Where to Get Durable, Natural-Looking Dental Crowns in Northeast Columbia, SC

‍

If you have a damaged, weakened, or severely discolored tooth, a dental crown can restore both its function and appearance. At Brickyard Dental Group in Northeast Columbia, SC, we specialize in providing high-quality, custom-made dental crowns designed to strengthen and protect your teeth while blending seamlessly with your natural smile. Our crowns are crafted from durable, aesthetic materials like porcelain and ceramic, ensuring long-lasting results that look and feel just like real teeth.

Whether you need to repair a cracked tooth, cover a large filling, or complete a root canal treatment, our expert dental team is here to help. With state-of-the-art technology and personalized care, we make the process comfortable and efficient, so you can enjoy a stronger, healthier smile for years to come.

What Are Dental Crowns Used For?

‍

Dental crowns, or tooth crowns, are custom-made caps placed over teeth to restore their shape, size, strength, and appearance. They’re incredibly versatile, offering solutions for various dental issues, such as:

• Improving the shape and symmetry of misshapen teeth
• Strengthening weakened teeth to prevent further damage
• Protecting teeth that have undergone root canal treatment
• Serving as anchors for dental bridges
• Covering dental implants for a natural look
• Correcting cosmetic imperfections for a uniform smile
• Supporting and securing large fillings when there isn’t enough natural tooth left

How Do I Know If I Need a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a versatile restoration that can address various dental issues, from structural damage to cosmetic concerns. If you're experiencing persistent tooth pain, noticeable wear, or have recently undergone a dental procedure, a crown may be the ideal solution to restore both the function and appearance of your tooth. Here are some key signs that indicate you might need a dental crown:

1. You Have a Cracked or Broken Tooth

Teeth that are cracked, chipped, or broken due to trauma or grinding may require a crown to prevent further damage and restore full function. Unlike fillings, which are best for small cavities, crowns completely encase the damaged tooth, protecting it from further fractures or bacterial infections.

2. Your Tooth Has Severe Decay

When a tooth has extensive decay that compromises its structure, a traditional filling may not be enough to restore it. A dental crown reinforces and strengthens the remaining healthy portion of the tooth while sealing out bacteria that could lead to additional decay or infection.

3. You’ve Had a Root Canal Treatment

A root canal removes infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, leaving it more fragile than before. To protect the weakened tooth from breaking and to restore its function, a dental crown is often placed over it. Without a crown, a root canal-treated tooth is at a higher risk of fractures.

4. Your Tooth Is Worn Down from Grinding or Acid Erosion

If you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding) or acid erosion from conditions like acid reflux or a highly acidic diet, your teeth may become significantly worn down. When enamel wears away, teeth can become sensitive, weak, and more prone to fractures. A crown can restore lost structure and prevent further damage.

5. You Need to Replace a Large Filling

If you have an old, oversized filling that has weakened the structure of your tooth, a crown may be a more durable long-term solution. Large fillings can cause teeth to crack or break over time, and replacing them with a crown provides better protection and longevity.

6. You Have a Misshapen or Severely Discolored Tooth

For cosmetic concerns, such as a misshapen tooth or deep discoloration that does not respond to teeth whitening, a crown can dramatically improve the appearance of your smile. Porcelain and ceramic crowns are custom-made to blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth, giving you a natural and uniform smile.

7. You’ve Had a Dental Implant Placed

If you have a missing tooth that has been replaced with a dental implant, a crown is the final piece of the restoration. The crown is attached to the implant, creating a fully functional and natural-looking replacement tooth that restores both aesthetics and bite function.

Determine if a Crown is Right for You

If you're experiencing any of the above symptoms, it’s important to schedule an evaluation with a trusted dentist. At Brickyard Dental Group in Northeast Columbia, SC, we assess your specific dental needs and recommend the most effective solution to restore your oral health. A dental crown could be the key to preserving your natural tooth, enhancing your smile, and preventing future complications.

