A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its strength, function, and appearance. At The Center For Dental Excellence in Flossmoor, IL, our team of multi-specialty dentists uses advanced technology and high-quality materials to provide durable, natural-looking crowns. Whether you need a crown to protect a tooth after a root canal, cover a dental implant, or improve the appearance of a misshapen tooth, we can help.
We proudly offer same-day dentistry and all-in-one solutions under one roof, saving you the hassle of being referred to outside specialists. Our Flossmoor dental office serves patients from Homewood, Olympia Fields, and all surrounding areas. Call us at (708) 627-5998 or request an appointment online to see if a dental crown is right for you.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that completely covers a tooth, starting at the gumline. It’s designed to restore the tooth’s original shape, size, strength, and appearance. We provide crowns when a tooth has a large filling, is cracked or broken, or has undergone a root canal. They can also cover a dental implant, attach a bridge, or enhance the aesthetics of a discolored or misshapen tooth.
Why You Might Need a Dental Crown
Our Flossmoor dentists may recommend a dental crown for several reasons:
- After Root Canal Treatment: A tooth that has had a root canal can become brittle. A crown protects it from fracturing.
- To Repair a Broken or Cracked Tooth: A crown can hold the tooth together and restore its function.
- To Cover a Large Filling: When a cavity is too large for a filling, a crown provides necessary support.
- To Cover a Dental Implant: A crown is the final step to complete a dental implant restoration.
- To Improve Appearance: Crowns can cover teeth that are severely discolored, misshapen, or have gaps.
Types of Dental Crowns We Offer
At The Center For Dental Excellence, we offer various types of dental crowns to meet your specific needs, budget, and aesthetic goals. During your consultation, Dr. Charles Greenebaum, Dr. Cary Goldberg, or one of our specialists will help you choose the material that is right for you.
- All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain Crowns: These crowns offer the most natural-looking results, closely mimicking the translucency of tooth enamel. They are metal-free, making them a great option for patients with metal allergies. Zirconia is a popular type of ceramic crown known for its exceptional strength and durability.
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: These crowns combine the durability of a metal base with the natural appearance of a porcelain exterior. While they are strong, the porcelain can chip over time, and the metal may become visible if gums recede.
- Metal Crowns: Made from gold, palladium, or other metal alloys, these crowns are extremely durable and can withstand heavy biting forces. Their metallic color makes them best suited for back molars where they aren’t visible.
Same-Day Dental Crowns with CEREC Technology
We understand that your time is valuable. At The Center For Dental Excellence, we offer same-day crowns using advanced CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) technology.
What this means for you:
- No Messy Impressions: We use a digital scanner to capture a 3D image of your tooth, eliminating the need for uncomfortable, goopy impression material.
- No Temporary Crown: You get a permanent crown in a single visit. No temporary crown to worry about or second appointment to return for.
- One Appointment: From start to finish, your crown is designed, milled, and placed in about two hours.
This is just one of the many ways we make dental care more convenient and efficient at our Flossmoor dental practice.
The Dental Crown Process: What to Expect
The traditional dental crown process typically requires two visits to our Flossmoor dental office. Dr. Charles Greenebaum, Dr. Cary Goldberg, or one of our experienced dentists will guide you through every step:
First Visit: Tooth Preparation and Impressions
- Your dentist will numb the tooth and surrounding area to ensure your comfort.
- They will remove any decay and reshape the tooth to make room for the crown.
- A digital impression (or traditional impression) is taken to design your custom crown.
- You will receive a temporary crown to protect the tooth while your permanent crown is being fabricated.
Second Visit: Crown Placement
- We remove the temporary crown and clean the tooth.
- Your permanent crown is carefully checked for fit, color, and shape.
- The crown is cemented securely in place.
For same-day crowns with CEREC technology, steps 2 through 4 of the first visit happen digitally, and the crown is placed during the same appointment.
Patient Review
I had to replace a crown. Dr Khatlan and his assistant Theresa did a wonderful job. They walked me through the entire process and explained everything they were doing. Thanks for making an unpleasant experience more than tolerable. I would definitely recommend both – Tom Sharp ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns
Will my dental crown look natural?
