Dental crowns in Spokane Valley can restore damaged or weakened teeth and help protect your bite after decay, cracks, or injury. A dental crown is a custom restoration that covers the visible portion of a tooth to rebuild its strength, shape, and function.
At Spokane Family Smiles, Dr. Scott Shumway and our team provide clear, comfortable care for families throughout Spokane Valley. If you have a large cavity, a cracked or broken tooth, or a tooth that has worn down from grinding, we can evaluate the damage and help you determine whether a crown is the right treatment.
Using digital X-rays and an intraoral camera, we can show you what is happening with your tooth and explain your options before treatment begins.
Why Choose Spokane Family Smiles for Dental Crowns?
We care for patients of all ages, from toddlers to grandparents, with an emphasis on straightforward recommendations and comfortable treatment.
Dr. Shumway uses digital X-rays, panoramic X-rays, and intraoral images to evaluate damaged teeth and help patients understand why treatment may be recommended. We discuss your options and trade-offs openly so you can make an informed decision about your care.
For patients who feel nervous about dental treatment, we offer nitrous oxide as well as oral and IV sedation when appropriate. Our office also provides amenities such as TVs, music, fast Wi-Fi, bottled water, and a quiet treatment environment to help make longer visits more comfortable.
Our team values clear pricing, honest recommendations, and treatment plans designed with your long-term oral health in mind.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a restoration designed to cover and protect a tooth that no longer has enough healthy structure to support a filling alone. It restores the tooth’s shape and chewing surface while helping reduce the risk of further fracture or damage.
Crowns can also improve the appearance of teeth that are worn, misshapen, or significantly damaged.
When Is a Dental Crown Recommended?
A crown may be recommended when a tooth is too weak or damaged for a filling to provide reliable support. During your exam, we evaluate the tooth and use X-rays and other imaging, as needed, to determine whether a crown provides a clear benefit.
Common reasons for a dental crown include:
- A large cavity that has weakened the tooth
- A cracked or broken tooth
- A tooth that repeatedly fractures or loses fillings
- A tooth that has worn down from grinding
- Restoring and protecting a tooth after root canal treatment
- Improving the shape or appearance of a damaged or misshapen tooth
In some situations, a filling may still be appropriate. Dr. Shumway will explain the available options and why one treatment may be better suited to the tooth than another.
What to Expect During the Crown Procedure
A typical dental crown is completed in two visits.
First Visit: Preparing the Tooth
At the first appointment, we numb the area to keep you comfortable. Dr. Shumway removes damaged or decayed tooth structure and shapes the tooth so that the crown fits securely.
We may use digital X-rays and intraoral images to evaluate the tooth and surrounding structures during treatment.
A temporary crown is then placed to protect the prepared tooth while the dental lab creates your final restoration.
If dental treatment makes you anxious, sedation options such as nitrous oxide or oral sedation may be available depending on your needs.
Second Visit: Placing the Final Crown
At your second appointment, we remove the temporary crown and check the fit, appearance, and bite of your final restoration. Once everything looks and feels right, the crown is securely cemented into place.
We then make any necessary bite adjustments and polish the crown.
Some temporary sensitivity may occur after crown treatment, but many patients can return to their usual activities quickly.
How to Care for Your Dental Crown
A crown should be cared for much like a natural tooth.
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss carefully along the gumline. Avoid biting or chewing extremely hard objects such as ice, which can damage both natural teeth and dental restorations.
If you grind or clench your teeth at night, ask whether a mouthguard could help protect your crown and surrounding teeth.
Regular dental exams and cleanings also allow our team to monitor the crown, the gumline, and the tooth underneath it. If your crown begins to feel loose, uncomfortable, or different when you bite, contact our office so we can evaluate it.
With good oral hygiene and routine dental care, crowns can last for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns
How long does a dental crown last?
The lifespan of a crown varies depending on oral hygiene, bite forces, grinding habits, diet, and other factors. Many crowns can last 10 years or longer with good home care and regular dental visits.
Does getting a dental crown hurt?
The tooth is numbed with local anesthesia before treatment. Patients who are anxious about dental care may also have sedation options available, including nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or IV sedation when appropriate.
Can a dental crown fail?
Crowns can sometimes loosen, fracture, or develop problems if decay forms around the edge of the restoration. Regular exams can help identify concerns early. A damaged crown may need to be repaired or replaced, depending on the situation.
How do I know whether I need a crown or a filling?
The answer depends on how much healthy tooth structure remains and how much support the tooth needs. We use an exam, digital X-rays, and intraoral images to evaluate the tooth and recommend a crown when it offers a clearer long-term benefit than a filling.
Will my crown match the color of my smile?
Ceramic crowns can be shade-matched to nearby teeth to create a natural-looking result.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
A crown is often used to protect a tooth after root canal treatment, particularly when the tooth has lost significant structure. Whether you need one depends on the tooth and your individual situation.
Schedule a Dental Crown Consultation in Spokane Valley
If you have a cracked, broken, worn, or heavily restored tooth, a dental crown may help restore its strength and function.
At Spokane Family Smiles, Dr. Scott Shumway and our team will evaluate your tooth, show you what we see with digital imaging and intraoral photos, and explain whether a crown makes sense for your situation. Our goal is to help you understand your options and choose care that supports your long-term oral health.
We welcome new family patients in Spokane Valley and will work with your schedule. Contact Spokane Family Smiles today to schedule a visit or stop by our office to learn more.