Crowns
Driftwood Dental Studio places dental crowns in Wilmington, NC to restore teeth that are cracked, broken, heavily filled or worn, to protect a tooth after a root canal, and to top a dental implant. Dr. Jenny Turek and Dr. Prasad Vasamsetti design each crown from a digital scan, with no goopy impression trays, and match it to the shape and shade of your natural teeth.
Cracked or broken tooth? Call (910) 834-8787 or request an appointment online.
When a tooth needs a crown
A filling repairs a small part of a tooth. A crown covers the whole tooth above the gumline, holding it together and taking the chewing force so the tooth underneath does not split. A crown is usually recommended when a tooth has:
- A crack or fracture, especially one that hurts when you bite
- A large old filling with not enough healthy tooth around it, or a filling that keeps breaking
- A root canal, which leaves the tooth more brittle; back teeth usually need a crown afterward
- Heavy wear from grinding that has flattened or shortened the tooth
- A dental implant underneath it: the crown is the visible tooth on top of the implant
How getting a crown works
- Preparing the tooth. We numb the tooth, remove any decay or old filling material, and shape the tooth so the crown will fit over it.
- Digital scan. We scan the prepared tooth and your bite and choose the shade with you, so the crown fits your bite and blends in.
- Your new crown. If your crown is made by a dental laboratory, you wear a temporary crown until it is ready. We then check the fit, bite and color and cement it permanently.
This short animation shows how a crown restores a damaged tooth.
Crown, filling, bonding or implant?
A filling is right when the damage is small and plenty of healthy tooth remains. Bonding repairs small chips and cosmetic flaws in a single visit. A crown is for teeth that are cracked, root-canaled or mostly filling. If a tooth cannot hold a crown because too little of it remains, an implant is usually the better long-term answer, and we will say so. See our Dental Implants page.
Cost and insurance
The cost of a crown depends on the tooth and the material, and your exam gives you an exact quote. Most dental plans cover part of the cost of a crown when it is needed to restore a damaged tooth. We are in-network with more than 30 dental plans, including Delta Dental, Cigna, MetLife, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Humana and Guardian. We verify your benefits and give you a written estimate before treatment, and we offer CareCredit and Sunbit financing. See our Financial Information page.
Caring for a crown
Brush and floss a crowned tooth like any other; the tooth underneath can still decay at the edge of the crown, which is why regular cleanings matter. Avoid chewing ice and hard candy. If you grind at night, a custom nightguard protects the crown and the teeth around it. A crown typically lasts 10 to 15 years or more.
Frequently asked questions about crowns
Does getting a crown hurt?
No. The tooth is numbed while we prepare it. Some sensitivity to cold for a week or two afterward is normal.
Will the crown look like a real tooth?
Yes. Your crown is designed from a digital scan and matched to the shape and shade of your natural teeth.
How long do crowns last?
Typically 10 to 15 years or more with good home care and regular checkups.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
On a back tooth, usually yes, because a root-canaled molar without a crown is more likely to crack. On a front tooth with little damage, a filling is sometimes enough.
Does insurance cover crowns?
Most plans cover part of the cost when a crown is needed to restore a damaged tooth. We check your benefits and give you a written estimate before treatment.
Visit us
Driftwood Dental Studio is at 5225 Sigmon Rd, Suite 130, Wilmington, NC 28403, just off Market Street near Mayfaire. We are open Monday through Wednesday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Thursday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM; and Friday, 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Call (910) 834-8787 or request an appointment online.
