Crowns Q&A

If you break a tooth as the result of a sports-related injury or after biting down on a hard object like a piece of candy or popcorn kernel, you might benefit from a restorative procedure, such as a dental crown. At Albemarle Dental Associates in Charlottesville, Virginia, the team proudly offers dental crowns to help restore their patients’ smiles. To request your consultation with the team, call the office or book online today.


What are dental crowns?

A dental crown is a type of protective covering designed to restore a damaged or badly decaying tooth to its near-original size, shape, and physical condition. After your dentist cements your crown in place, it covers the entire visible portion of your tooth that sits above your gums. 

Additionally, crowns are made from a variety of materials including, resin, porcelain, gold, and silver amalgam. Your dentist at Albemarle Dental Associates works with you to determine the type of crown that best meets your individual needs. 

Who can benefit from dental crowns?

Dental crowns can address a variety of oral health problems. Your dentist might recommend a crown to:

  • Protect a weak tooth
  • Hold a cracked tooth together
  • Hold a dental bridge in place
  • Cover a tooth with a large filling
  • Improve the appearance of a worn or discolored tooth

If you receive dental implants, your dentist might also use a crown to cover up your artificial tooth root. 

What is the process for receiving dental crowns?

Receiving a dental crown usually takes a series of appointments. At your initial consultation, your dentist at Albemarle Dental Associates thoroughly examines your tooth and gums, reviews your medical history, and asks you about your goals for treatment. They might also order a series of X-rays to get a better look at your jawbone and tooth roots. If your affected tooth is healthy and free of infection, your dentist moves forward with treatment. 

After administering an anesthetic, your dentist reshapes your tooth, filing down any sharp or pointed edges. If you have a decaying tooth, they might also recommend a filling to help support the crown. Next, your dentist uses a putty-like material to make a mold of your tooth. Your dentist sends the mold to a laboratory that manufactures your crown.

A week later, you return to Albemarle Dental Associates, and your dentist cements your crown in place. The entire process takes about 60 minutes, and you leave the office with a brilliant new smile. 

To see if you’re a candidate for dental crowns, make an appointment at Albemarle Dental Associates today. Call the office or request an appointment online.