Dental crowns – no need to panic, save your tooth with a dental crown

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that are placed over teeth, to restore their shape, size, strength, and improve the appearance when needed. A crown, once cemented in place, will fully enclose the entire observable portion of the tooth. This will ensure a natural appearance while providing long lasting protection. Thanks to CEREC technology offered by Triad Dentistry, patients who visit the Greensboro, NC practice can enjoy same-day restorations.

Why Patients Need Dental Crowns?

A dental crown may be necessary in the following situations:

  • When a tooth needs protection (for example, from deep decay). A crown can keep a tooth from breaking and will assist in holding together a cracked tooth.
  • When restoration is needed due to a tooth already being broken or severely worn down.
  • When a tooth has a large filling, not leaving a lot of natural teeth in place, and needs to be covered for support.
  • When a tooth is discolored or misshapen and needs to be covered.
  • When a dental implant needs to be covered.
  • When a tooth needs cosmetic modification.

Preparing Your Tooth for a Crown

Thanks to CEREC technology, the traditional method for receiving a crown has become so much easier! Typically, a tooth would be examined and prepped for a crown, impressions would be made and then sent into a laboratory. At that point, the waiting game would begin as a remote lab prepared the permanent crown. It could be days or even weeks before your dentist would receive your crown and an appointment made to place it.

Using CEREC technology, all that waiting is a thing of the past! Now, using CEREC technology, the doctors at Triad Dentistry can examine, prep, and place the crown on your tooth in a single visit. A photo of the tooth needing the crown is taken and then sent into on-site computers From there, a CEREC milling machine prepares the crown from a porcelain block in as little as ten minutes. Once the crown is created, all that is left is for the doctor to place the crown over your tooth and send you on your way without the need for any follow-up appointments.

Dental Crowns – A cornerstone of Preventive and Cosmetic Dentistry

Dental Crowns – A cornerstone of Preventive and Cosmetic Dentistry
Dental care is an important aspect of our lifestyle. Your smile is the first reflection of your personality, self-esteem, and overall general well-being. See below how Dental Crowns effectively restore your smile and tooth function.

Save your tooth with a dental crown. Dental crowns are tooth shaped caps that are placed over teeth to restore their shape, size, strength and improve the appearance when needed. A crown once cemented in place will fully enclose the entire observable portion of the tooth.

This will ensure a natural appearance while providing long lasting protection. Thanks to CEREC technology offered by Dr. Steven Hatcher and his team at Triad Dentistry, patients who visit his practice can enjoy same day restorations.

No dental crown is meant to last forever but with proper care it can last for years. No special care is necessary other than maintaining healthy oral habits. Dental Crowns are available to patients for several reasons both cosmetic and for protection. If you believe that you may need to consider a dental crown, please give Dr. Hatcher and his team at Triad Dentistry a call today.

Call (336) 383-1482 – 2516 – A Oakcrest Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27408, www.triaddentistry.com


Dental crowns at Triad Dentistry - Dr. Steven Hatcher

Dental crowns at Triad Dentistry - Dr. Steven Hatcher
What is a dental crown? Watch this video to see how a dental crown can make your smile look perfect and protect your teeth as Dr. Hatcher from Triad Dentistry explains.

What are dental crowns?

Hi, this is Dr. Steven Hatcher at Triad Dentistry. Frequently I get asked the question, what are dental crowns?

The dental crown is something that replaces the tooth structure. Not a crown like for a king that goes on your head, but a crown that goes on your tooth like an overlay.

Why would someone need a dental crown?

The reason why people would receive a dental crown is mainly for function. They’ve broken off a part of the tooth or a dental filling and it will not be strong enough to reinforce and protect the tooth.

Another reason is if you have cracked teeth. We chew on our teeth about 4000 times a day; over a lifetime, teeth can wear out and crack.

The crown removes the crack and restores the tooth to form and function. The other reason why people get crowns is for aesthetics.

Those are called veneers. It is like a porcelain covering which goes right in front of your teeth. It can literally transform someone’s smile and also changes people’s self-esteem.

Why should someone visit Triad Dentistry to get a dental crown?

One of the neat things we do here at Triad Dentistry is having a unique method of working with one of the top dental labs in the country.

We can do smile simulations where a patient who is interested in cosmetics can actually see what it would look like in their mouth. This is noninvasive and completely reversible.

We do a digital scan of your mouth, send that electronically to the lab, and then they send us a digital blueprint where we can place that in your mouth. Then you can smile and see what it looks like. It’s pretty incredible.

