Fillings placed years ago do not always age gracefully. A tooth that has been patched more than once can lose enough of its natural structure that it starts to crack, and the first sign is often a sharp twinge when you bite down on something firm.
Charlotte Dental Arts offers same-day crowns and bridges made with CEREC technology to Foxcroft patients, from our office at 3135 Springbank Lane, about 13 minutes away. Our dentist near Foxcroft page introduces Dr. Edwin Porter, a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, and Dr. Robert Lowe, a Diplomate of the American Board of Aesthetic Dentistry.
When an Older Tooth Needs More Than a Filling
A crown is a custom cap that covers a tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. Dentists generally consider one when the tooth has lost too much structure to hold up on its own, such as:
Only an exam can confirm what a tooth needs. Your dentist looks at the tooth, reviews digital images, and explains whether a crown or a simpler repair makes sense before anything is scheduled.
How a Same-Day Crown Works
A traditional crown usually takes two appointments with a temporary in between. With CEREC, the process stays in one office. A scanner captures the prepared tooth, software designs a crown to fit your bite, and our milling unit shapes it from porcelain or ceramic while you wait.
Your dentist then polishes the crown, checks the fit and color, and bonds it in place. Many patients like that digital scans replace impression trays, and in many cases there is no temporary to protect between visits.
| CEREC crown | Traditional crown | |
|---|---|---|
| Appointments | One visit in many cases | Usually two |
| Temporary crown | In many cases none | Usually one between visits |
| Impressions | Digital scan | Impression trays |
Replacing a Crown That Has Seen Better Days
Crowns do not last forever. If one of yours is loose, chipped, or worn through, or if the gum line around it looks darker or more tender than it used to, it is worth having it checked. Decay can develop at the edge of a crown, where it is hard to see.
The American Dental Association’s overview of materials for indirect restorations explains that crowns can be made from metals, ceramics, resin composites, or a combination, and that the right choice depends on the clinical situation. Your dentist talks through the options with you.
Choosing a Shade and Shape That Blends In
A new crown should look like it has always belonged in your smile. Shade, shape, and size are planned to blend with the teeth beside it, with input from Dr. Lowe’s aesthetic dentistry training.
Dr. Porter has completed thousands of CEREC restorations, and he keeps training at the Pankey Institute, Dawson Academy, and Spear Education. If a different treatment would serve the tooth better, your dentist tells you before treatment begins.
Fitting a Crown Into a Busy Week
Our first appointments start at 7am Monday through Thursday, and the office is about 13 minutes from Foxcroft, though traffic can change that. For many crowns, one visit replaces the back-and-forth of two, which makes the schedule easier to plan.
Charlotte Dental Arts is out-of-network with dental insurance plans, and our team helps you use your out-of-network benefits. Financing is available through CareCredit, Cherry, and Proceed, and the Premier Dental Savings Program is an option if you are uninsured. Our insurance and financing page has the details.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns Near Foxcroft
Can you replace a crown that another dentist placed?
Yes. Your dentist examines the existing crown, the tooth underneath, and the surrounding gums, then explains whether replacement makes sense and what material and timing would suit you.
How do I know whether I need a crown or just a new filling?
It depends on how much healthy tooth remains and whether there is a crack. A large filling or a fracture often points toward a crown, while a smaller area of decay may only need a filling. Your exam and digital images guide the recommendation, and we explain it before anything is scheduled.
Will I need a temporary crown?
For many cases, no. Because the crown is designed and milled in our office with CEREC technology, it can often be bonded in the same visit. If your tooth needs a different plan, your dentist explains why before treatment begins.
What should I do if my tooth hurts when I bite down?
Pain when you bite can point to a crack or a failing filling or crown, so it is worth an exam rather than waiting. If you have severe pain or facial swelling, read about our emergency dentistry visits and contact us the same day so our team can help you decide how soon to come in.
Will my insurance help with a crown at your office?
Charlotte Dental Arts is out-of-network with dental insurance plans, and our team helps you use your out-of-network benefits. We go over timing and costs with you before treatment is scheduled, and financing is available through CareCredit, Cherry, and Proceed.
Schedule Your Foxcroft Crown Visit With Charlotte Dental Arts
Dr. Porter founded Charlotte Dental Arts in 1996, and our team has completed thousands of CEREC restorations. Foxcroft patients can have a crown designed, milled, and placed in one office, with a clear plan and costs explained before treatment.
Have a tooth that needs a second look? Contact Charlotte Dental Arts to book a complimentary consultation, and we will find a time that suits your week.
Transform Your Smile Today!
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