DENTAL CROWNS in WINSTON-SALEM, NC
A dental crown can be the solution for a range of dental problems, from cosmetic to restorative. Dr. Bottoms places dental crowns to keep your teeth healthy and support a damaged or decayed tooth. We also offer the convenience of same-day dental crowns using advanced in-office CAD-CAM technology. Dr. Bottom also offers additional restorative dentistry treatments to patients in Winston-Salem, NC.
A dental crown site over the tooth like a “cap”, covering most of the tooth above the gum line. Dr. Bottoms will recommend a dental crown to treat a range of problems, including:
- Tooth decay: We often recommend a dental crown if you have a large filing or if your tooth is weakened because of an infection. After we remove decay from your tooth and provide a filling, we may add a crown for extra support.
- Tooth damage: Tooth fractures and worn teeth can impact the stability of your tooth. A damaged tooth can also create an uneven bite. Dental crowns add structure to the tooth to create an even bite.
- Permanent discoloration: If you have a deeply stained and damaged tooth, we will recommend a crown. We use crowns crafted from tooth-colored materials. Our office also color-matches these materials to blend in with your natural teeth.
- After a root canal: We often recommend a dental crown to support your tooth following a root canal. The crown will help restore the shape and function of your tooth. It will also protect your natural tooth from further decay.
- A final restoration for a dental implant: If you have a single missing tooth, we can cap off your dental implant with a crown. Implants restore your missing tooth at the root, while the crown will act as your new tooth.
Whatever your dental care needs, we are equipped to offer solutions!

ABOUT THE DENTAL CROWN PROCESS
The placement of a dental crown will require one to two office visits, depending on the type of crown being placed. In most cases, Dr. Bottoms can offer the option of a same-day dental crowns in Winston Salem, NC.
We can complete dental crown treatment in less than two hours. If a traditional dental crown is considered best for your oral health needs, we will place a temporary crown. Then, you will return to the office for the final crown to be placed.
The dental crown process will start with numbing the area to be treated and ensuring you are relaxed and comfortable. Dr. Bottoms will then remove the decayed or damaged tooth structure and prepare it for placing the crown.
CEREC SAME-DAY CROWNS: WHAT TO EXPECT
CEREC Technology can design, fabricate, and place a ceramic restoration in just one visit! With this new in-office milling system, the need for temporary crowns has been eliminated.
We will take digital dental impressions with a handheld scanner and use these to mill your new crown in the office using CAD/CAM technology.
CAD/CAM stands for computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing. This technology helps us design and fabricate your crowns in one dental office visit. If we place a traditional crown, we will take impressions and place a temporary crown to protect the tooth.
After we take impressions of your teeth with a handheld scanner, we examine the images of your mouth on a computer. We edit the 3-D scan to create a design of your crown. Once we fine-tune the design, we send it to our in-office milling machine.
Once your final crowns are complete, we will check the shape, size, shade, and fit before we cement them in place.
CEREC crowns are high-quality, custom crowns that offer the convenience of a same-day dental health solution. There is no need to return to our office for the placement of the final crown. CEREC can also be a great solution for patients who have a damaged or lost crown and want to restore the appearance and function of their smile as soon as possible.
BENEFITS OF DENTAL CROWNS
Dental crowns offer many benefits if you have to cover one or more teeth. Tooth crowns offer:
- Protection: Dental crowns provide protection to damaged teeth, preventing further decay or cracking. Crowns can protect weak teeth and restore the natural tooth structure.
- Durability: Crowns are durable and can last many years with proper care. While traditional crowns use metal, modern tooth-colored materials are still just as strong.
- Appearance: Crowns can improve the appearance of a tooth by covering imperfections like discolored or cracked teeth. Our office uses tooth-colored crowns color-matched to your natural teeth. We also take impressions of your teeth and design your crown to match the shape of your tooth.
- Strength: Crowns strengthen weakened teeth. They allow these teeth to function properly so you can naturally bite and chew.
- Comfort: Crowns can alleviate discomfort caused by damaged and infected teeth, allowing for better health and overall well-being.
- Customization: We can match crowns to the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth. This provides a seamless and natural look.
