Indianapolis Dental Crowns

When it comes to restoring a damaged or decayed tooth a dental crown is a great option. If you're in need of a crown, schedule a visit to John H. Hartman DDS in Indianapolis, Indiana. John Hartman, DDS, is a renowned dentist who has improved many smiles with dental crowns. Booking a visit is easy — just call the office to speak with a friendly team member or schedule your appointment by using the convenient online tool.

Crowns Q & A

What is a crown?

A crown is a prosthetic tooth cap permanently sealed on top of your tooth. Crowns serve several functions, and Dr. Hartman might suggest placing one to:

• Replace a large filling
• Protect a broken or cracked tooth from further damage
• Improve the appearance of a tooth
• Strengthen a tooth after a root canal
• Restore a tooth that's significantly worn down
• Treat extensive tooth decay

A crown can even replace a missing tooth when attached to a dental implant.

What are crowns made from?

There are a variety of materials suitable for crowns, including:

• Metals, like gold, palladium, nickel, or chromium
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal
• All-resin
• All-ceramic or all-porcelain
• Pressed porcelain

Each material has different advantages depending on the purpose of your crown and where in your mouth it's being placed. Dr. Hartman consults with you to select a crown material best for your particular dental needs and personal preferences.

What is the process of getting a crown?

Getting a crown is a simple and straightforward process that only requires two appointments. During your first appointment, Dr. Hartman shaves some enamel from your tooth to make room for the crown.

After he's finished preparing your tooth, he takes an impression of your mouth. He sends that impression out to a lab, where a skilled technician designs and fabricates your crown according to the precise specifications of your impression. While the lab is making your crown, you keep your tooth protected with a temporary restoration.

Your permanent crown should be ready within a couple of weeks, at which point you come back to Dr. Hartman to have it permanently bonded to your tooth. Dr. Hartman checks that your crown fits comfortably and then uses dental cement to seal it to your tooth

How does a crown feel?

Your crown is designed from an impression of your mouth, so it has the exact size and shape as your natural tooth. Once Dr. Hartman bonds your crown in place, it will feel just like a natural tooth.

To learn more about how a crown can benefit your smile, schedule a visit with Dr. Hartman today by calling his office or booking an appointment with the online tool.