Dental Crowns in Lakewood, Ohio

When injuries or decay damage teeth, fillings are not always the right choice for repair. In these cases, dental crowns help restore the tooth’s structure and function. For residents of Lakewood, Ohio, in need of restorative dentistry, Greg DeVor, DDS, crafts and places dental crowns to repair damage, eliminate discomfort, and restore your smile.

What Are Dental Crowns?

A dental crown provides a cap for a damaged tooth. This damage often results from cavities, decay, and injuries, but teeth may also lose their shape due to wear-and-tear. A dental crown provides a custom-molded cover that is precisely sized to fit over a broken tooth and provides several benefits, including:

• Covers discolored and unsightly teeth
• Corrects misshapen teeth to a healthier form
• Restores normal chewing and biting function
Protects against further damage and deterioration

While fillings repair a small hole in an affected tooth, crowns offer fuller coverage. As a result, they are often used when the damaged area is too large to repair by filling. Additionally, dental crowns can also be used as part of more extensive repairs to hold dental bridges or implants in place.

Types of Crowns Available

Greg DeVor, DDS offers several types of crowns and will work with you to determine the best option for your needs. Choices largely depend on the tooth's location and function, as well as where your gums begin. Based on these factors, we can help you select from the following choices:

• Metal: The longest-lasting crowns are made of metal, including gold, palladium, nickel, chromium, or a combination. They rarely chip or break, even under powerful biting forces.
• Porcelain and metal: An inner layer of metal provides strength to a porcelain shell that matches the color and appearance of neighboring teeth.
• Porcelain or ceramic: Crowns of pure porcelain or ceramic offer the best natural color match. They're also an excellent option for patients with metal allergies.
• Composite Resin: Patients looking for an affordable alternative often choose resin. These crowns are less expensive than other materials and offer a good match to neighboring teeth.

Dental Crown Installation and Maintenance

Once you have chosen a material for your new dental crown, one of our experienced dentists will install it. Our process follows these steps:

1. Your dentist will clean the tooth, removing any debris and decaying material.
2. An impression is made of your tooth. This allows us to custom manufacture a crown that will fit securely.
3. We will fit you with a temporary crown to restore mouth function and protect the tooth against further damage. Temporary crowns are secured with weak adhesive, making them easy to remove when we're ready to install the permanent fixture.
4. When your new crown is ready, the dentist places it in your mouth and adjusts it to find a comfortable fit. The crown will then be permanently cemented into place.
After receiving a crown, patients should care for their teeth as normal. In addition to regular brushing and flossing, avoid chewing hard foods or objects, like pen caps. This can chip the crown or weaken the cement, requiring additional maintenance.

Learn More about Dental Crowns from Greg DeVor, DDS

If you or a loved one in Lakewood, OH, need a dental crown, schedule an appointment with Greg DeVor, DDS. With nearly 20 years of experience serving the oral health needs of area families, Dr. DeVor and his team will provide the high-quality care you deserve in a calm, welcoming environment to make treatment stress-free. To learn more, contact us today.