When a tooth is too damaged for a standard filling, a dental crown can restore its strength, function, and appearance. At Bay View Dental Care, we have provided custom dental crowns to patients throughout Milwaukee and the Bay View area since 1982. A crown is a full-coverage restoration that fits over the visible part of a tooth, protecting it from further damage. Teeth endure tremendous pressure from the jaw muscles, which are the strongest in the human body.
A weakened tooth is always at risk of cracking or breaking. A crown absorbs that stress and holds the tooth together, preventing more serious problems down the road. Our practice is dedicated to quality dental care, ensuring that each patient receives personalized attention.
I’ve been going to Bay View Dental for many years now. They recently did a crown for me. I’ve heard stories about other dental offices, and this is one of the nicer places to go. They had great communication and took great care to make it as painless as possible. I have referred others here. They take the dread out of dental care, and are so understanding! I wish every other care professional would follow their lead–including many medical doctors who just don’t seem to understand the human condition.
What Are Dental Crowns And Their Purpose
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers a tooth above the gum line. Its main purpose is to restore a tooth that is too broken down for a filling alone. Crowns are commonly placed after root canal treatment or when a large filling wears out. The larger the cavity, the more likely a crown becomes necessary.
Even after a filling is placed in a large cavity, the tooth remains vulnerable to breakage. A crown rides over the weakened tooth and provides structural protection. It also restores the natural shape and color of your smile. At Bay View Dental Care, we use crowns to help Milwaukee patients keep their natural teeth longer.
Types Of Dental Crowns Available In Milwaukee
Bay View Dental Care offers several crown materials to match your needs and budget. High-strength porcelain fused to gold alloy provides excellent durability with a natural look. All-ceramic crowns deliver the most lifelike appearance and work well for front teeth. Gold crowns remain an option for patients who want maximum strength in back teeth.
Each material has different advantages in terms of wear resistance, aesthetics, and cost. During your consultation, we will explain the differences and help you choose the right material. We serve patients from Milwaukee, Saint Francis, Cudahy, Greendale, Oak Creek, and surrounding southeastern Wisconsin communities.
The Dental Crown Procedure Explained Step By Step
Restoring a tooth with a crown takes two appointments at our Milwaukee practice. During the first visit, we remove any decay and shape the tooth to accept the crown. Then we take an impression of the prepared tooth. This impression is used to fabricate your custom crown.
We place a temporary crown to protect the tooth while the permanent one is made. At the second appointment, we remove the temporary, adjust the permanent crown for fit and bite, then cement it securely in place. The entire process is straightforward and predictable.
Benefits Of Choosing Dental Crowns For Restoration
Dental crowns offer several important benefits for patients with damaged teeth. They strengthen a weak tooth and protect it from breaking under normal chewing forces. A crown restores a broken or severely worn tooth to full function. It can hold together the pieces of a cracked tooth, preventing the crack from spreading.
Crowns also cover and support teeth with large fillings when little natural tooth structure remains. Beyond function, crowns improve the appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth. They serve as anchors for dental bridges and cover dental implants. For Milwaukee patients, a well-made crown can last many years with proper care.
Aftercare Tips For Maintaining Dental Crowns
Taking care of a crowned tooth is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Brush twice daily and floss around the crown, paying attention to the gum line. Good oral hygiene prevents decay at the margin where the crown meets the tooth. Avoid chewing hard items like ice or popcorn kernels that could chip the porcelain.
Wear a night guard if you grind or clench your teeth during sleep. Schedule regular check-ups at Bay View Dental Care so we can monitor the crown and surrounding teeth. With consistent care, your crown can provide reliable service for a decade or longer.
Common Questions About Dental Crowns Answered
Many Milwaukee patients ask how long a crown will last. Most crowns serve well for 10 to 15 years, though lifespan depends on material, placement, and oral habits. Patients also ask about sensitivity after the procedure. Some mild sensitivity to hot or cold is normal for a few days after placement.
The difference between a crown and a filling is another frequent question. A filling repairs a small area of decay, while a crown covers the entire visible tooth. If you have questions about your specific situation, our team at Bay View Dental Care is ready to provide clear answers.
How To Choose The Right Dental Crown Material
Choosing a crown material depends on the tooth location, your budget, and your aesthetic goals. For front teeth, all-ceramic crowns offer the most natural translucency. For molars that absorb heavy chewing forces, porcelain-fused-to-metal or gold provides extra strength. Cost varies by material, and most insurance plans cover a portion of crown treatment.
Bay View Dental Care accepts most insurance and will help you understand your coverage. We will walk you through the options and recommend a material that balances durability, appearance, and cost. Our goal is a restoration that fits your life and your smile.
What To Expect During Your Dental Crown Appointment
Your first crown appointment at Bay View Dental Care begins with a thorough evaluation of the damaged tooth. We use local anesthetic to keep you comfortable during preparation. After shaping the tooth and taking the impression, we place a temporary crown. The appointment typically lasts about 90 minutes.
You will leave with a protected tooth and a clear plan for the next step. Between visits, avoid sticky or hard foods on the temporary crown. At the second appointment, we remove the temporary, check the fit of the permanent crown, and bond it in place. Most patients find the process easier than expected.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns
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Dental crowns are used to cover and protect damaged teeth. They restore strength and improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, cracked, or weakened.
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The dental crown procedure typically requires two appointments. The first visit involves preparing the tooth and placing a temporary crown, while the second visit is for fitting and cementing the permanent crown.
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There are several materials available for dental crowns, including porcelain, metal, and a combination of both. Each material has its own benefits, such as durability and aesthetics, which can be discussed during your consultation.
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Caring for a dental crown is similar to caring for natural teeth. Regular brushing and flossing, along with avoiding hard foods, will help maintain the crown and surrounding teeth.
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After getting a dental crown, some sensitivity to hot or cold may occur, but this usually subsides within a few days. It’s important to follow up with your dentist for regular check-ups to ensure the crown is functioning well.
Why Choose Bay View Dental Care For Your Dental Crowns
Bay View Dental Care is committed to providing high-quality dental crowns to patients in Milwaukee and the surrounding areas. Our experienced team, led by Dr. Jadwiga Krol, a graduate of Marquette University School of Dentistry, Dr. Peters, and Dr. Veronica Nakhla Druck, understands the importance of restoring your smile. We have been serving the Bay View community since 1982, ensuring that each patient receives personalized care that meets their needs.
We offer a variety of crown materials, including porcelain, gold, and porcelain-fused-to-metal, to match your specific requirements. Our dentists take the time to explain the benefits of each option, helping you make an informed decision. At Bay View Dental Care, we accept most insurance plans and welcome new patients, making it easier for you to get the dental care you deserve.
About UsSchedule Your Consultation For Dental Crowns Today
If you suspect a tooth is compromised by decay or injury, do not wait. A cracked or broken tooth is far more difficult to treat than one protected early with a crown. Bay View Dental Care has served Milwaukee and the Bay View area since 1982 with quality restorative dentistry.
Our experienced dentists will evaluate your tooth and explain whether a dental crown or another procedure is right for you. New patients are always welcome. Call our Milwaukee practice to book a free consultation about your crown treatment and take the first step toward a stronger, healthier smile.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jadwiga Krol on