Dental Crowns: A Solution for Damaged Teeth

When you’re dealing with a damaged tooth, lingering tooth pain, or a weakened natural tooth that needs extra support, a dental crown can be a dependable way to restore strength and protect your long-term oral health. At Camelot Dental Group in Columbus, OH, Dr. Paul King, Dr. Chris King, and Dr. Maria Zulliger create custom dental crowns designed to fit comfortably, blend naturally with your smile, and protect the remaining tooth structure.

Crowns are a staple of general dentistry because they’re versatile and long-lasting. They can support natural teeth that a large filling has weakened, restore a treated tooth after root canal therapy, or even complete a dental implant when you’re replacing missing teeth. By choosing a custom crown created through a trusted dental laboratory, you receive a restoration that’s shaped, shaded, and designed to match the appearance of teeth and bite. When crafted with attention to detail, a new crown can enhance your smile, restore normal function, and keep you comfortable throughout everyday activities, such as chewing and speaking.

Why Dental Crowns Are Needed

A dental crown is often recommended when a tooth cannot be repaired with a simple filling. Once tooth decay or damage reaches a certain point, placing another filling could jeopardize the remaining tooth structure. A crown provides full coverage around the tooth, supporting it from the gum line up and preventing cracks or wear from spreading. Patients often benefit from a crown in the following situations:

After a root canal or root canal procedure, when the natural tooth becomes more fragile
When a large filling has weakened the remaining tooth structure
If a tooth has a fracture, chip, or worn-down surface
To restore appearance, balance, or alignment
To protect a natural tooth affected by extensive decay
To cover a dental implant and complete the restoration

A crown can also help prevent tooth loss by reinforcing the prepared tooth. By preserving the natural tooth whenever possible, your dentist avoids more complex dental services and maintains your bite functioning properly.

Types of Dental Crowns Available

Different materials serve different purposes, and our dentists will recommend the best type of crown based on the tooth’s function, its location, and your long-term goals. At Camelot Dental Group, you’ll learn about the various types of dental crowns and how each one supports your dental care plan.

Common options include:

Porcelain crowns – often chosen for their lifelike color and translucency, ideal for front teeth
Ceramic crowns – blend well with natural teeth and are popular for visible areas of the smile
Zirconia crowns – made from durable materials that work well for back teeth that endure strong biting pressure
Metal crowns or stainless steel – less commonly used for adults today, but known for long-term strength
Mixed-material crowns – sometimes combine porcelain with a strong inner layer

Our Columbus team will consider the color of the permanent crown, its interaction with opposing teeth, and your oral hygiene practices before recommending the correct type of crown. This approach ensures you receive the best balance of strength, function, and cosmetic appeal.

The Crown Procedure at Camelot Dental Group

From start to finish, the dental crown procedure focuses on protecting the natural tooth, ensuring comfort, and creating a restoration that blends as seamlessly as possible. Although each case is unique, most patients experience the same predictable steps.

First Office Visit: Preparation

During your first visit, Dr. Paul King, Dr. Chris King, or Dr. Maria Zulliger will evaluate the damaged tooth, check for gum disease, and confirm that a dental crown is the best option. If a root canal therapy or root canal treatment is needed, it is completed before the crown process begins.

Once the tooth is ready, a local anesthetic is used to keep you comfortable during the procedure. Our professionals then reshape the remaining tooth structure to create enough room for the new crown to fit properly. This prepared tooth will support the final restoration and help prevent further damage.

After shaping, we take an impression of the tooth or a digital scan of it. The impressions of the teeth are sent to the dental lab or dental laboratory, where your permanent crown is carefully crafted.

Before you leave the first visit, a temporary crown or temporary restoration is placed. This protects the tooth and maintains the appearance of your smile while your crown is being made. Temporary crowns are held in place with temporary cement, making them functional but not permanent.

