Dental Crowns in Wilmington, NC
What are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a custom cap that fits over a damaged tooth and brings back its strength, shape, and look. Once it's in place, it feels and works like a natural tooth, so you can bite into an apple again without thinking twice.
At Burns Family Dentistry, most of our crowns are designed and made right here in our Wilmington office with CEREC technology. That means you can come in with a cracked tooth and leave the same day with a finished, tooth-colored crown. No goopy impressions, no temporary crown, and no second appointment.
When Do You Need a Dental Crown?
Dr. Eric Burns or Dr. Casey Burns may recommend a crown if you have:
- A cracked, chipped, or broken tooth
- A large filling that is wearing out or breaking down
- A tooth that recently had a root canal, which can be more likely to break
- Teeth worn down from grinding or clenching (see our bruxism treatment)
- A dental implant that needs a tooth on top (implant restoration)
- A missing tooth being replaced with a dental bridge, which uses crowns on the teeth on either side
- A tooth that is badly stained or misshapen and doesn't respond to teeth whitening
Not sure if you need one? We use our intraoral camera to show you exactly what we see, so you can make the call with us.
Same-Day Crowns vs. Traditional Crowns
For most patients, a same-day crown is the easiest option. In some cases, a crown made by a dental lab is the better fit, and we'll explain why if that's what we recommend. Learn more about CEREC same-day crowns.
Crown Materials
Ceramic crowns. Many patients search for "porcelain crowns." Today's all-ceramic crowns are the modern version: tooth-colored, strong, and shaded to blend in with your natural teeth. Most of our CEREC crowns are ceramic.
We'll recommend the material that makes the most sense for the tooth, your bite, and how much of the crown shows when you smile.
What to Expect During Your Crown Visit
- Numbing. We make sure the area is completely numb before we start.
- Preparing the tooth. We remove any decay or damaged areas and shape the tooth so the crown fits snugly.
- Digital scan. Instead of a tray of impression material, we take a quick 3D scan of your tooth.
- Designing and milling. Your crown is designed on the computer and milled from a solid block of ceramic while you relax.
- Placing your crown. We check the fit and your bite, then bond the crown into place.
Does Getting a Crown Hurt?
Most patients say it feels about like getting a filling. The tooth is fully numb during the procedure. Afterward, it's normal to have some mild soreness in your gums or jaw for a day or two. If you get nervous at the dentist, let us know. Nitrous oxide can help you feel more relaxed.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
With good care, many crowns last 10 to 15 years, and often longer. Crowns can't get cavities, but the tooth underneath still can, especially along the edge where the crown meets the tooth. To make yours last:
- Brush twice a day and floss once a day
- Keep up with your checkups and cleanings
- Wear a night guard if you grind or clench
- Avoid chewing ice, pens, or other hard objects
How Much Does a Dental Crown Cost?
The cost of a crown depends on the tooth, the material, and whether other treatment is needed first, such as a root canal or a buildup. Many dental insurance plans cover part of the cost of a crown when it's needed to restore a damaged tooth. We'll give you a clear estimate before we begin, and our team is happy to check your benefits and walk you through your options.
Why Wilmington Patients Choose Us for Crowns
- Husband-and-wife dentists. Dr. Eric and Dr. Casey Burns take time to explain your options and never rush you into treatment.
- Modern technology. CEREC, iTero digital impressions, and digital x-rays make visits faster and more comfortable.
- 700+ five-star reviews. Our patients talk a lot about how thorough and kind our team is.
- Convenient location. Our office is at 4914 Randall Parkway in Wilmington, and we see patients from Leland, Ogden, Porters Neck, Monkey Junction, Wrightsville Beach, and Carolina Beach.
Dental Crown FAQs
Can I get a dental crown in one day?
Yes. With CEREC, we can design, make, and place a ceramic crown in a single visit at our Wilmington office, so there's no temporary crown and no second appointment.
What's the difference between a crown and a filling?
A filling repairs a smaller area of decay inside the tooth. A crown covers the whole visible part of the tooth and is used when the tooth is too damaged or weak for a filling to hold up.
Are porcelain and ceramic crowns the same thing?
They're close. Porcelain is a type of ceramic, and today's all-ceramic crowns are the modern, stronger version of what many people know as porcelain crowns. Both are tooth-colored and blend in naturally.
Will my crown look natural?
Yes. We shade and shape each crown to match your surrounding teeth, so most people won't be able to tell which tooth has a crown.
Does insurance cover dental crowns?
Many dental plans cover part of the cost of a crown when it's needed to restore a damaged tooth. Our team can check your benefits and give you an estimate before treatment.
Schedule Your Crown Consultation
If you have a cracked tooth, an old crown that needs replacing, or a filling that's giving you trouble, we're here to help. Call Burns Family Dentistry at 910-799-9059 or request an appointment.
