Dental Crowns

Many people have issues with their teeth. Problems like cracks, chips, and more impact the look and function of your smile. In many cases, treating the tooth and strengthening it is essential for your comfort and confidence in your teeth.

At Middle Tennessee Prosthodontics, we provide dental crowns for patients of all ages in a comfortable office. Our doctors handle many cases, including more complex issues. Excelling at the complex is our motto.

If you have a damaged tooth and wonder what options are available to repair it, we can help. Discover more about dental crowns or call us today to set up an appointment in Brentwood.

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What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are an option to repair broken, weak, or decayed teeth. They are a dental cap or cover in the shape of a tooth. The dental crown fits over the existing tooth snugly.  Sometimes, your dentist may remove small areas of tooth enamel to ensure the crown attaches correctly.

Dental crowns can be made of various materials, we specialize in custom crowns, including zirconia, e.max, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), and gold crowns, to suit every patient’s unique needs. This variety ensures the best choice for strength, durability, and aesthetics depending on your dental situation.

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Who Needs a Dental Crown?

Dental crowns have many purposes and functions. Dental crowns are great for:

  • Weakened teeth
  • Cracked teeth
  • Broken or worn down teeth
  • Internally stained or discolored teeth
  • Protection after a root canal
  • Finalizing a dental implant restoration

Basically, if you have a damaged tooth or a dental implant, a dental crown will restore the tooth and provide a beautiful smile. With dental crowns, you can chew, eat, and speak normally and smile with confidence. 

At Middle Tennessee Prosthodontics, our doctors are highly skilled in placing dental crowns and are committed to providing exceptional care, taking the time to explain each step of the process and ensuring your comfort throughout your treatment.

Dental Crowns for Restoring Dental Implants

Dental implants provide the foundation for replacing missing teeth, but it is the crown that completes the restoration and gives you back a natural, functional smile. At Middle Tennessee Prosthodontics, our board-certified prosthodontists specialize in designing custom crowns that seamlessly restore your dental implants.

Each crown is carefully crafted to match the shape, size, and shade of your surrounding teeth, ensuring your smile looks balanced and beautiful. We use only the highest-quality materials, such as zirconia, e.max, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or gold, depending on your needs and preferences.

With advanced digital tools like our Trios 5 intraoral scanner, CBCT imaging, and 3D printing, we can achieve remarkable accuracy and precision in your restoration. These technologies allow us to capture detailed impressions and create implant crowns that feel comfortable, function reliably, and are built to last.

The Benefits of Dental Crowns 

Restoring your teeth with dental crowns has many advantages for patients. Dental crowns can:

  • Improve chewing ability and other dental functions
  • Reduce pain or sensitivity of the damaged tooth
  • Last up to 15 years or more
  • Protect your tooth from further wear and tear
  • Enhance the aesthetics of your smile

Leaving a tooth without a dental crown can cause permanent pain or damage. If your tooth is damaged, don’t ignore it! Enjoy the benefits of a dental crown by scheduling an appointment with our office today.

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Our Dental Crown Process

To receive a dental crown, you’ll come to the office for scans and impressions of your tooth. Then, you’ll receive a temporary crown while your customized, permanent crown is created. The new crown is attached at a second appointment.

Before you get your crown, we recommend that you come in for a consultation with one of our dentists. Our dentists specialize in dental prosthetics, such as crowns. We will know how best to help your smile.

During the consultation, we will discuss which kind of crown we recommend and answer any questions you may have.

On our first visit, we will prep the tooth to receive a dental crown. This involves wearing down some of the enamel so the crown fits properly.

If you are needing a crown restoration for a dental implant, we will recommend you to a specialist for implant placement. Then you can come to our office for the next steps

Once your tooth is prepared or your implant is placed, we will take scans of the area that needs a crown. We will use those scans to create digital impressions that we use to custom craft your crown.

We send the scans to a dental lab for fabrication. While you are waiting for your permanent crown, we will give you a temporary crown that still enhances comfort and function for your smile.

Once we have your fabricated crown, we will place it on your tooth or implant and permanently secure it. We can make any adjustments for your comfort. Once it has been secured, you can enjoy your new smile. We will send home care instructions for your crown.

