Dental Crown in Winston-Salem, NC

A damaged tooth isn’t something you want to leave unprotected—it causes sensitivity, can affect your ability to chew comfortably, and even lead to further dental complications if left untreated. Everyday actions like eating and speaking rely on strong, healthy teeth, so when one is weakened, it’s essential to reinforce it before more problems arise. A dental crown covers the damaged tooth, strengthening it so you can bite and chew without discomfort.

Dental crowns are one of the most common and effective restorative treatments, and they can even be used with dental implants for a lasting solution. If your tooth needs repair, we’re here to help. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Keider can restore your smile with a custom dental crown, giving your tooth the strength and protection it needs.

What Is a Dental Crown?

Dental Crown in Winston-Salem, NC | Dr. Matthew K. Keider

A dental crown is a custom-made restoration that fully covers a damaged or weakened tooth, reinforcing its structure and restoring its natural function. Dr. Keider carefully shapes the tooth and secures the crown in place, protecting it from further damage while ensuring a seamless fit with your surrounding teeth.

Dental crowns can be made from several materials, including metal, zirconia, and porcelain. At Matthew Keider DDS, we primarily use porcelain because it offers the best combination of durability and aesthetics. Porcelain closely resembles natural tooth enamel, reflecting light in a way that makes it nearly indistinguishable from surrounding teeth. It’s also biocompatible, meaning it’s safe for your gums and unlikely to cause irritation.

With proper care—regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental checkups—a porcelain crown can last up to 15 years, making it a reliable and long-lasting choice.

Why Would You Need a Dental Crown?

There are various reasons why you may need a crown, as they are part of many dental solutions. During your consultation, Dr. Keider will examine your teeth and assess your situation to develop a customized treatment plan.

Protect Damaged Teeth

Dr. Keider uses traditional dental crowns to restore and protect damaged teeth, such as those that are chipped, cracked, or weakened. A crown acts as a protective shield, covering the tooth to prevent further harm and preserve its structure.

Crowns are also commonly recommended after a root canal treatment. Since a treated tooth can become more fragile over time, placing a crown over it helps reinforce its strength while also preventing bacterial exposure and the risk of re-infection. This added protection ensures the tooth remains functional and healthy for years to come.

Replace Missing Teeth

Dr. Keider uses crowns to support a traditional dental bridge, a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by literally “bridging” the gap left by tooth loss. A dental bridge consists of two main components: crowns placed on the healthy teeth adjacent to the gap, which serve as anchors, and one or more artificial teeth attached to these crowns to fill the empty space.

Dental crowns can also be paired with either a conventional or mini dental implant to replace a missing tooth. A dental implant is a small titanium post that Dr. Keider places into the jawbone. Over time, the implant fuses with the bone, creating a stable foundation for the dental crown.

The key difference between conventional and mini implants is their size. A traditional dental implant can be up to 5 millimeters in diameter. Mini dental implants are much smaller at around 3 millimeters. Because of its reduced size, a mini implant is often the best option for patients with insufficient bone density. This option allows more people to benefit from secure, long-lasting tooth replacement.

Implant-supported crowns are an exceptionally strong and durable solution for missing teeth. Dental implants not only restore chewing function and improve speech, but they also help preserve jawbone structure by preventing bone loss. Beyond their functional benefits, implant-supported crowns blend with natural teeth, providing a confident, natural-looking smile.

Repairing Teeth With Inlays and Onlays

Dr. Keider may recommend inlays or onlays when a tooth has moderate decay or damage that is too extensive for a filling but does not require a full crown. These restorations strengthen the tooth while preserving as much of the natural structure as possible.

Unlike traditional fillings, inlays and onlays are custom-made outside the mouth before bonding to the tooth. They can be crafted from porcelain, ceramic, or composite resin, providing a durable and natural-looking solution.

An inlay fits within the cusps (raised points) of a tooth, covering the damaged area without extending over the outer edges. It offers more coverage than a standard filling but is less extensive than an onlay.

An onlay covers a larger portion of the tooth, including one or more cusps and the entire chewing surface. This option is ideal when the damage is more significant but does not yet require a full crown.

The process involves removing decay, taking an impression of the tooth, and sending it to a dental lab for fabrication. Once the custom restoration is ready, Dr. Keider bonds it securely in place, restoring the tooth’s strength and function. Inlays and onlays provide a long-lasting, conservative alternative to crowns while offering more protection than traditional fillings.

The Dental Crown Procedure

Whether you need a traditional or implant-supported crown, Dr. Keider guides you through the process from start to finish. It begins with a consultation and examination, where he evaluates your tooth to determine if a crown is necessary. We make take X-rays to assess the tooth’s roots and surrounding bone.

If a crown is the best solution, Dr. Keider numbs the area with local anesthesia before removing any decay and reshaping the tooth to create space for the crown. He then takes impressions of the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth, sending them to a dental lab for custom fabrication. While your permanent crown is being made, he places a temporary crown to protect your tooth.

Once your final crown is ready, Dr. Keider positions it carefully and cements it in place, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit. Then, you’re ready to enjoy a strong, natural-looking smile!

Protect Your Smile With Dental Crowns

Dental crowns offer a reliable solution for restoring damaged teeth, improving both function and appearance. Whether you need a crown to protect a weakened tooth or to anchor a dental bridge, this versatile treatment can strengthen your smile and enhance your oral health.

At Matthew Keider, DDS, we provide personalized care and a thorough evaluation to determine the best solution for your needs. Contact us today to schedule your consultation. We look forward to meeting you!

Frequently Asked Questions

The cost of a dental crown depends on several factors, including the number of crowns needed, the material used, and whether any additional procedures—such as a root canal or implant placement—are required. Because every patient’s needs are different, pricing can vary. The best way to determine the exact cost of your treatment is to schedule a consultation, where we can evaluate your dental health and discuss the best options for you.

Dental crowns are designed to be permanent fixtures in your mouth. Therefore, you cannot remove them yourself. Typically, a dental crown will last up to 15 years with good oral hygiene habits.

After getting a dental crown, certain precautions help ensure proper healing and long-term success. The first few days are especially important as the crown settles in place.

Immediately following your procedure, avoid eating or drinking to allow the cement to fully set. For the next 24 hours, chew on the opposite side of your mouth and stay away from hard, crunchy, chewy, or sticky foods that could put pressure on the new crown.

If you have a temporary crown, extra care is needed to keep it secure. Chew on the opposite side, avoid sticky or hard foods, and floss carefully to prevent dislodging the crown. In some cases, it’s best to avoid flossing around the temporary crown altogether.

Once the permanent crown is in place, maintaining good oral hygiene is key. Brush and floss regularly, but be gentle around the crowned tooth to protect the restoration. With proper care, your crown will remain strong and functional for years to come.