Is your tooth feeling weak, damaged, or just not looking its best?
At Cavanaugh Dental in Lansing, MI, we believe every part of your smile should be strong, healthy, and something you’re proud to show off. Think of a dental crown as a custom-made protective cap for your tooth. It’s like a durable helmet that restores the tooth’s natural shape, strength, and appearance.
Our caring Lansing dental team works with you to design a crown that not only protects your tooth but blends beautifully with your smile. Using high-quality materials like porcelain and ceramic, we provide crowns that look and feel natural. Visit us whether you need to restore a weakened tooth or simply want to renew your confidence.
Let Dr. Daniel Dersken, Dr. John McRee, and Dr. Sheridan Kelley give your tooth the second chance it deserves. Together, we can rebuild your smile’s strength, function, and beauty.
Dental Crowns in Lansing, MI
Think of a dental crown as a “rebuild” for your damaged tooth. It’s a solution that fixes both health and cosmetic issues. Here’s a breakdown of the most common reasons why we might recommend a crown at Cavanaugh Dental.
A dental crown can:
- Save & Protect a Damaged Tooth: This is the most common reason. A new crown can rescue a tooth that can’t be fixed with a simple filling. When decay is so extensive that a filling would be too large and weak, a crown surrounds the tooth to hold it together.
- Repair a Cracked or Fractured Tooth: A crack can run deep and cause pain or lead to infection. A crown holds the pieces together, seals the tooth, and prevents the crack from getting worse.
- Fix a Severely Worn-Down Tooth: This can happen from grinding (bruxism), acid erosion, or just years of use. A crown restores the tooth to its proper size and shape.
- Restore a Tooth After a Root Canal: A tooth that has had a root canal is often more brittle and prone to cracking. A crown is essential to protect this now-lifeless tooth, allowing you to chew normally without fear of it breaking.
- To Anchor a Dental Bridge: If you have a missing tooth, a bridge closes the gap. The teeth on either side of the space are crowned to hold the false tooth (pontic) in between.
- For Cosmetic Enhancement: Crowns aren’t just for repair; they can create stunning smile transformations.
- Hide Severely Discolored or Stained Teeth: When professional teeth whitening isn’t enough for deep, internal stains.
- Misshapen or Undersized Teeth: A crown can create a uniform smile by hiding oddly-shaped teeth.
- To Cover a Dental Implant: The crown is the final, visible tooth that is attached to the implant post in your jaw. It completes your implant restoration.
Do you think you might need a crown? Common signs include:
- A tooth that is sensitive to temperature or pressure.
- A toothache or throbbing pain.
- A visible crack, chip, or large dark spot.
- A tooth that feels rough or broken to your tongue.
- You’ve been told you have a large, old filling that needs replacing.
A crown is a long-term investment in saving your real tooth, relieving pain, and restoring your smile’s full function and beauty. It’s about giving a troubled tooth a strong new lease on life.
The Dental Crown Procedure
Getting a dental crown at Cavanaugh Dental typically involves two visits:
- First Visit: During the first visit, the dentist will examine your tooth to see if it’s ready for a crown. The area around your tooth will be numbed to ensure comfort throughout the procedure. The dentist will then remove any old or failing restorations, such as fillings, and reshape your tooth to prepare it for the crown. We will take an impression of your tooth and send it to the dental lab where the permanent crown is crafted. To protect your tooth in the meantime, we’ll place a temporary crown on it.
- Second Visit: On your second visit, the temporary crown will be removed. The dentist will check the color, shape, and fit of your new crown to ensure it matches perfectly. Once everything is confirmed, we will bond the permanent crown to your tooth using special cement. This completes the restoration process.
Wondering if a crown is the right solution for you? The team at Cavanaugh Dental in Lansing is here to listen, examine, and explain your options clearly. We’ll make sure you understand exactly what’s happening and why a recommendation is being made, so you can feel confident in your care.
Patient Review
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a crown?
The process usually takes two separate visits. Your first appointment, where we prepare the tooth and fit a temporary crown, will last about 60 to 90 minutes. You’ll then go home for a week or two while our lab custom-makes your permanent crown.
Your second visit, where we securely place the final crown, is much shorter. From start to finish, the entire process typically takes about two weeks to give you a perfect, lasting fit.
What foods should I avoid after getting a crown?
It’s best to be a little careful with your snacks to protect your new crown. Avoid very sticky foods like caramel, taffy, and gum, as they can pull the crown loose. You should also skip extremely hard foods like nuts, popcorn kernels, ice, and hard candy, which could crack or chip it.
Cutting harder foods like apples into smaller pieces is a smart move. Once your permanent crown is securely placed, you can return to most normal foods. Treating it kindly will help it last for years.
Will getting a crown hurt?
During the procedure itself, you shouldn’t feel any pain. We thoroughly numb the area around your tooth so you are completely comfortable. After the numbing wears off, it’s normal to have some mild sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures or a little gum soreness for a few days.
This temporary sensitivity usually fades quickly. We can recommend simple solutions to manage any tenderness, and you should always call us if you have sharp or persistent pain.
How long will my dental crown last?
With great care, a dental crown is a long-term investment in your smile. They often last between 10 to 15 years, and many last even longer. Its lifespan depends on your daily habits like practicing good oral hygiene and avoiding using your teeth as tools. Just like your natural teeth, it will benefit from regular check-ups so we can ensure everything stays in perfect shape for as long as possible.
Can I eat normally with a dental crown?
Yes! One of the main goals of a crown is to let you eat comfortably and confidently again. Once your permanent crown is cemented and any sensitivity subsides, you can enjoy most of your favorite foods. We recommend using common sense to avoid habits that could damage any tooth, like chewing on ice, hard candies, or pen caps. Taking care of your crown with good brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits can keep it strong so you can smile and chew with ease.
Scheduling a Dental Exam Today
Ready to enhance your smile with a dental crown? At Cavanaugh Dental, we make it easy for you to take the next step. Call our Lansing, MI dental practice today at (517) 760-6845 or request an appointment online anytime.