Selecting Your Crown Material

We offer many different options for crown materials. That is because we value personalization in your dental journey. Our team will offer a recommendation for which kind of crown will help you most.

Here are the different materials we offer:

Known for their exceptional strength and durability, zirconia crowns are resistant to chips and fractures. They are ideal for back teeth that endure heavy biting forces while still offering a natural, tooth-like appearance.

Made from lithium disilicate ceramic, e.max crowns are prized for their translucency and beauty. They are often recommended for front teeth where aesthetics are most important, while still maintaining reliable strength.

These crowns combine a strong metal base with a porcelain overlay for added beauty. They provide durability with a natural look, making them a versatile option for both front and back teeth.

Gold remains one of the most long-lasting crown materials. It is gentle on surrounding teeth, highly resistant to wear, and an excellent choice for patients who prioritize strength and longevity over cosmetic appearance.

Why Choose Middle Tennessee Prosthodontics for Crowns?

There are many reasons to visit our office for your dental crowns:

  • Prosthetic Expertise: We specialize in dental prosthetics, such as dental crowns and dentures.
  • Exclusive Access: Our office is the only prosthodontic office in Nashville and its surrounding areas, making us a convenient and specialized option.
  • Advanced Technology: We offer specialized technology that allows for easy imaging without the need for physical impressions.
  • Ongoing Training: Our team cares about you and stays current with the most recent dental technology and trainings.
  • Emergency Care: We have emergency dental appointments, so if you experience sudden dental trauma, we can treat it quickly.
  • Collaborative Team: Our team works together, like bees in a beehive, to enhance your appearance and smile; if you need a second opinion, another dentist can help.
  • Compassionate Care: We accept patients with various levels of oral health and provide judgment-free treatment, even if it has been a while since your last dental visit.

We accept patients with various levels of oral health. Just because you haven’t seen a dentist in a while doesn’t mean you don’t deserve oral health care. We offer compassionate care for our patients.

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Caring for Your Dental Crown at Home

Once your crown has been placed, proper at-home care is the key to keeping it looking and functioning its best. Crowns don’t require a special routine, but they do need the same consistent care as your natural teeth.

We recommend that you:

  • Brush Twice Daily: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to gently clean around your crown and natural teeth.
  • Floss Carefully: Thread floss or use a water flosser to remove plaque and food particles around the gumline and between teeth. This helps protect the tooth beneath the crown and keeps your gums healthy.
  • Avoid Damaging Habits: Refrain from chewing ice, biting your nails, or using your teeth to open packaging, as these habits can damage crowns and natural teeth alike.
  • Watch Your Diet: While crowns are durable, it’s best to avoid sticky candies or very hard foods that may put extra stress on the restoration.

A crown designed by our team of board-certified prosthodontists isn’t just a restoration—it’s an investment in your long-term oral health. With attentive care at home and routine visits with us, you can enjoy your crown’s strength and beauty for many years.

Dental Crown Frequently Asked Questions

With proper care, crowns typically last 10–15 years, and many can last even longer. Their longevity depends on your oral hygiene routine, dietary habits, and whether you grind or clench your teeth. Regular dental checkups at Middle Tennessee Prosthodontics allow us to monitor the health of your crown and surrounding teeth, ensuring small concerns are addressed before they become bigger issues.

While crowns are more resistant to stains than natural enamel, they can still discolor slightly over time if exposed to coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco. Good hygiene and regular cleanings help maintain their brightness.

Crowns don’t need special products, but it’s best to use non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush to avoid unnecessary wear on the restoration.

In many cases, minor chips can be smoothed or repaired. If damage is significant, the crown may need to be replaced to restore full function and appearance.

Some sensitivity is common right after crown placement, especially to hot or cold foods. This usually resolves within a few days. If it persists, schedule a follow-up visit so we can ensure everything fits comfortably.

Request a Consultation Today!

Dental crowns are a common treatment that we provide daily at Middle Tennessee Prosthodontics. So, whether you need one dental crown or multiple, we will work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan to restore the look and function of your smile.

All you need to do is give us a call to learn more about dental crowns or to set up an appointment. Contact us at our Brentwood office today!

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