--- title: "Dental Crowns Wildwood, MO | Strong & Natural Restorations" description: "Protect and restore damaged teeth with dental crowns in Wildwood, MO. Durable, natural-looking solutions for a healthy smile. Book today!" url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-crown publisher: Town Center Dental phone: +1-636-273-5866 quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment --- ![A treatment room with an intraoral scanner at Town Center Dental](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/_astro/scanner-operatory.DBMxNAgi_1SmOoK.avif) # Dental Crown A dental crown is a cap that covers a tooth to restore its shape and size. It can strengthen a tooth with a large filling, protect a weak tooth, cover a discolored tooth or sit on an implant. Your dentist explains why a crown is advised and what your options are. [Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866) ## Used when a filling is not enough The American Dental Association says a crown can strengthen a tooth with a large filling when not enough tooth remains. ## Many uses Crowns also hold bridges, cover implants, protect weak teeth and cover discolored or badly shaped teeth. ## Ask why a crown is advised It is fair to ask what your dentist sees on the X-ray or in the tooth, and what happens if you wait. ## Speak up about the bite Tell your office if a new crown feels high or uneven, or if sensitivity does not settle. A dental crown is a tooth-like covering that is placed over the tooth, and is also referred to as a dental cap. The job of a dental crown is to replace the appearance of a damaged tooth. Over time, teeth can become damaged because of tooth decay, misuse, or injuries. A crown will cover the entire visible portion of the tooth and they are only used in cases where most of the tooth has sustained damage. For this reason, it is important to know the state of your teeth. Schedule cleanings every six months with us at Town Center Dental and don’t wait on damaged teeth. That way any decay will be caught before it grows more troublesome. If a crown is necessary for your dental well-being, here’s what to expect out of the procedure. ## Your First Appointment A crown procedure will require two appointments. The first appointment involves examining and preparing the damaged tooth. First, the dentist will take an x-ray of the tooth, its roots, and the bone that surrounds it. This will help the dentist determine the extent of the decay. Pulp is the innermost part of a tooth that is made up of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. If the pulp has sustained damage, then a root canal treatment will be required before the crown. Afterward, your dentist will begin to prepare the tooth to receive a crown. Teeth must be the right shape for a crown. The dentist will achieve this by reshaping the tooth. Beforehand, the dentist will inject the patient with a local anesthetic. Following this, the dentist will file or build up your damaged tooth in order to be able to support the crown. Then, the dentist will make an impression of the tooth using a kind of paste. Finally, your tooth will be covered with a temporary crown and held in place with a temporary cement. ## Your Second Appointment A few weeks later, your personal crown will return after being manufactured at a dental laboratory. This crown can be made of a handful of different materials including metals like gold or silver, porcelain, ceramic, or resin. Now your doctor can check to make sure that the color matches and that the crown is a perfect fit. Finally, local anesthetics will be injected once more, and your crown can be permanently cemented into place. Your new dental crown can last up to 15 years provided with proper dental care. This means that your teeth are still susceptible to decay and gum disease so keep up your health with a proper oral hygiene routine. ## Where To Get Your Dental Crown Please allow our team at Town Center Dental to handle your upcoming dental crown procedure. Trust us to restore your smile to its best and consult with our experienced dental professionals now by calling [636-273-5866](tel:6362735866). Crown, filling or other option: what to ask Situation Common options Question for your dentist Small cavity Filling Is there enough healthy tooth for a filling to hold? Large filling failing Crown Will a crown strengthen this tooth? Cracked or weak tooth Crown or bonding How can the tooth be protected? Discolored or oddly shaped tooth Crown, veneer or bonding Which keeps more of my natural tooth? Missing tooth next to a gap Crown as part of a bridge or implant How does the crown connect to the gap? ## Why would a dentist suggest a crown instead of a filling? A filling replaces part of a tooth. A [crown](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-crown) covers the whole visible tooth. When too little tooth remains to hold a filling, a crown may be the stronger choice. The American Dental Association says a crown can strengthen a tooth with a large filling for this reason. Your dentist can show you the X-ray and the tooth itself, and explain what they see. You can ask what happens if you wait and whether other choices exist. The guide on [crowns versus fillings versus onlays](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/crown-vs-filling-vs-onlay) explains the differences. If you want to know more, ask about [dental fillings](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-fillings), [porcelain crowns](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/porcelain-crown) and what each means for your tooth. Write down your questions before the visit. Your dentist will talk with you about what to expect and explain each step before it starts. ## What can a crown be made of? Materials include metal, porcelain, ceramic and resin. Newer tooth-colored materials such as [porcelain](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/porcelain) and [zirconia](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/zirconia) can match the look of your teeth. The right choice depends on where the tooth sits, how you bite, and your priorities. A front tooth often calls for a tooth-colored crown. A back tooth takes more chewing force, so strength may matter more. Your dentist can talk with you about each trade-off. Until your final crown is ready, you may wear a [temporary crown](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/temporary-crown). Care for it gently and call the office if it comes off. A lost crown is an issue to raise promptly, since the tooth underneath is exposed. If you are unsure, call (636) 273-5866. The team can answer questions and help you book a visit. The office is open Monday to Thursday. ## What if a crowned tooth feels sensitive or the bite feels off? A tooth can feel sensitive for a while after treatment. Your dentist will talk with you about what to expect. Call the office if the crown feels high, loose or sore, or if sensitivity does not settle. Do not wait for it to get worse. Your dentist can check the bite and adjust the crown. Read more about [tooth sensitivity](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/tooth-sensitivity) and a [broken crown](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/broken-crown). If a crown falls off, keep it and call the office during open hours. See [lost filling or loose crown: what to do until you are seen](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/blog/lost-filling-or-loose-crown-what-to-do-until-you-are-seen). Every mouth is different. After your exam, your dentist explains how this applies to you and what your choices are. The office does not publish fees. The team looks at your plan and your treatment, then gives you an estimate for your own case. ## Questions about dental crown [Read the guideDental crowns: types, lifespan and what to expect](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/dental-crowns-guide) ### How long do dental crowns last on molars? There is no single number. Crown life depends on the material, how much natural tooth is left, how hard you bite, whether you grind your teeth, and how well you clean around it. Your dentist checks the crown at each exam and can tell you what to watch. ### Do dental crowns hurt afterward? The tooth may feel sore or sensitive for a short time. Your dentist will talk with you about what to expect. Call the office if your bite feels uneven or discomfort does not settle after a few days. ### Why does tooth sensitivity happen after a crown? A tooth that needed a crown may already have been worn, cracked or decayed. Preparing it can leave it sensitive for a while. Tell your dentist if sensitivity lasts or gets worse so the bite and the tooth can be checked. ### Why do dentists suggest crowns? When a tooth is weak, cracked or has a large filling, a crown can protect it. The American Dental Association says a crown can strengthen a tooth with a large filling. You can always ask to see the X-ray and ask about other options. ### What is a temporary crown? It is a short-term cover placed while a lab makes your final crown. Treat it gently and avoid sticky or hard foods on that side. Call the office during open hours if it comes off or breaks, because the tooth underneath is exposed. ## Related services - [Porcelain Crown](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/porcelain-crown) - [Dental Fillings](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-fillings) - [Root Canal Treatment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/root-canal) - [Dental Bridge](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-bridge) - [Dental Implants](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-implant) ## Sources - [American Dental Association MouthHealthy: Crowns](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/crowns) ## Ready when you are [Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)