Please feel free to contact us if you need further information.


Caring for and replacing your dental crown

No dental crown is meant to last forever. But with proper care, it can last for years. No special care is necessary other than maintaining healthy oral habits. This includes brushing, flossing and rinsing. Regular dental visits will continue to be your best friend. Twice yearly cleanings and exams will allow the doctors at Triad Dentistry to see any developing issues before they become major. Also, it’s important to protect your crown during any physical activity in which you could injure your mouth by using a mouth guard. To put it simply, you should take care of your crown just as you would your natural teeth and it should last you for years to come. There are instances in which a crown may need to be replaced. Some of these situations include:

  • Cracks or chips – If you have some bad habits such as biting your fingernails or chewing on ice, biting on pens, etc., you can crack your dental crown.
  • Poor hygiene – While the crown itself may be safe from damage, the tooth underneath is not. Proper oral care is still needed, otherwise the tooth can still decay, and a new crown may be needed.
  • Injury – Mouth injuries, especially during contact sports, are not uncommon. Whatever the cause for the injury may be, a mouth injury could cause your crown to be damaged as well. Using a custom fit mouthguard is recommended during any type of risky physical activity.
  • Ill-fitting crown – If a crown placed on your tooth does not fit properly it can cause discomfort and issues with your bite. It’s important that you make sure, before you leave your appointment, that you are certain the crown is fit over your tooth comfortably.
At Triad Dentistry, we can craft top quality dental crowns using porcelain as the material and utilizing CEREC technology, in a single appointment.
While many dentists will require multiple visits, the doctors at Triad Dentistry can place your crown in a single visit thanks to CEREC technology. They can scan your tooth, send it to an on-site computer program and have that sent to a milling machine to craft your crown out of a porcelain block. Once the crown is created, it is then placed over the affected tooth. A doctor is always available to provide specifics related to your situation, so please feel free to ask.
With proper oral hygiene and care, and with regular visits to your dentist, a dental crown can last as long as 15 to 20 years.
No. A root canal is not required to place a crown. While all root canals will require a crown be placed after, not all teeth will need a root canal in order to receive a crown.
Dr. Steven L. Hatcher is a skilled dentist with extensive expertise in oral health and patient care. A University of North Carolina alumnus with a background in biology and cancer research, Dr. Hatcher's military service at prestigious locations, including Fort Meade and the Pentagon, underscores his commitment to excellence. He is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and an active member of several professional associations. Recognized for his dedication through numerous awards, including Army Commendation Medals, Dr. Hatcher continually advances his knowledge through ongoing education. His patient-centered approach ensures personalized, long-term oral wellness.

Dr. Chad T. Merrell, a dedicated dentist with 16 years of experience, combines his deep expertise and advanced training to provide exceptional care. A Temple University School of Dentistry alumnus and Advanced Education in General Dentistry resident at UNC-Chapel Hill, Dr. Merrell is skilled in advanced dental techniques. His commitment to patient care, treating each as family, underscores his trustworthiness. His background includes a B.S. in Zoology from N.C. State University and an Eagle Scout honor, highlighting his long-standing dedication to excellence. You can trust Dr. Merrell for compassionate, cutting-edge dental care.

Dr. Sona J. Isharani is a board-certified pediatric dentist renowned for her compassionate care and expertise. With a background that combines hands-on parenting experience and specialized training, Dr. Isharani excels in creating a comforting, home-like environment for children and their families. Affectionately known as "Dr. Sona," she emphasizes education and preventive care to ensure lifelong dental health. At Triad Pediatric Dentistry, she provides exceptional dental care and maintains continuity of care as children transition to adulthood, reflecting her commitment to building trust and fostering long-term relationships with her patients.

Dr. Bailey Walker is a dedicated general dentist known for her compassionate care and patient-centered approach. With a B.Sc. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biology from Illinois State University and a Doctor of Medical Dentistry degree from Southern Illinois University, she combines extensive academic knowledge with hands-on expertise. Dr. Walker is pursuing a fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry, underscoring her commitment to professional excellence. Her community engagement includes dental mission trips and volunteering for underserved populations. Dr. Walker’s emphasis on patient education and her caring nature foster a trusted, positive dental experience.

Dental crowns are available to patients for several reasons, both cosmetic and for protection. If you believe you may need to consider a dental crown, please call Triad Dentistry today at (336) 383-1482 to set up an appointment.

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