Durable Dental Crowns in Greensboro, NC
Dentistry is an art as well as a science; dental crowns offer a perfect example of this. A dental crown or “cap” is a covering that fits over a damaged, decayed, or unattractive tooth. It can even replace a tooth entirely as part of dental bridgework. At Norman & Gill Dentistry, we provide high-quality dental crowns in Greensboro, NC, designed to match your natural teeth and restore the full strength and function of your smile.
Strengthen and Protect Your Teeth with Dental Crowns in Greensboro
A crown completely covers a tooth above the gum line. This is in contrast to a dental veneer, which only covers a tooth’s front surface and needs a natural tooth structure to support it. Therefore, if a tooth is missing a significant amount of structure above the gum line, a crown would be the restoration of choice.
Crowns strengthen damaged teeth, allowing them to function normally again. When crafted from today’s high-tech porcelains (dental ceramics), crowns are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth. They can even be designed to improve upon a tooth’s original appearance.
There are other materials besides porcelain that we can use to make dental crowns, depending on what qualities are most important. For durability, cast gold can’t be beat. However, this is not always the most aesthetic choice — especially towards the front of the mouth. Other possibilities include porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns (PFM), which have a metal interior for strength and a porcelain exterior for a more natural appearance, and all-porcelain crowns with zirconia, representing the strongest ceramic. We would be happy to discuss the pros and cons of these various options with you.
Crowning or Capping a Tooth
Crowning or capping a tooth will usually take two to three visits. At the first visit, your tooth is prepared to receive its new crown. First, it is shaped to fit inside the new covering. This will involve some drilling to give the tooth a uniform shape. The tooth and the surrounding area will be numbed beforehand. If there is very little tooth structure left to begin with, the tooth may have to be built up with filling material, rather than filed down, to support the crown.
After the tooth is prepared, impressions of your teeth are taken, either digitally or with reliable, putty-like impression materials, and sent to the dental laboratory. There, the impressions will be used to make models of your teeth for the creation of a crown. The models will serve as guides to highly skilled lab technicians, who will ensure that your new crown is designed to enhance your smile and function well within your bite.
Before you leave the office, a temporary crown will be attached to your tooth to protect it until the permanent crown is ready. At the second visit, your permanent crown will be attached to your tooth with either a resin that hardens when exposed to a special light source or a type of permanent cement.
Call us today at (336) 282 2120 to book your appointment or to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Crowns
How long do dental crowns typically last?
Most dental crowns last 10 to 15 years, and with excellent oral hygiene and regular checkups, many stay in place for 20 years or longer. Lifespan depends on the crown material, the tooth’s position, and habits like grinding or chewing hard foods. Porcelain and zirconia crowns hold up well against everyday wear, while crowns on molars endure more force than those on front teeth. Twice-daily brushing, daily flossing, and routine cleanings at Norman & Gill Dentistry protect the underlying tooth so the crown lasts as long as possible. A properly fitted nightguard can also extend crown life for patients who grind their teeth.
Does getting a dental crown hurt?
Getting a dental crown is not usually painful because the tooth is fully numbed with local anesthetic before any preparation begins. Most patients feel pressure and vibration rather than sharp discomfort, and mild sensitivity for a few days afterward is normal. If you’re anxious about the procedure, ask about sedation options like nitrous oxide, which help you stay relaxed throughout the visit. For crowns placed after a root canal, the tooth no longer has a nerve, so the process feels even more comfortable. Over-the-counter pain relievers usually manage any post-procedure tenderness during the short adjustment period.
What's the difference between porcelain, zirconia, and metal dental crowns?
Porcelain crowns look the most natural, zirconia crowns are the strongest, and all-metal crowns are the most durable but silver or gold in color, so material choice depends on where the crown will go in your mouth. Front teeth typically get porcelain or zirconia for aesthetics, and back molars often get zirconia or metal for strength. Porcelain-fused-to-metal combines both but can show a thin dark line near the gum over time. Your dentist at Norman & Gill Dentistry recommends a material based on the tooth’s location, your bite force, how visible the crown will be, and any allergies you may have.