The Best Option for Dental Crowns in Northeast Columbia

At Brickyard Dental Group, we make the dental crown application process as comfortable and efficient as possible. Here’s what you can expect during your dental crown procedure:

1. The affected tooth is carefully shaped and prepared.
2. We create an impression of your tooth using a specialized putty mold.
3. The mold is sent to a lab where your permanent crown is crafted to match your natural teeth.
4. You’ll receive a temporary crown to protect your tooth until your permanent crown is ready. During this time, avoid sticky or hard foods, and floss with care to protect the temporary crown.
5. When ready, we’ll apply the permanent dental crown, ensuring it is a perfect fit for your smile.

Our team of dental experts make getting a crown in Northeast Columbia as stress-free as possible. If you need to get a crown, one of our dentists will be happy to answer any questions you have before scheduling your procedure.

What Are Dental Inlays and Onlays? Are They Crowns?

Dental inlays and onlays are advanced restorative treatments designed to repair teeth that have sustained damage or decay too extensive for standard fillings but not severe enough to require full crowns. At Brickyard Dental Group in Columbia, SC, we specialize in providing these custom solutions to restore both the function and aesthetics of your teeth.

Dental Inlays and Onlays Explained

Inlays and onlays, often referred to as partial crowns, are custom-made restorations fabricated from durable materials such as porcelain or ceramic. An inlay fits within the grooves of a tooth, effectively addressing cavities or damage between the cusps. An onlay, on the other hand, extends over one or more cusps of the tooth, covering a larger area and providing additional reinforcement. This approach preserves more of the natural tooth structure compared to traditional crowns.

What to Expect Getting Inlays or Onlays

Our dental experts are here to help you understand how the Inlay and Onlay process works, and what to expect during your procedure. Receiving an inlay or onlay typically involves two dental appointments.

First, An Initial Consultation and Tooth Preparation:

During your first visit, our dental team will assess the affected tooth to determine the appropriate treatment. The damaged or decayed portion of the tooth is then carefully removed, and the tooth is prepared for the restoration. An impression of the prepared tooth is taken to ensure a precise fit for the custom inlay or onlay. A temporary filling may be placed to protect the tooth until the permanent restoration is ready.‍

Next, Fabrication and Placement‍

The impression is sent to a specialized dental laboratory where skilled technicians craft your inlay or onlay to match the exact specifications of your tooth. Once the restoration is complete, you will return for a second appointment. The temporary filling is removed, and the new inlay or onlay is meticulously bonded to your tooth using a strong dental adhesive, restoring its natural function and appearance.

What are the Benefits of Inlays and Onlays?

• Durability: Crafted from high-quality materials, inlays and onlays are designed to withstand the forces of chewing, offering a long-lasting solution.
• Aesthetic Appeal: The use of porcelain or ceramic allows for a restoration that closely matches the color and translucency of your natural teeth, resulting in a seamless appearance.
• Conservation of Tooth Structure: Unlike full crowns, inlays and onlays require minimal removal of healthy tooth structure, preserving more of your natural tooth.
• Enhanced Strength: By bonding directly to the tooth, these restorations can strengthen the tooth and provide a better seal, reducing the risk of future decay.

How to Care for Your Inlay or Onlay

Maintaining your inlay or onlay involves the same good oral hygiene practices as caring for your natural teeth:

• Regular Brushing and Flossing: Keep your teeth and restorations clean by brushing twice daily and flossing once a day.
• Routine Dental Check-Ups: Visit our Columbia office regularly for professional cleanings and examinations to ensure the longevity of your restoration.
• Avoid Hard Foods: While durable, it's advisable to avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or pens to prevent potential damage to your restoration.

Is an Inlay or Onlay Right for Me?

If you have a tooth with moderate decay or damage that is not extensive enough to require a full crown, an inlay or onlay may be an ideal solution. These dental restorations offer a conservative approach to preserving your natural tooth structure while providing strength and aesthetic benefits.

At Brickyard Dental Group, we are committed to offering personalized restorative dentistry solutions tailored to your specific needs. Our experienced team will work closely with you to determine the best treatment plan to restore your smile and oral health.

Schedule an Appointment for a Dental Crown

Ready to restore your smile with a dental crown? Contact Brickyard Dental Group near Northeast Columbia, SC, today to schedule your dental crown appointment and learn more about our restorative dental solutions.