Tooth Crowns | Best Dentist in Chicago, IL

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Dental Crowns in Chicago, Evanston, Skokie

Fix Your Teeth and Restore Your Beautiful Smile

Looking for a solution to a damaged, cracked tooth, decayed or missing teeth? Dental crowns can be the answer! These tooth-shaped caps are a popular restorative dentistry treatment designed to restore the health, function, and appearance of your tooth.

At Contos Smile Center, Dr. Peter Contos, a leading Chicago dentist with a team of skilled dental professionals, offers personalized dental crown treatments to give you back a confident smile. Call (773) 973-0531 to learn more.

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are custom-made tooth-shaped cap to fit over your entire tooth. They are versatile dental restoration treatments that can address functional and cosmetic dental concerns. Made from durable materials like porcelain or ceramic, dental crowns blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth, mimicking the natural look and feel.

Dr. Contos will carefully craft each crown to precisely match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth. This ensures a natural-looking restoration that restores the overall aesthetics of your smile.

Benefits of Dental Crowns

Ceramic crowns and porcelain crowns offer several benefits for patients in Chicago seeking to restore the health and beauty of their smiles. Here are some of the key advantages of dental crown procedure:

Restored Functionality: Dental crowns can rebuild the strength, size, and shape of your tooth, allowing you to bite and chew comfortably, which is especially crucial for teeth weakened by decay or large fillings.
Enhanced Smile Aesthetics: Discolored, chipped, or misshapen teeth can significantly impact your smile’s appearance. Crowns act as a cosmetic cover-up, masking these imperfections and creating a beautiful, natural-looking smile.
Improved Tooth Protection: Dental crowns act as a protective barrier, safeguarding weakened or cracked teeth from further damage and potential extraction. This can significantly improve your tooth’s longevity.
Long-lasting Solution: With proper care and maintenance, dental crowns are highly durable and can last many years. This makes them a reliable and cost-effective investment in your oral health.

Candidacy for Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are a versatile treatment option suitable for a variety of patients. Here are some common reasons why Dr. Contos might recommend a dental crown in place of:

Large Dental Fillings: If a misfitted dental filling compromises the structural integrity of your tooth, you may need a crown to provide additional support and prevent breakage.
Weakened Teeth: A weak tooth from a root canal procedure, or injuries can benefit from the added strength and protection offered by crowns.
Cosmetic Concerns: Dental crowns can address various cosmetic issues like discoloration, cracks, chips, or misshapen teeth, significantly improving the aesthetics of your smile.
Broken Teeth: In cases of a broken tooth, temporary crowns can effectively hold the fragments together and prevent further damage until final crown placement.

Dr. Contos will conduct a thorough dental examination and discuss your needs to determine if dental crowns are the right treatment option. Schedule a consultation today by calling (773) 973-0531.

The Dental Crown Placement Process

Consultation and Examination

During your initial consultation, Dr. Contos will conduct a comprehensive examination of your teeth. This may include X-rays to assess the condition of adjacent teeth, the tooth requiring the crown and surrounding bone structure. Dr. Contos will discuss your concerns and answer any questions about dental crowns. He’ll also help you choose the most suitable option based on your needs and preferences.

Tooth Preparation and Temporary Crown Placement

At your second appointment, Dr. Contos will prepare your tooth for the crown. This involves administering anesthesia to numb the area and carefully removing any decay or damaged tooth structure. Dr. Contos will then take impressions of your teeth using a precise digital scanner or traditional dental putty. The dental lab uses these impressions to create your custom-made crown. In the meantime, you’ll receive a temporary crown.

Final Crown Placement

Once Dr. Cotnos receives your final crown restorations, you’ll return to our Chicago office for your final dental crown fitting. After making the necessary adjustments, your dentist will bond the crown to your natural tooth for a seamless, restored finish.

Caring for Dental Crowns

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for ensuring the longevity and functionality of your dental crowns. Here are some practices to follow:

Brushing: Brush your teeth twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Pay particular attention to the area around the crown, including the gumline.
Flossing: Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles that can accumulate between your teeth and around the crown. This helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay that could compromise the crown’s integrity.
Avoid Harsh Foods: Steer clear of hard, chewy, or sticky foods that can put excessive pressure on your crown and cause it to crack or chip.
Use Caution with Beverages: Limit your intake of staining beverages like coffee, tea, or red wine, as these can discolor your crown over time. If you do consume them, rinse your mouth thoroughly afterward.
Regular Dental Checkups: Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings with Dr. Contos. These visits allow him to examine your crown for any signs of wear, damage, or decay, and perform necessary adjustments or replacements.
Nightguards: If you grind or clench your teeth at night (bruxism), Dr. Contos may recommend wearing a custom-made nightguard to protect your crown from damage caused by excessive force.

Financing Dental Crowns

Contos Smile Center understands that dental crowns can be an investment. We offer a variety of financing options to make your treatment affordable:

Insurance: We accept most major dental insurance plans and will work with your insurance company to maximize your coverage.
Patient Payment Plans: We offer flexible payment plans tailored to your needs.
Credit Cards: We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express for your convenience.
Outside Financing: CareCredit and Lending Club allow you to spread out the cost of treatment over time with affordable monthly payments.

We’re committed to working with you to find a financing option that fits your budget. Contact us today at (773) 973-0531 to learn more and schedule a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

▼How long do dental crowns last?

Dental crowns, with proper care, can last for many years, often exceeding 10 years. They are durable, but like anything, can chip or break under excessive pressure. Maintaining good oral hygiene habits and avoiding using your teeth for things like cracking nutshells will help maximize their lifespan.

▼How long does it take to receive dental crowns?

The dental crown process typically takes two visits. The first visit involves consultation, examination, preparation of the tooth, and placement of a temporary crown, which can usually be done in one appointment. The permanent crown is created in a dental lab, so there’s waiting time in between (usually a couple of weeks). The second visit involves removing the temporary crown and placing the permanent crown, which is typically a quick procedure.

▼Does receiving dental crowns hurt?

Placing a dental crown shouldn’t be painful. A local anesthetic numbs the area around the tooth, so you shouldn’t feel discomfort during the procedure. Afterward, there might be some mild soreness or sensitivity around the treated tooth, but this typically resolves within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage any discomfort.

▼How long does it take to recover from dental crown placement?

Recovery from dental crown placement is generally quick. Most people experience discomfort, inflammation, and sensitivity around the treated area for the first few days. Within a week or two, these symptoms should subside as your mouth adjusts to the new crown again. Follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions to promote healing and prevent complications.

Achieve a Refreshed, Functional Smile With Dr. Contos

At Contos Smile Center, Dr. Contos and our team provide our patients with the highest-quality dental crown care in Chicago, IL. If you need a dental crown, our experienced team of dental professionals can help. Contact our office today at (773) 973-0531 to schedule a consultation.

We’re dedicated to providing exceptional dental care to patients in the Chicago area, including Evanston, Cicero, and Streeterville. We look forward to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile!