Request Forms Find Us Reviews Call Map
Walk-Ins & Dental Emergencies WelcomeAccepting New PatientsDental Insurance Maximized
3400 Travis Pointe, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Animated cellphone icon (734) 996-0200

Dental Crowns – Ann Arbor, MI

Repairing Damaged Teeth Without Drawing Attention to Them

Some patients hear that a tooth is damaged and immediately panic because they feel getting it restored will ruin the appearance of their entire smile. In order to help his patients continue feeling comfortable letting their grins show, Dr. James Olsen custom crafts each of his dental crowns in Ann Arbor, MI from high-quality materials that can be customized to seamlessly blend in with the rest of a smile. Using the latest dental technology, including the iTero digital impression system, he’s able to create strong, long-lasting, and precisely fitted dental crowns that help improve his patients’ oral health and confidence.

What are Dental Crowns?

person smiling and walking down a city street after dental crown restoration

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed on top of a prepared damaged tooth in order to restore its original shape, size, and appearance. They can be made of a variety of materials, but most patients prefer to have them crafted from natural-looking and customizable dental porcelain or ceramic. The procedure of getting a dental crown in Ann Arbor typically takes place over the course of two appointments, so your restoration can be customized to fit your exact and unique needs. Once Dr. Olsen has placed your crown, you can expect to regain the function of your damaged tooth and restore the appearance of your smile.

Why Do You Need to Get a Dental Crown?

person smiling and sitting on the couch after dental crown restoration

Many people aren’t aware that crowns can be used for much more than simply repairing a broken tooth in Ann Arbor. These restorations are a great solution for a wide variety of problems, including:

  • Severe decay that can’t be treated with a dental filling.
  • Forced dental trauma that has caused a tooth to become cracked or broken.
  • Root canal therapy that has treated an infected tooth that now requires additional strength and protection.
  • Fixed bridges, which hold replacement teeth in place with two dental crowns on either end.

What is the Process of Getting a Dental Crown?

person smiling and looking at their phone after dental crown restoration

Before we schedule your appointment for a dental crown, our team of professionals will ensure that you have all of the information you need to feel comfortable and confident that this restoration is the best choice for your oral health. The procedure itself typically takes place over the course of two appointments to our dental office. It can be broken down into the following timeline:

  1. We’ll begin by preparing your damaged or treated tooth by removing a small portion of the outer layer. This will help accommodate the thickness of the crown, allowing the restoration to comfortably fit in your mouth.
  2. Using our iTero digital impression system, we’ll capture measurements and impressions of your tooth to send to our dental laboratory. When the information arrives at the lab, they’ll begin crafting your crown from high-quality materials using our specifications.
  3. While your permanent crown is being made, we’ll place a temporary one over your prepared tooth to protect it.
  4. Once we receive your permanent restoration, we’ll call you in for your final appointment to secure it to your tooth.

Before you leave our dental office, we’ll provide you with some maintenance instructions and let you know what you can do to ensure that your crown lasts. With regular brushing and flossing paired with semi-annual checkups and cleanings, you should be able to get the most out of your restorations.

Dental Crown FAQs

three dental crowns in Ann Arbor against black background

We believe that you should never undergo a dental treatment unless you fully understand how it works. That’s why we’ve provided you with the answers to some of the questions about dental crowns in Ann Arbor that we get asked the most often. While this page should give you a good idea of what to expect before, during, and after getting a dental crown, don’t be afraid to contact our office if you have any further questions.

Does Getting a Dental Crown Hurt?

Before preparing the tooth to receive the crown, our team will administer a local anesthetic to that part of your mouth. You may feel a slight pressure during the procedure, but you shouldn’t experience any pain. In fact, it’s about as comfortable as getting a filling.

When we switch out your temporary crown for your permanent restoration, your tooth may hurt for a few seconds when it’s exposed to the air. However, this should last less than a minute. Additionally, you might be sore for a few days after getting your crown placed. Taking over-the-counter pain medications as needed should be more than enough to alleviate your discomfort.

What Are Dental Crowns Made Of?

Dental crowns can be made from a variety of materials. In the old days, they were most often made from metals like gold or silver, but most dentists currently use dental porcelain. This material is not only sturdy enough to withstand the daily pressures of chewing, but it can be color-matched to blend in with your adjacent teeth. It resembles tooth enamel extremely closely; it even reflects light in the exact same way!

How Long Will My Dental Crown Last?

On average, you can expect your crown to last for 10-15 years, but you can extend its lifespan to 20 years or even more by taking excellent care of it. Essentially, this involves treating it like it’s one of your natural pearly whites. Brush and floss on a daily basis, and visit us for checkups and cleanings at least twice a year. Wear a mouthguard during sports games and practices to protect your crown and teeth from injury. Lastly, avoid biting or chewing anything particularly hard with your crowned tooth.

How Much Do Dental Crowns Cost?

The cost of your dental crown will vary depending on what material it’s made of and where in your mouth it’s being placed. The good news is that in most cases, dental insurance companies count crowns as a restorative procedure, so they typically cover up to 80% of the cost. For patients without dental insurance, we can help you apply for CareCredit to let you finance the care your smile needs without breaking the bank.