Second Office Visit: Placement of the Permanent Crown

On your second visit, your new crown is ready. One of our Columbus dentists removes the temporary crown, cleans the prepared tooth, and checks the fit, color, and shape of the permanent crown. Adjustments are made as needed to ensure comfort, a proper bite, and proper alignment with opposing teeth.

Once everything looks ideal, the crown is securely attached using strong dental cement, creating a long-term seal that helps protect the treated tooth. With proper care, you can expect your crown to feel natural and function like your natural teeth.

What Dental Crowns Can Fix

Dental crowns are a versatile solution for a wide range of dental issues. Crowns are often recommended when a tooth needs more support than a filling can provide. They work well for:

Restoring a damaged tooth after trauma
Reinforcing a tooth weakened by a large filling
Covering severe tooth decay
Protecting a tooth after root canal therapy
Improving the appearance of discolored, misshapen, or uneven teeth
Completing a dental implant
Preventing fractures in a weakened tooth

Because they function like a dental cap, crowns cover and protect the entire tooth, helping reduce cold sensitivity, relieve lingering discomfort, and stabilize a tooth that otherwise may not withstand normal chewing.

Longevity and Care of Your Crown

With good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, dental crowns can last many years. While the lifespan can vary depending on the type of crown, biting habits, and your oral health, most crowns last anywhere from 10 to 15 years or longer with proper care.

To keep your crown in excellent condition afterward, our team recommends:

Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
Practicing good oral hygiene around the gum line
Flossing carefully to prevent plaque buildup
Limiting tough foods that may damage the crown
Maintaining dental visits for monitoring and cleanings

Avoiding habits like chewing ice, grinding teeth, or biting hard objects helps protect both natural teeth and crowns. If you tend to grind at night, your dentist may suggest a nightguard to prevent chipping or wear.

Crowns themselves do not decay, but the natural tooth underneath can still be affected if plaque collects around the gum line. That’s why consistent dental care is essential to extending the life of your crown.

Comfort and Sensitivity After. Treatment

It’s normal for patients to experience mild tooth pain, cold sensitivity, or tender gums after receiving a crown, especially if the tooth required a root canal or extensive shaping. Sensitive teeth often calm down within a few days. Temporary crowns sometimes feel slightly different from natural teeth, but any sensitivity usually improves once the permanent crown is cemented.

If you notice lingering discomfort beyond a short adjustment period, Dr. Paul King or one of the other dentists will evaluate your bite, check the treated tooth, and make any necessary refinements. The goal is to ensure your crown feels natural and supports you comfortably in everyday activities.

Benefits of Choosing Camelot Dental Group for Dental Crowns

Camelot Dental Group combines updated technology with personalized dental treatment to restore your smile with precision and comfort. As a comprehensive practice offering both preventive and restorative care, the team prioritizes long-term oral health while making each visit seamless.

Patients appreciate that:

Materials are chosen based on your individual needs and the location of the tooth
You receive clear guidance throughout the first and second visits
The team ensures that the new crown blends well with natural teeth
Each restoration is crafted carefully through a dental lab to ensure a comfortable fit
The dentists explain every step so you can make an informed decision about your care

Together, Dr. Paul King, Dr. Chris King, and Dr. Maria Zulliger create a supportive environment that focuses on helping you maintain a healthy smile throughout every stage of life.

Protect Your Smile for Years to Come

A well-designed dental crown can preserve a natural tooth, restore its appearance, and protect it from further damage for years to come. At Camelot Dental Group in Columbus, OH, you’ll receive individualized care that respects your oral health, your goals, and your comfort.

Whether you’re recovering from a root canal, managing extensive decay, or strengthening a weakened tooth, the team is here to guide you through the process from your first office visit to your final restoration. With durable materials, attention to detail, and modern techniques, your crown is made to function naturally and last with proper care. If you’re ready to restore confidence and comfort to your smile, call us at 614-654-5112 to schedule an appointment in Columbus!r expert team specializes in dentistry solutions that repair your smile and mouth back to total oral and aesthetic health. Call our office at 614-451-5115 to discuss all of the services we offer to restore, protect and maintain your teeth.