What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped covers that fit snugly over damaged or weak teeth. They protect and support the tooth structure when a regular filling won’t do the trick. Think of a crown as a durable shield—it brings back the natural shape, color, and function of your tooth. Crowns can be made from different materials, including ceramic, porcelain, or metal alloys. Dr. Marc Christy carefully chooses the material that fits your bite, look, and lifestyle.
At River Oak Dental, we often recommend crowns to fix:
- Heavily decayed teeth
- Broken or severely worn teeth
- Teeth covered by large fillings
Crowns don’t just restore—they help prevent future problems, too.
Why Choose Dental Crowns at River Oak Dental?
Every mouth is different, which is why your dental crown should fit you—not just your tooth. At River Oak Dental, Dr. Marc Christy takes the time to get to know you and your dental history. Patients appreciate our transparent approach and the way we walk you through every option, explaining what to expect step by step.
Our commitment to comfort shows in the details. Every patient is offered a cozy blanket during their visit, along with noise-canceling headphones that make their time in the chair fly by. We use precise imaging and digital scans to make sure your crown looks right and feels natural—nobody will know it’s not your original tooth.
Dental Crowns in Palm Bay: Our Step-by-Step Process
Curious about what happens when you come in for dental crowns in Palm Bay? Here’s how we make the process easy from start to finish. First, Dr. Christy performs a gentle exam and takes X-rays to get a full picture of your tooth. After explaining the details and answering your questions, we carefully prepare your tooth and use a digital scanner—no old-fashioned impressions here—to create a snug-fitting crown.
You’ll leave your first visit with a temporary crown (no worries, it looks good and feels fine), and return once your custom crown is ready. We match your crown’s color so it blends right in with your smile. In that final visit, the crown is secured and checked for comfort. That’s it. Back to eating what you love!
Common Reasons Patients Need Dental Crowns
Teeth go through a lot. From crunching on ice to old fillings that break down, there are plenty of reasons you might need a crown. Most patients find out they need a crown during a checkup—sometimes following a toothache or unexpected chip. Here are the most common situations where dental crowns become the best solution:
Cracked or fractured teeth after an accident: Whether it’s a fall, a sports injury, or biting down on something hard, a crack can weaken your tooth structure. Crowns hold everything together and prevent the crack from spreading deeper.
Deep cavities that fillings can’t repair: When decay goes too far, there’s not enough healthy tooth left to support a filling. A crown covers and protects what remains, giving you back full chewing power.
Protecting a tooth after a root canal: Root canal treatment removes infected tissue, but it also leaves your tooth more brittle. A crown adds the strength and stability you need for everyday use.
Strengthening worn teeth from grinding or age: Years of chewing, grinding, or clenching can wear down your enamel. Crowns rebuild the height and shape of worn teeth, restoring your bite and preventing further damage.
Supporting dental bridges: If you’re missing a tooth, a bridge fills the gap—and crowns on the neighboring teeth hold it securely in place.
Covering dental implants: After an implant is placed, a crown goes on top to complete your new tooth. It looks, feels, and functions just like the real thing.
Fixing teeth with large, old fillings: Big fillings can weaken over time, leading to cracks or breaks. A crown reinforces the tooth and gives you long-term protection.
At River Oak Dental, we tailor every crown to your specific needs, taking care to protect the healthy parts of your tooth while restoring damaged areas.
How to Care for Your New Crown
Dental crowns last long, but a little extra care can help them go the distance. Right after your appointment, avoid sticky and hard foods for a few days. Once your crown settles in, brush and floss like you would with your other teeth. Dr. Christy recommends using a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste without abrasives—gentle is key.
Head in for regular checkups so we can spot small issues before they become big repairs. Also, if you ever notice a loose crown or discomfort, call us as soon as possible. With good habits and our team behind you, keeping your crown (and your smile) healthy is easier than you might think.
Ready to Start?
If you want strong, natural-looking solutions to restore your bite, our team at River Oak Dental is ready to help. We’ve gone the extra mile to make dental visits more comfortable for Palm Bay families, from cozy amenities to cutting-edge tech. Dr. Marc Christy and the team will tailor your treatment plan to fit your needs and answer every question along the way. Beyond crowns, we offer general dentistry, emergency services, and preventative dentistry to keep your smile healthy for the long haul.
Let’s get your smile back to its best. Call to schedule your visit—we’re conveniently located in Palm Bay, and you’ll find booking easy. Your new crown is just one appointment away.