Dental Crowns

Periodontics and Implant Dentistry in St. Louis, MO

A broken, decayed, or infected tooth can cause serious discomfort, and may eventually need extraction if left untreated.

Dr. Justin Schlaikjer can restore your oral health and relieve discomfort with dental crown treatment. 

Learn about the benefits of getting a dental crown at our St. Louis, MO, practice…

 

3 Benefits of Dental Crowns

1

Tried and True Treatment

Crowns have been used in dental treatment for hundreds of years. Modern dental crown treatment is virtually painless, and one of the most trusted solutions for a wide range of conditions.

2

Natural-Looking Enhancement

A crown protects your tooth while blending in seamlessly with your smile. Our high-quality crowns are custom-designed from premium materials like porcelain that provide durable protection and natural-looking aesthetics.

3

Long-Lasting Results

Well-made dental crowns are highly durable, often lasting a decade or longer before needing replacement. Our porcelain crowns are also stain-resistant, keeping their beautiful shade of white throughout their lifespan. 

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A Closer Look at Treatment

A dental crown is a cap that encases a tooth and protects the tooth structure. The tooth is reshaped to make room for the crown, allowing the restoration to blend in with your smile. 

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Why Choose Dr. Schlaikjer?

For the past decade, Dr. Schlaikjer has provided patients of all ages with top-of-the-line cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentistry. We are committed to giving you quality care without breaking your budget. Not only do we accept a wide range of insurances, but we offer low-interest flexible financing to give you access to the highest quality procedures.

If you are searching for a qualified professional for your dental crown treatment, look no further. Set up an appointment with Dr. Schlaikjer today. You can reach our St. Louis, MO, practice today online or by calling:

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Do I Need a Dental Crown?

While the only way to know for sure if you need a crown is to get examined by a dentist, there are several common reasons you might need treatment.

Advanced Cavities

Cavities are small holes in the enamel caused by decay. If you notice sudden tooth pain or sensitivity when your teeth are exposed to hot or cold temperatures, you may have a cavity. We may recommend treating extensive decay with a crown to strengthen the tooth structure and prevent further damage.

Excessive Wear

Certain conditions like bruxism (teeth grinding) or acid reflux can wear down the surface of your enamel and disrupt the balance of your bite. A sore jaw and tooth pain are common symptoms of these problems. Crowns are a great way to repair the structural integrity of a worn-down tooth and restore proper dental occlusion. 

Infection

If bacteria and decay reach the pulp at the tooth’s interior, you may develop an infection. Signs of infection include pain, redness and swelling of the gums, a darkened tooth, and an abscess. Your dentist will first treat the infection with a root canal and then cap the tooth with a dental crown to reinforce the structure.

Visible Fractures

A fracture, break, or crack in your enamel can compromise your tooth, leaving it vulnerable to bacteria and more severe structural damage. Injury, sporting accidents, and even biting down forcefully on something too hard can create a fracture. Depending on the severity of the damage, you may need a crown to repair the tooth structure. 

Missing Tooth

Crowns can play an important role in restoring a missing tooth. With a traditional dental bridge, crowns are placed on the teeth adjacent to the gap to secure the dental bridge. Our practice also offers state-of-the-art dental implant treatment that replaces a tooth by securing a crown to a surgically placed titanium post.

The Implant Advantage

Implant-supported crowns are a replacement for an entire tooth, compared to the cap of a traditional crown. Dental implants have significant advantages over traditional methods of restorative dentistry. Unlike dental prosthetics that rest on top of the gum line, implants are placed within the jaw to restore the underlying tooth roots. This not only creates a stable foundation for a dental restoration but helps you maintain healthy oral structures. Ask our dentist about implant-supported crowns at your next dental appointment to learn more. 

Is Dental Crown Treatment Painful?

Patients often assume dental crown treatment will be painful. In reality, the procedure is done under anesthesia and causes very minimal discomfort, if any at all. Our St. Louis practice uses the latest techniques in dentistry to provide the most efficient and gentle treatment possible. And if there is anything we can do to improve your comfort, please ask, and our friendly team will be happy to accommodate you. 

 

What to Expect During the Procedure

Take a closer look at the process for dental crown treatment at our St. Louis office.

1. Dental Exam

You will first meet with our St. Louis dentist for a comprehensive exam to assess your oral health. If we determine you need a crown, we will go over your options and create a personalized treatment plan. 

2. Initial Treatments

We will begin by treating any underlying health concerns like decay or infection. This may involve a root canal to remove bacteria from deep within the tooth structure.

3. Preparation

Next, our dentist will prepare your tooth for the crown by reshaping the tooth structure. Then we will take impressions of your teeth and create a blueprint for your permanent crown to fit your precise specifications. 

4. Temporary Crown

Crowns made from porcelain and other premium materials are handled by specially trained technicians at our partner lab. Production typically takes a week or two. In the meantime, our dentist will place a temporary crown over your tooth for protection.

5. Dental Restoration

When your porcelain dental crown is ready, you will return to our office for the last step of the procedure. Our dentist will remove the temporary crown and inspect the custom-made version against your tooth, making any necessary adjustments to ensure an optimal fit. Finally, our dentist will bond the permanent crown to the tooth with special dental cement and cure it under UV light.

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Periodontics and Implant Dentistry in St. Louis, MO