Yes, at The Center For Dental Excellence, we design crowns to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth so they blend in seamlessly. Dr. Charles Greenebaum and Dr. Cary Goldberg work with high-quality ceramic and porcelain materials that mimic the translucency of natural tooth enamel. Our goal is to ensure your crown looks so natural that you’ll forget it’s even there.
Does getting a dental crown hurt?
No. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable and feel no pain throughout the process. You may experience some mild sensitivity or soreness after the numbness wears off, but this typically subsides within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually sufficient to manage any discomfort during your recovery.
How long do dental crowns last?
With proper care, dental crowns can last 15 years or even longer. The longevity of your crown depends on factors like your oral hygiene habits, diet, and whether you grind or clench your teeth. Regular dental checkups at our Flossmoor office allow us to monitor your crown and ensure it remains in good condition.
What is the cost of a dental crown in Flossmoor, IL?
The cost of a dental crown can vary depending on the material used and your specific treatment needs. We provide clear cost estimates before treatment begins, and many dental insurance plans cover part of the cost of a crown when it’s deemed medically necessary. Our team can also help you explore flexible financing options, including CareCredit and our in-house Dental Assistance Savings Plan, to make your treatment more affordable.
How do I take care of my dental crown?
Caring for a crown is just like caring for your natural teeth. Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss daily, and maintain regular dental checkups and cleanings at our Flossmoor office. It’s also important to avoid chewing hard objects like ice or using your teeth to open packages, as these habits can damage your crown.
What are CEREC crowns?
CEREC crowns are same-day crowns created right in our office using computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology. Instead of waiting weeks for a lab to create your crown, we can design, mill, and place a permanent crown in a single visit. This means no temporary crowns, no goopy impressions, and no second appointment. Just a convenient, time-saving solution for busy patients.
Can Dr. Greenebaum or Dr. Goldberg place a crown on the same day?
Yes! Both Dr. Greenebaum and Dr. Goldberg are trained in CEREC same-day crown technology. In many cases, we can complete your permanent crown in a single visit, so you leave with a fully restored smile. Our team will evaluate your specific situation to determine if you’re a candidate for same-day treatment.
What should I do if my crown feels loose or falls off?
If your crown feels loose or falls off, call our office right away at (708) 627-5998. Don’t attempt to glue it back on yourself, as this could damage the crown or your underlying tooth. We’ll schedule a same-day appointment to evaluate the issue, clean the area, and re-cement or replace the crown as needed.
Will my insurance cover a dental crown?
Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of a dental crown, especially if it’s needed for restorative purposes like protecting a tooth after a root canal. We process most PPO insurances and handle the entire claims process on your behalf, so you don’t have to worry about the paperwork. Our team will also help you understand your coverage and estimate your out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins.
Why Choose The Center For Dental Excellence for Your Crown?
Choosing the right dental practice for your crown is an important decision. At The Center For Dental Excellence, we prioritize your comfort, convenience, and long-term oral health.
- All-in-One Solutions: Our Flossmoor dental practice offers general, cosmetic, restorative, and specialty dentistry. You don’t get referred out for different treatments.
- Experienced, Compassionate Dentists: Dr. Charles Greenebaum and Dr. Cary Goldberg bring years of expertise to every procedure. They take the time to listen to your concerns, explain your options, and help you feel at ease throughout your treatment.
- Advanced Technology: We use modern equipment like the Epic Laser, Cone Beam CT, and same-day CEREC technology for precise diagnostics and efficient care.
- Patient-Focused Care: We prioritize your comfort with flexible scheduling (including Saturdays), multilingual staff, and a commitment to 100% satisfaction. We also offer same-day emergency appointments for urgent needs.
- Award-Winning Practice: The Center For Dental Excellence was the 2017 recipient of the Small Business of the Year Award from the South Suburban Small Business Association. This is a testament to our commitment to excellence in dental care and community service.
- Giving Back to the Community: We believe in supporting the communities we serve. Our practice proudly supports over forty non-profit organizations, including local schools, youth sports teams, and community outreach programs.
Schedule Your Dental Crown Consultation
Protect your smile with a custom dental crown from The Center For Dental Excellence. Our experienced team is here to help you achieve a healthy, confident smile.
Call our Flossmoor dental office today at (708) 627-5998 or request an appointment online.
We proudly serve patients from Flossmoor, Homewood, Olympia Fields, Tinley Park, Orland Park, and all surrounding areas.