A guide to dental crowns, a versatile treatment option in Chesterland, OH

Creating smiles for life may involve repairing a portion of a tooth that is damaged as the result of decay, disease, or dental injury. If the damage cannot be adequately resolved with a dental filling, inlay, or onlay, Dr. Brianne (“Dr. Bri”) Fratantonio and our team may recommend dental crowns in Chesterland, OH. Dental crowns are a powerful ally in our pursuit of maintaining or restoring lifelong oral health. They are also versatile. Also known as “caps,” crowns that fit over your natural tooth snugly like headgear are ideal to:

  • Restore the structure of a decayed, worn, or fractured tooth
  • Replace a tooth as part of a conventional dental bridge or implant-retained restoration
  • Cover up teeth that are poorly sized, poorly shaped, or that do not respond to professional dental bleaching systems

Of course, our dentists are happy to discuss all the alternatives that may be available to you at Chesterland Family Dental Care. Depending on your needs, we may recommend other cosmetic treatments such as porcelain veneers or dental bonding. Alternative restorative treatments include onlays or partial crowns. Conservative procedures that preserve maximum natural tooth structure are generally preferred. By evaluating the state of your mouth and discussing your goals and preferences, we may determine that crowns are the best option for you.

Crowns

The process of getting a full-coverage crown starts by “preparing” the natural tooth. Your dentist removes decayed tissue and shapes the tooth. So, the crown will fit precisely on top of the natural tooth. There are many different types of materials that can be used to make your crown. We will discuss the pros and the cons of each during your appointment.

Generally, dental ceramics such as porcelain are natural-looking (appropriate for front teeth) and very durable (appropriate for back teeth). The porcelain is perfectly color-matched, and the crown itself is made in a lab from an impression or mold of the prepared tooth. The permanent crown is adjusted (as needed), and then cemented or fixed to the natural tooth. A temporary crown may be worn to protect the prepared site while the permanent crown is being made.

Learn more about Crowns and other advanced dental care technologies

Call (440) 491-4001 to schedule an appointment

Preserve your natural teeth and smile for life with hassle-free crowns, maintained with good oral care and routine check-ups at Chesterland Family Dental Care. Also serving the communities of Hunting Valley, Gates Mills, Chardon, Munson, Kirtland, Russell, Chagrin Falls, Novelty, and Mayfield, our office looks forward to getting to know your family. Call (440) 491-4001 to schedule an appointment.

FAQ

A crown is a cap that covers your tooth and preserves any previous dental work. A crown, for example, can protect and maintain a tooth if it has a fractured tooth, a cavity that has grown too large to be fixed typically, or a root canal.

The most significant benefit is that they may be made in a single visit, removing the need to use a temporary crown, wait for your permanent crown, and then return to have it implanted.

Your dentist will create a physical mold of your tooth or, in certain situations, a three-dimensional scan before crafting your dental crown. This allows your dentist to create a crown that matches the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth.

Brianne R. Fratantonio, MA, DMD
Nicholas R. Fratantonio, DDS, FAGD
Daniela Diaz, DMD
Trudy Amstadt, DDS

Brianne R. Fratantonio, MA, DMD, earned her dental degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine and her Bachelor of Science and Masters in Biology from John Carroll University. She is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), Ohio Dental Association (ODA), American Academy of Facial Esthetics, Straight Wire Orthodontic Studies, Engel Institute of Dental Implants, and Dental XP Externship. She is passionate about providing general dentistry services and building lasting patient relationships.

Nicholas R. Fratantonio, DDS, FAGD, received his postgraduate training at Case Western Reserve University Dental School. He is a member of the ADA, ODA, Northeast Ohio Dental Society, International Association of Orthodontics, American Orthodontic Society, American Association of Functional Orthodontics, and International College of Cranio-Mandibular Orthopedics, a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, and a Past President of the Northeastern Ohio Neuromuscular Study Club.

Daniela Diaz, DMD, earned her doctorate from Case Western Reserve University and took part in an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Internship at MetroHealth Medical Center. She keeps updated with the latest technologies and follows various continuing education courses to expand her skills. Dr. Diaz is a member of the ADA, ODA, American Association for Women Dentists, Hispanic Dental Association, and Greater Cleveland Dental Society (GCDS).

Trudy Amstadt, DDS, is a graduate of the School of Dental Medicine at Case Western Reserve University. She has followed advanced courses in cosmetic dentistry, dentures, crowns and bridges, occlusion, and neuromuscular dentistry. She has memberships with the American Dental Society, ODA, GCDS0, and various study clubs.