818 Pine-A Grove Dr, Wilmington, NC 28409
What is a Dental Crown
A dental crown, sometimes called a cap, is a custom-made restoration that fits entirely over a damaged or compromised tooth, restoring it to its original shape, size, strength, and appearance. When a tooth is too damaged to be repaired with a filling alone, a crown is often the best way to save it.
Crowns serve both a functional and cosmetic purpose. They protect weakened teeth from further damage, restore full chewing function, and can dramatically improve the appearance of a discolored, misshapen, or severely worn tooth. At Mast Dental in Wilmington, NC, Dr. Mast's advanced training in fixed prosthodontics means crowns are one of his areas of deepest expertise, and it shows in the quality and precision of every restoration he delivers.
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When Do You Need a Dental Crown?
Crowns are one of the most versatile restorations in dentistry. Dr. Mast may recommend a crown in any of the following situations:
- A tooth with a large filling where little healthy tooth structure remains
- A cracked or fractured tooth that needs to be held together and protected
- A severely decayed tooth that cannot support a standard filling
- A tooth that has undergone root canal treatment and needs protection
- A misshapen or severely discolored tooth that affects your smile's appearance
- An anchor tooth on either side of a dental bridge
- A dental implant that needs a crown to complete the restoration
- Extreme tooth wear caused by grinding or acid erosion
In every case, the goal is the same — to save the tooth, restore its function, and ensure it looks completely natural alongside the rest of your smile.
Crowns Restore Both Form and Function
It's easy to think of crowns purely as a cosmetic fix but their role in restoring proper function is equally important. When a tooth fractures, cracks, or develops large failing fillings, the structural integrity of that tooth is compromised. Left untreated, the damage progresses, chewing function suffers, and neighboring teeth begin to compensate in ways that lead to further problems.
A well-placed crown brings the tooth back to its natural strength and function, allowing you to chew normally, maintain your bite alignment, and stop the damage from spreading. And because modern crown materials are designed to closely mimic natural tooth enamel, the aesthetic result is just as impressive as the functional one.
What to Expect When Getting a Dental Crown at Mast Dental
Getting a crown typically requires two appointments. Dr. Mast approaches each step with careful planning to ensure the final result fits perfectly, functions correctly, and looks completely natural.
Preparation
Between Appointments
Fitting and Placement
How to Make Your Crown Last
With proper care, a well-made dental crown can last fifteen years or longer. To protect your investment:
- Brush twice daily and floss once daily, paying attention to the gumline around the crown
- Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or other very hard foods that could crack the crown
- If you grind your teeth at night, ask Dr. Mast about a custom night guard to protect your crown and remaining teeth
- Attend regular checkups so Dr. Mast can monitor the condition and margins of your crown over time
Dental Crowns Near You in Wilmington, NC
Mast Dental is located at 818-A Pine Grove Drive in Wilmington, NC, serving patients throughout Wilmington, Ogden, Porters Neck, Masonboro, Monkey Junction, and the surrounding area. Early morning appointments are available starting at 7:30 AM Monday through Friday.
If you have a damaged, cracked, or weakened tooth, don't wait for the problem to worsen. Call (910) 397-9277 or request an appointment online and Dr. Mast will evaluate your tooth and walk you through your options.
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