3737 E State Route 36, Decatur, IL, 62521
Full Coverage Restoration for Teeth That Need More Than a Filling
A dental crown is a custom made covering that fits over the entire visible portion of a tooth, restoring its original size, shape and function. Where a filling patches a portion of a tooth, a crown encircles it, which changes how chewing forces travel through the structure. Instead of pressure wedging apart a weakened wall, the crown holds everything together and distributes load evenly.
Crowns are fabricated from porcelain and ceramic materials that reflect light much the way natural enamel does. Shade, translucency and surface texture are matched to the neighboring teeth, so a well made crown reads as simply another tooth.
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What a Crown Accomplishes for a Compromised Tooth
- Prevents catastrophic fracture. A cracked or heavily filled tooth is one hard bite from splitting, and a split that travels below the gum line often cannot be saved.
- Restores full chewing function. You return to eating normally rather than favoring one side.
- Seals the tooth against bacteria. Full coverage eliminates the margins and gaps where recurrent decay starts.
- Protects a root canal treated tooth. Teeth that have had endodontic treatment lose internal moisture and become brittle, making them prone to fracture without coverage.
- Corrects appearance and shape. Discoloration, wear, malformation and irregular shape are all addressed at the same time.
- Anchors other restorations. Crowns serve as the supporting abutments for fixed bridges.
Situations That Call for a Crown
A crown becomes the appropriate treatment when a tooth has a large existing filling with thin remaining walls, a crack or fracture line running through the structure, decay too extensive for a filling to support, significant wear from grinding, or a completed root canal. Crowns also cover teeth that are severely discolored or misshapen when a more conservative cosmetic option is not sufficient, and they restore dental implants once the implant has integrated with the bone.
Our team evaluates each tooth individually. If there is enough sound structure remaining for a conservative filling to work reliably, we will recommend that instead, because preserving natural tooth is always the better long term outcome.
Building Your Crown, Step by Step
Crown treatment is typically completed across two appointments spaced a couple of weeks apart.
01
Evaluation and Planning
Digital X-rays and images help assess the tooth, surrounding bone, and extent of damage.
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02
Numbing and Preparation
The area is fully numbed, decay and old restorations are removed, and the tooth is shaped to support the crown.
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03
Impression or Scan
A detailed impression or digital scan captures the tooth, neighboring teeth, and your bite.
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04
Temporary Crown
A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth and maintain function while your final crown is made.
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05
Final Crown Placement
At your second visit, the permanent crown is checked for fit, color, and bite before placement.
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06
Cementation and Finishing
The crown is bonded securely, adjusted as needed, and polished for a natural look and feel.
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Living With Your Temporary Crown
The provisional crown is held with temporary cement so it can be removed easily at your next visit, which means it needs slightly gentler treatment. Avoid sticky foods such as caramel and chewing gum, cut hard foods into smaller pieces, and chew on the opposite side where practical. When flossing, slide the floss out sideways rather than snapping it upward, which is what usually dislodges a temporary. Some gum tenderness and cold sensitivity is normal. If the temporary comes loose, save it and call us so it can be recemented, since the prepared tooth should not be left uncovered.
Caring for Your Dental Crown
Crowns routinely last well over a decade, and many serve far longer. The crown material itself does not decay, but the natural tooth underneath it still can, and the margin where crown meets tooth is where problems begin. That makes daily flossing around a crown genuinely important rather than optional. Patients who grind should wear a night guard, since grinding forces are the most common cause of premature porcelain fracture. Crowns are examined at every recall visit and the margins are checked radiographically for recurrent decay.
Insurance Benefits and Payment for Crown Treatment
Crowns are generally classified as major restorative treatment, commonly covered at around half the cost after any deductible, subject to your annual maximum and any waiting period on your plan. Decatur Dental Care accepts most PPO plans, is a Delta Dental provider, and submits claims for our patients. We verify your benefits in advance and give you a written, itemized estimate of what your plan covers and what your portion will be. CareCredit financing is available to spread payments, and we accept cash, check, Visa, Mastercard and Discover.
Enjoy a Strong, Natural-Looking Smile Again
Once a fracture reaches the root, a crown is no longer possible. Call 217-423-2400 or request an appointment while the tooth can still be saved.
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