10901 W. Toller Dr., Suite 100, Littleton, CO 80127 
303-933-2066 A tooth can lose strength long before it reaches the point of needing removal. When decay, a fracture, a large filling or other damage leaves a tooth vulnerable, a dental crown can rebuild the visible portion and help protect what remains underneath.
At Oasis Studio Carreon Dental & Aesthetics, our dentist, Dr. LeJon Carreon, provides dental crowns in Littleton, CO, to restore weakened or damaged teeth and support comfortable function. Call 303-933-2066 to schedule a consultation and find out whether a crown can strengthen and restore your tooth.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown, sometimes called a dental cap, is a custom restoration that covers the visible portion of a tooth above the gumline. It is designed to restore the tooth’s shape, size, strength and appearance while protecting weakened structure underneath.
Crowns may be made from several dental materials. Tooth-colored materials such as porcelain are often selected when appearance is an important part of the treatment plan.
When Is a Dental Crown Needed?
A crown may be recommended when a tooth no longer has enough healthy structure to be restored predictably with a smaller restoration. Dr. Carreon may discuss a crown when you need to:
- Restore a tooth damaged by decay or injury
- Strengthen a cracked, fractured or weakened tooth
- Protect a tooth after root canal treatment
- Support a tooth with a large existing filling
- Improve the shape or appearance of a damaged tooth
- Anchor a dental bridge
- Complete a dental implant restoration
The amount of remaining healthy tooth structure and the location of the damage help determine whether a crown or another type of restoration provides the support the tooth needs.
How Dental Crowns Protect Weakened Teeth
A damaged tooth may become more vulnerable to additional cracking or fracture under normal chewing pressure. A crown surrounds the visible portion of the tooth and helps distribute biting forces more evenly.
This added coverage can be especially important when a large portion of the natural tooth has already been lost to decay, fracture or previous dental treatment.
Dental Crowns vs. Inlays and Onlays
Not every damaged tooth requires full crown coverage. Dental inlays and onlays restore specific portions of a tooth and can preserve more natural structure when the damage is more limited.
A crown covers substantially more of the tooth and may be recommended when greater reinforcement is needed. Dr. Carreon will examine the tooth and explain which restoration matches the amount and location of damage.
Using a Crown to Restore a Dental Implant
A crown can also be used as the visible replacement tooth for a dental implant. In this situation, the crown is supported by the implant rather than being placed over a natural tooth. Our dentist may recommend dental implant restorations for patients who need a crown, bridge or denture to complete implant treatment.
Dental Crowns and Bridges
Dental crowns may also play an important role in replacing missing teeth with a bridge. Traditional bridges use crowns on neighboring teeth to support the replacement tooth or teeth between them. If your treatment involves both damaged and missing teeth, Dr. Carreon can review the condition of your smile and explain how different restorative dentistry options may work together.
What Happens During Dental Crown Treatment?
Crown treatment commonly involves preparing the affected tooth so the restoration can fit securely over it. Records or impressions are taken so the final crown can be designed for your bite and tooth shape.
A temporary crown may be placed while the final restoration is being completed. At the following appointment, Dr. Carreon will check the fit, bite and appearance before securing the crown in place.
What Does a Dental Crown Look Like?
When a tooth-colored material is used, the crown can be designed to complement the color and shape of the surrounding teeth. The goal is for the restoration to support function while fitting naturally into your smile. The material selected may depend on where the tooth is located, how much chewing force it receives and the cosmetic goals for the area.
Caring for a Dental Crown
A crowned tooth still requires regular brushing, flossing and professional dental care. The crown itself cannot develop decay, but the natural tooth structure around its edges can still be affected by plaque and bacteria. Routine dental cleanings and exams allow our team to monitor the crown, surrounding tooth structure and your bite over time.
Restorative Care Focused on Preserving Your Smile
Dr. Carreon has been practicing dentistry since 2000 and provides restorative care with an emphasis on listening carefully to patients and explaining treatment options clearly. When a tooth is damaged, she evaluates how much healthy structure remains and what type of restoration can provide the support it needs. The goal is to restore function, protect the tooth and help you understand why a particular treatment is being recommended.
Schedule a Dental Crown Consultation
If you have a cracked, weakened or heavily restored tooth, contact Oasis Studio Carreon Dental & Aesthetics. Call 303-933-2066 to schedule a consultation with our dentist and find out whether a dental crown can protect your tooth and restore comfortable function.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a custom restoration that covers the visible portion of a damaged or weakened tooth. It is designed to restore shape, strength, function and appearance.
How do I know if I need a dental crown?
You may need a crown if a tooth has extensive decay, a large filling, a fracture or significant weakness that cannot be supported adequately with a smaller restoration. Dr. Carreon will evaluate the tooth before recommending treatment.
What is the difference between a crown and a filling?
A filling replaces a smaller damaged portion of a tooth, while a crown covers the visible tooth more extensively. Crowns are generally used when the tooth requires greater reinforcement.
What is the difference between a crown and an inlay or onlay?
Inlays and onlays repair selected areas of a tooth, while a crown covers more of the visible tooth structure. The amount of damage and remaining healthy structure help determine which restoration is used.
Can a dental crown be used after a root canal?
Yes. A crown is often used after root canal treatment when the tooth needs additional protection and reinforcement. The exact restoration depends on the condition and location of the tooth.
Can a crown be placed on a dental implant?
Yes. A crown can serve as the visible replacement tooth for a single dental implant. In that case, the crown is supported by the implant rather than a natural tooth.
How should I care for a dental crown?
Brush and floss around the crown every day and maintain regular dental examinations. Good home care helps protect the natural tooth structure and gum tissue surrounding the restoration.
Where can I get dental crowns in Littleton, CO?
Oasis Studio Carreon Dental & Aesthetics provides dental crowns in Littleton for patients who need to restore damaged, weakened or heavily restored teeth. Call 303-933-2066 to schedule a consultation with our dentist.