about previous dental work helps ensure optimal results
• Block Out Sufficient Time: Plan for adequate time to complete your restoration
• Eat Before Your Appointment: Having a light meal beforehand is recommended as you may experience numbness afterward
• Communicate Any Concerns: Share any dental anxiety or questions with our team before your procedure

Following your dental crown placement, proper care ensures the longevity of your restoration:

• Initial Care: Avoid chewing on the new crown for about 24 hours while the bonding material fully sets
• Normal Oral Hygiene: Continue regular brushing and flossing, paying special attention to the crown margins
• Avoid Excessive Forces: Be cautious with very hard foods and avoid using teeth as tools
• Wear a Nightguard if Recommended: Protect your investment from grinding or clenching during sleep
• Maintain Regular Check-ups: Schedule routine dental exams to ensure ongoing crown integrity