At Dr. Conor Gessell’s dental practice in Southern Pines, NC, dental crowns provide an effective, long-lasting solution for teeth that have been weakened, damaged, or aesthetically compromised. These custom-made restorations completely cover the visible portion of a tooth, restoring both function and appearance. Dr. Gessell’s expertise ensures natural-looking results that blend seamlessly with your smile while providing the durability needed for everyday function.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that fit over damaged or weakened teeth. They restore the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance while protecting remaining natural tooth structure. Once cemented in place, crowns fully encase the entire visible portion of a tooth, creating a new outer surface that functions like a natural tooth.
Dr. Gessell offers several crown materials to meet different needs. Porcelain crowns provide the most natural appearance, particularly for front teeth. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns combine strength with aesthetics. Full metal crowns offer maximum durability for back teeth where appearance is less critical. Zirconia crowns represent one of the newest options, offering exceptional strength and natural appearance without metal components.
When Dental Crowns Are Recommended
Dr. Gessell may recommend a dental crown in several situations:
- Teeth with extensive decay that cannot be adequately restored with fillings
- Fractured or cracked teeth that need protection to prevent further damage
- Teeth that have undergone root canal therapy and need protection from fracturing
- Severely worn teeth from grinding, acid erosion, or age
- Teeth with significant cosmetic concerns like severe discoloration or unusual shape
- As anchors for dental bridges or attachments for dental implants
The Dental Crown Process
At our Southern Pines practice, the crown process typically requires two appointments. During your first visit, Dr. Gessell prepares the tooth by removing a small amount of the outer surface to make room for the crown. After shaping the tooth, he takes precise impressions that serve as the blueprint for your custom crown. He then places a temporary crown to protect your prepared tooth while the dental laboratory crafts your permanent restoration.
The laboratory process typically takes about two weeks, during which technicians create a crown that matches your natural teeth in color, shape, and size. For aesthetic cases, Dr. Gessell may work with special shade-matching techniques to ensure perfect blending with adjacent teeth.
At your second appointment, Dr. Gessell removes the temporary crown and carefully checks the fit and appearance of your permanent crown. After any necessary adjustments, he permanently cements it in place. Most patients adjust to their new crown quickly, often reporting that it feels natural within a few days.
Benefits and Care of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns offer numerous advantages for compromised teeth:
- Restoration of normal chewing function and bite alignment
- Protection of weakened teeth from further damage
- Relief from pain and sensitivity associated with damaged teeth
- Natural appearance that blends with surrounding teeth
- Long-lasting results with proper care
- Prevention of tooth loss that would require more extensive treatment
With proper care, dental crowns typically last 10-15 years or longer. Maintaining good oral hygiene remains essential, including brushing twice daily, flossing daily with special attention around the crown margins, and regular professional cleanings. While crowns themselves cannot decay, the natural tooth structure beneath them remains vulnerable at the margin where the crown meets the tooth.
Certain habits can damage crowns and should be avoided, including chewing very hard foods or ice, using teeth as tools, and grinding or clenching teeth. For patients with grinding habits, Dr. Gessell may recommend a nightguard to protect both natural teeth and dental work.
Why Choose Dr. Gessell for Your Dental Crown
At our Southern Pines practice, Dr. Gessell combines technical precision with an artistic eye when creating and placing dental crowns. He takes time to understand your specific concerns and aesthetic goals, ensuring your crown not only functions properly but enhances your smile. His attention to detail extends to color matching, contour, and bite alignment, creating restorations that feel comfortable and look natural.
Dr. Gessell works with premier dental laboratories that use high-quality materials and craftsmanship to create durable, beautiful restorations. He stays current with advances in dental materials and techniques through continuing education, offering patients the benefits of the latest innovations in crown technology.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you have a damaged, weakened, or aesthetically compromised tooth that might benefit from a dental crown, contact Dr. Conor Gessell’s Southern Pines dental practice by calling 910-390-1259 or use our online form to request a consultation. Dr. Gessell will evaluate your specific situation and discuss whether a dental crown represents the best solution for restoring your smile’s health, function, and beauty.