Dr. Trinkner helps patients who have common or complex dental issues in the Midlands. We rebuild smiles using non-invasive dental services and procedures. Our dental crowns are one of the most successful restorations for your cosmetic and restorative needs. Our local Columbia dentists provide affordable crowns to fix the following issues:
- Fix tooth damage
- Repair deep tooth decay
- Repair a chipped, broken or cracked tooth
- To strengthen a tooth after a root canal treatment
- Brighten a stained tooth
- Restore a tooth to full health
- Straightening a misshapen tooth
- Elongating a short and worn tooth
- Alleviate painful symptoms
Patient Review
Dental Crowns in Columbia, SC
You might have heard of dental crowns before, but what exactly are they? A crown is more than just a cosmetic fix. It’s like a cap that covers a damaged tooth. It strengthens the tooth, especially after a root canal or other restorative treatments.
To put on a crown, Dr. Trinkner first prepares your tooth by removing part of the damaged or infected area. Then, he places a permanent crown on top, which fits snugly and seals well around the gumline.
Crowns can be made from different materials, but we prefer using non-metal options like porcelain. Porcelain crowns look very natural and blend well with your other teeth. Dr. Trinkner will make a custom crown just for you, so it matches your smile perfectly.
In our Columbia, SC practice, we offer high-quality dental care, including crowns. Crowns can help with various dental issues, from damaged or weakened teeth to improving appearance. Our skilled dentists will make sure your crown looks natural and works well, restoring your confidence. We know each patient is different, so we tailor each crown to fit your specific needs, ensuring a comfortable and long-lasting result.
The Crown Procedure
Getting a new crown at Dr. Trinkner’s office is a straightforward process designed for your comfort. We’ll guide you through each step to ensure you know exactly what to expect on your journey to a stronger, fully restored tooth.
- Consultation and Treatment Planning: We begin with a conversation. Dr. Trinkner will carefully examine your tooth and take any necessary X-rays. He will then create a personalized treatment plan just for you. He’ll explain exactly why a crown is the best solution and what the procedure will involve.
- Preparing the Tooth and Creating a Model: During your first main appointment, Dr. Trinkner will gently numb the area to ensure you’re completely comfortable. He’ll then prepare your tooth by carefully shaping it so the new crown will fit perfectly over it. Once the tooth is prepared, we take a highly detailed digital scan or impression of your tooth. The dental lab will use this precise model to craft your custom-made porcelain crown.
- Protecting Your Tooth with a Temporary Crown: Before you leave your first appointment, we’ll place a temporary crown over your prepared tooth. This temporary crown protects the sensitive tooth underneath and maintains the space in your smile so you can eat and talk normally while you wait for your final crown.
- The Creation of Your Permanent Crown: We send the model of your tooth to a professional dental lab where skilled technicians will fabricate your new crown. This step takes about two weeks. They use high-quality, tooth-colored porcelain to create a strong but natural -looking crown from porcelain.
- The Final Fitting and Placement: Once your permanent crown is ready, you’ll return for your final visit. Dr. Trinkner will remove the temporary crown and check the fit and color of the new one. After making any tiny adjustments to ensure it feels perfect, he’ll securely bond the crown to your tooth. You’ll leave our office with a fully restored, functional, and beautiful smile.
Taking Care of Your New Crowns
To help your new crown heal properly and stay in good shape, follow these aftercare tips:
- Listen to any specific instructions Dr. Trinkner gives you. This might include advice on what to eat, how to care for your teeth, and when to come back for follow-up visits.
- Right after the procedure, avoid eating or drinking anything hot. Your tooth might still be sensitive, so it’s best to stay away from sticky or hard foods. Also, try not to bite down on hard objects like pens or pencils, as this could damage the crown.
- Be careful when chewing on the side of your mouth with the new crown, especially during the first few days. The crown might feel loose or uncomfortable until it fully settles.
- Keep up with good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly. Just be gentle around the new crown to avoid moving it.
- If you feel any pain or discomfort, you can take over-the-counter pain medication. Make sure to visit Dr. Trinkner regularly to check that your crown is working well.
If you have any problems, questions, or concerns after your procedure, don’t hesitate to contact our dental office. We’re here to help ensure your dental crown stays in great shape.