Are same-day dental crowns available at your Greensboro office?
Same-day dental crowns use in-office CAD/CAM technology to scan, mill, and place a crown in a single visit, while traditional crowns are completed over two appointments with a temporary crown in between. Both methods produce durable, natural-looking results, and the right option depends on the tooth being restored and the materials best suited to your case. Some cases involving heavy bite force or specific aesthetics still benefit from a lab-fabricated crown. To confirm which crown workflow is used for your treatment, call Norman & Gill Dentistry at 336-282-2120 or contact us online before your visit.
What can I eat and drink after getting a new dental crown?
Once a permanent crown is cemented, you can eat and drink normally as soon as the numbness wears off, avoiding only very hard or sticky foods on that tooth for the first day. If you have a temporary crown while the permanent one is being made, stick to softer foods like yogurt, eggs, pasta, and cooked vegetables, and avoid chewing gum, caramel, popcorn, and ice on that side of your mouth. Very hot or cold drinks may cause brief sensitivity for a few days. If your bite feels uneven or the crown feels loose, call the office promptly for a quick adjustment.
Should I get a crown, a filling, or a veneer?
A tooth-colored filling works best for small to moderate cavities, a dental crown is used when a tooth is significantly broken, has a large filling, or has had a root canal, and a veneer is a thin cosmetic shell for front teeth that are stained, chipped, or slightly misshapen. Crowns cover the entire visible tooth and are structural, while veneers cover only the front surface and are primarily cosmetic. For minor chips or gaps on visible teeth, dental bonding is often a conservative alternative. A dentist will examine the tooth, take X-rays, and recommend the option that offers the best long-term function and appearance.
What should I do if my dental crown falls off or breaks?
If your crown falls off, keep it in a clean container and call your dentist as soon as possible to schedule a re-cementation appointment, since the exposed tooth underneath is vulnerable to damage and sensitivity. Avoid chewing on that side and rinse gently with warm water to keep the area clean. Do not try to reattach the crown yourself with household glue, and never wear a broken crown that has sharp edges. Contact Norman & Gill Dentistry at 336-282-2120 so the team can advise you and, in many cases, secure the crown back in place at the next available visit.
Does dental insurance usually help cover dental crowns?
Most dental insurance plans classify crowns as a major restorative procedure and cover a portion of the treatment, typically after any deductible is met and up to your plan’s annual maximum. Coverage varies by plan, and crowns placed for purely cosmetic reasons may not be included. Before treatment, our team can help you understand your benefits and provide a pre-treatment estimate so you know what to expect from your insurance. Reach out to Norman & Gill Dentistry with your insurance details, and we’ll review the specifics with you and coordinate directly with your provider whenever possible.
Where can I find a dentist for dental crowns near Greensboro, NC?
Norman & Gill Dentistry provides dental crowns at 2511 Oakcrest Ave, Greensboro, NC 27408, serving patients throughout Greensboro, Summerfield, Oak Ridge, Jamestown, and the surrounding Piedmont Triad. Our team, led by Dr. Alexander Gill and Dr. Matthew Norman, places porcelain, zirconia, and metal crowns for cracked, worn, and previously treated teeth. We’re open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and new patients are welcome. Call 336-282-2120 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and find out whether a crown or another restorative option is right for your tooth.
I'm moving to Greensboro — can I have my dental crown finished or checked at a new practice?
Yes, a new dentist can complete a crown started elsewhere or evaluate an existing crown for fit and function. Ask your previous dentist to send your records, X-rays, and any impressions or scans to your new practice so treatment can continue smoothly. If you have a temporary crown in place, schedule a visit soon after arriving, since temporaries are only meant to last a few weeks. Norman & Gill Dentistry welcomes patients relocating to the Piedmont Triad and can review your records, coordinate with your prior dentist if needed, and help you complete or maintain your restorative treatment here in Greensboro.
