What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are custom-fitted caps placed over damaged or weakened teeth to restore their strength, shape, and appearance. Whether you're dealing with a cracked tooth, extensive decay, or a tooth that's undergone a root canal, a crown provides protection and durability while maintaining a natural look.

At Smile Design Modern Dentistry, we use state-of-the-art technology to ensure your dental crown not only fits perfectly but also blends seamlessly with your natural teeth. Dr. Erfan Imeni has placed hundreds of crowns as part of comprehensive restorative and cosmetic treatments, helping patients throughout Durham, Brier Creek, and the Research Triangle Park smile with confidence.

Why You Might Need a Dental Crown

Why You Might Need a Dental Crown

A dental crown may be recommended if you:

  • Have a large filling with little natural tooth structure remaining

  • Have cracked or fractured a tooth

  • Need to protect a tooth after root canal therapy

  • Have a dental bridge that needs support on either side

  • Want to improve the appearance of a discolored or misshapen tooth

  • Need to restore a dental implant

If you're unsure whether a crown is right for you, explore your options on our pages for Dental Fillings or Dental Inlays & Onlays.

What to Expect During a Dental Crown Procedure

Getting a crown typically involves two visits:

  1. Preparation Visit: Dr. Imeni will shape the tooth, take precise impressions, and place a temporary crown. Advanced imaging like CBCT 3D X-rays may be used for added accuracy.

  2. Final Placement: Your permanent crown is cemented into place. Adjustments are made to ensure a perfect bite and fit.

We use high-quality materials such as porcelain, zirconia, and ceramic, known for their strength and natural aesthetics.

Dental Crowns vs. Other Options

While dental crowns are a trusted solution, they are often part of a larger treatment plan. Patients undergoing a Smile Makeover or receiving Single & Multiple Tooth Implants may require crowns as the final restorative step. If your tooth is missing entirely, a crown may be placed over a dental implant instead.

Advanced Comfort and Patient Amenities

We understand that dental work can be stressful. Our Durham office is designed for your comfort and convenience, offering:

  • Massage chairs and Netflix-enabled Apple TVs in treatment rooms

  • Sedation options including Oral Sedation and Nitrous Oxide Sedation

  • Digital imaging and laser technology for more precise and efficient care

Serving Durham and Surrounding Areas

We proudly serve patients from:

  • Brier Creek

  • Research Triangle Park

  • Audubon Park

  • Parkwood

  • Chapel Hill

  • Raleigh

Our location on NC-55 offers convenient access for patients across the Triangle.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns

  1. How long do dental crowns last?: With proper care, dental crowns can last 10–15 years or more. Regular Dental Cleanings & Exams help extend their lifespan.

  2. Are dental crowns covered by insurance?: Many insurance plans cover crowns when medically necessary. We also offer flexible financing options via Cherry Financing.

  3. What materials are used for dental crowns?: We offer crowns in porcelain, zirconia, ceramic, and metal-based materials depending on the specific tooth and aesthetic goals.

  4. Is the crown procedure painful?: Most patients report minimal discomfort thanks to local anesthesia. Sedation options are also available for anxious patients.

  5. Can I whiten a dental crown?: Crowns cannot be whitened once placed. We recommend completing any Teeth Whitening beforehand for a consistent shade.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Ready to restore or enhance your smile with a high-quality dental crown? Visit Dr. Erfan Imeni at Smile Design Modern Dentistry in Durham, North Carolina. Call us at (919) 220-5505 today to arrange your appointment, or explore more about our services online.