Crown Patient Case Study
When Mimi came to our Columbia dental office, her chief concerns were to reestablish a more youthful smile. She wanted to replace old style dental crowns that didn’t look natural. She’d had extensive work on two of the teeth from early childhood issues.
We restored her mouth, improved the color of her teeth and more using modern ceramic materials that can block color. She’ll continue to enjoy her new dental crowns for several years. See more crown before and after photos in our Clinical Cases Gallery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are You a Candidate for Crowns?
A person might need a dental crown if they have a tooth that’s too damaged or weak to fix with a filling or other treatments. This could be because of a big cavity, a cracked or broken tooth, a tooth that has had a root canal, or a misshapen or discolored tooth. Crowns can also cover dental implants or help hold dental bridges in place.
Are There Other Options Besides Getting a Crown After a Root Canal?
Yes, there are other choices Dr. Trinkner might suggest based on what you need. These include dental bridges, inlays and onlays, and composite resin fillings. Each option can help protect the tooth after a root canal. Dr. Trinkner can help you choose the best one for you.
Are Crowns Necessary after a Root Canal?
It depends on the tooth, but most root canal treatments include placing a crown on the same day. A crown keeps your tooth strong and shields it from more damage. Without a crown, your tooth might become sensitive or get infected again.
If your tooth is in good shape after a root canal, the dentist might just fill it and leave it like that. If the root canal is on a front tooth, we usually don’t need to cap it. But if it’s on a molar, premolar, or one of your back teeth, Dr. Trinkner will likely recommend a crown. Putting a cap on a back tooth gives it extra strength and helps protect it from damage while chewing.
How Long do Crowns Last?
On average, porcelain crowns usually last around 15 years. The better you take care of your teeth, the longer the crown with last. If you take good care of them with regular brushing, flossing, and mouthwash, they can last up to 30 years.
Happy patient before and after getting crowns at our Columbia dental office.
Can You Whiten a Crown?
No, crowns don’t respond to traditional teeth whitening treatments. They consist of highly stain-resistant material that doesn’t easily stain. You can however remove surface stains by using mouthwash.
You can also try a baking soda and salt rinse to help remove plaque and tartar from your real teeth. Furthermore, teeth whitening treatments won’t hurt or ruin your existing crowns.
Is Getting a Crown Painful?
Getting a dental crown is usually not painful. We make sure you’re comfortable during the routine procedure. We’ll numb the tooth and the area around it before we start. This keeps you from feeling pain while we work on your tooth. You might feel some mild discomfort during the drilling or after the procedure, but it’s temporary, and the benefits are worth it.
How Much Does a Crown Cost?
The cost of a crown depends on the type you choose and your oral health. Before starting, we’ll go over the entire process, including the price. We take dental insurance plans and offer payment plans. You can also consider interest-free financing through CareCredit.
Can I Replace my Metal Crown with a Porcelain One?
Yes, you can switch a metal crown for a porcelain one. If your crown is metal, broken, or worn out, we can replace it with a porcelain crown. This simple procedure can make a big difference in how your smile looks.
Can Dental Crowns fall Off?
Yes, crowns can fall off in rare cases. This can happen if the tooth under the crown decays, if the crown doesn’t fit right, or if the adhesive fails. Keeping good oral hygiene and seeing Dr. Trinkner regularly can help prevent this. If your crown does fall off, contact Dr. Trinkner right away to have it reattached or replaced.
Can I Get a Crown if I Grind my Teeth?
Yes, people who grind their teeth (bruxism) can get crowns. Crowns protect teeth from damage caused by grinding. It’s important to choose a strong material like porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) or zirconia for these crowns. Regular check-ups will help make sure the crowns stay in good shape.
Can a Crown Replace a Missing Tooth?
A crown alone can’t replace a missing tooth, but it can be part of a solution. For example, a dental implant or bridge can replace a missing tooth, with a crown acting as the visible part. An implant involves placing a post in the jawbone, and a crown is attached to it. A bridge uses nearby teeth for support, and crowns anchor the artificial tooth. Dr. Trinkner can help you choose the best option for your needs.
Schedule Your Crown Consultation Today
Call our Columbia dental office at 803-400-8729 to schedule an appointment for crowns, or request an appointment online.