Your teeth work hard every day—biting, chewing, speaking—and over time, they may suffer damage from decay, injury, or wear. When a tooth is so compromised that a simple filling won’t do, a dental crown can be the solution: restoring strength, appearance, and function to your smile. At Olive Branch Dental in Columbus, the crown options are high quality, durable, and designed to look like your natural teeth.

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown (sometimes called a “cap”) is a custom-made covering that fits over the remaining portion of a damaged tooth. It encases the visible part above the gum line, protecting it from further damage, restoring its shape, and allowing it to function normally. Crowns are used when a portion of a tooth is too compromised for a filling alone.

When is a Crown Needed?

You may be recommended a crown in several situations, including:

• Extensive decay where a large portion of the tooth structure is lost
• Cracks, fractures, or breakage of a tooth
• Teeth that have undergone root canal therapy (they tend to become weaker)
• Very large or failing fillings where replacements won’t provide sufficient support
• To anchor a dental bridge or cover a dental implant
• Cosmetic concerns: damaged, discolored, misshapen teeth that need restoration to match other teeth

Choosing the Right Material

Crowns can be made from several materials. Olive Branch Dental’s service emphasizes ceramic crowns, which offer excellent aesthetics—closely matching natural tooth color and translucency. Key material types include:

• All-ceramic or porcelain: Best for front teeth, highly aesthetic, no metal substructure.
• Porcelain fused to metal (PFM): Can provide strength from metal with a more natural outer surface.
• Full ceramic options: Stronger modern ceramics like zirconia that combine beauty and durability.

Your dentist will help decide material based on location of the tooth, bite pressure, aesthetic goals, and cost.

The Process: What to Expect at Olive Branch Dental

Getting a crown typically involves a few steps (sometimes done in two visits, depending on whether same-day crown technology is available). Here’s how things usually go:

1. Evaluation & Planning: The dentist examines the tooth, takes X-rays, discusses what’s wrong (decay, crack, shape), and helps you decide the best crown material.
2. Tooth Preparation: The tooth is cleaned and shaped. Decayed or damaged parts are removed. The tooth may need core build-up or a post if there’s not enough structure remaining.
3. Impression / Digital Scan: Either a traditional impression or a digital scan is made to capture the exact shape of your tooth and bite. This ensures the crown fits precisely.
4. Temporary Crown: While the final crown is being made (outside in a dental lab, or with special in-office milling, if available), a temporary crown is placed to protect the prepared tooth.
5. Fitting the Permanent Crown: Once the final crown is ready, the temporary is removed, and the permanent crown is adjusted, fit-checked, and cemented into place. Final tweaks may be made to ensure your bite is comfortable and the crown looks natural.
6. Follow-up and Care: After placement, you’ll want to maintain good oral hygiene, avoid extremely hard foods, and have regular dental check-ups to monitor the crown and surrounding gums.

Advantages of Getting a Crown at Olive Branch Dental

• Aesthetic match: The crowns are carefully matched in tooth shape, color, and texture so they blend in seamlessly with the rest of your teeth.
• Durability: Crowns made with quality ceramic or other modern materials can last many years if well cared for.
• Strength and protection: Heavily damaged or weakened teeth are protected by crowns, preventing further breakage or decay.
• Restored function: Your ability to chew and bite properly is preserved. A well-fitted crown helps maintain the correct alignment and bite forces.
• Comfort: Olive Branch Dental strives to make the process comfortable, using technology and gentle care to reduce discomfort.

Cost & Considerations

At Olive Branch Dental, ceramic crowns start at a rate of $899 for patients without insurance. (Core build-ups or posts—if required—are separate. For insured patients, costs may vary depending on coverage and materials.)

When considering a crown, it’s important to factor in not just price, but long-term value: material quality, the skill of the dentist, whether the clinic uses precise digital impressions, and the fit. Poorly made crowns may lead to problems down the line: discomfort, gaps, decay underneath, or crown failure.

Taking Care of Your Crown

To ensure longevity of your crown:

• Brush at least twice daily using fluoride toothpaste
• Floss regularly, especially at the margins where the crown meets natural tooth
• Avoid chewing on very hard objects (ice, hard candy, non-food items)
• See your dentist regularly for cleanings and exams
• If you grind your teeth (bruxism), discuss protective options like night guards

Why Choose Olive Branch Dental in Columbus

Olive Branch Dental distinguishes itself by combining high-end restorative care with patient-focused service. Their crown offerings are built on modern dentistry standards: durable ceramic materials, precision fitting, transparent cost disclosures, and a welcoming environment. Whether your concern is functional (strengthening a damaged tooth) or cosmetic (improving your smile), the team works with you to find the right crown solution.

Final Thoughts

Dental crowns are a powerful tool in restorative and cosmetic dentistry. If you have a tooth that is damaged beyond repair with fillings, or you’ve had root canal treatment, or simply want to improve the appearance and strength of your smile, a crown may be the best option. In Columbus, Olive Branch Dental offers competitive, quality-focused crown services with attention to fit, durability, and aesthetics.

If you’ve been delaying due to cost concerns, discomfort, or uncertainty about procedures, it’s worth scheduling a consultation. It’s amazing how modern crown techniques can save a tooth, restore confidence, and give you a long-lasting, beautiful smile.