HOW TO CARE FOR DENTAL CROWNS
After you get your same-day crowns, you should care for them like your natural teeth. To care for your crowns:
- Brush and floss: You should brush your teeth two times each day with a soft toothbrush. Focus on cleaning where your crown meets your gums. Use dental floss or special cleaners to clean between your teeth and around your crown. This helps remove plaque and bits of food that can cause cavities.
- Be careful with hard foods: Avoid tough or sticky foods that could harm your crown or make it come loose. Cut hard foods into smaller pieces before eating them.
- Protect against grinding: If you grind your teeth at night, talk to us about wearing a nightguard. This can shield your crowns and natural teeth from damage.
- Visit your dentist regularly: Make sure to schedule check-ups and cleanings to keep your crowns and overall oral health in good condition. Our dentist can check for any issues with your crown.
- Avoid bad habits: Don’t chew on things like ice or pens that could break your crowns. Avoid using your teeth as tools. Don’t use your teeth to try and open packages, because this can put pressure on your crowns and natural teeth.
CEREC Crown FAQs
Learn more about CEREC crowns in Winston-Salem, NC, with answers to these popular questions:
Am I a candidate for a CEREC crown?
We will recommend a CEREC crown for you if you have:
- Tooth Damage: If your tooth is broken, cracked, or has a lot of decay, a CEREC crown can help restore its strength and appearance. CEREC crowns are perfect for damaged teeth because they fit snugly and cover the entire tooth. They help make your tooth look and feel natural.
- Root Health: For a CEREC crown to work, your tooth needs to have a healthy root. If the root of your tooth is infected or not in good condition, a crown may not be the best solution. In such cases, we may recommend a root canal before we place the crown.
- Gum Health: Healthy gums are essential for a CEREC crown to fit well and function properly. If you have gum disease, you will need treatment before we place a crown. Healthy gums help support the crown and ensure it stays in place without causing issues.
- Good Overall Dental Health: Our dentist will check your overall dental health to make sure a CEREC crown is a good fit for you. We will treat cavities or infections before treatment. An infection can affect your natural tooth and the surrounding gums.
- No Severe Bite Problems: Tooth misalignment or uneven pressure when chewing can affect how the crown fits and functions. In this case, our dentist may need to correct the bite. Then we can place the crown.
How long do CEREC crowns last compared to traditional crowns?
CEREC crowns and traditional crowns both last a long time On average, CEREC crowns can last around 5 to 15 years, depending on how well you take care of your teeth. Good oral hygiene, like brushing and flossing, can help them last longer. Traditional crowns can last 10 to 15 years or more.
What are the benefits of CEREC crowns?
CEREC crowns are a fast and convenient option. Here are some of the top benefits:
- Same-Day Service: One of the biggest advantages of a CEREC crown is that you can get your permanent crown in just one visit to the dentist. Traditional crowns require at least two appointments and a temporary crown while you wait for a lab to make your custom crown. With CEREC, everything is done in the office, so you walk out with your new crown the same day.
- Custom Fit for Comfort: We make CEREC crowns with digital technology. We can scan your tooth to create a custom-fit crown. This precise fit reduces the chances of discomfort or irritation.
- Strong: CEREC crowns are made from high-quality ceramic materials that are designed to last. They can handle the pressure of daily chewing and biting, just like your natural teeth. With proper care, a CEREC crown can last for many years.
- Natural Appearance: These crowns are designed to match the color and shape of your natural teeth, so they blend in perfectly with your smile. Since they are made from tooth-colored ceramic, they look natural. No metal or dark edges will show when you smile.
- Minimal Tooth Removal: When getting a CEREC crown, our dentist can preserve more of your natural tooth structure compared to some traditional crowns. This means that more of your healthy tooth remains intact, which helps maintain long-term oral health.
Does it hurt to get a dental crown?
No, it does not hurt to get a crown. Our dentist will make sure you’re completely comfortable during the procedure. Before they start, they will numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic so you won’t feel any pain. You might feel some pressure or slight discomfort while the dentist works on your tooth, but it won’t be painful.
Do I need crowns or veneers?
Crowns and veneers are both great options for improving your smile, but they serve different purposes. You may need a crown if your tooth is damaged, weak, or severely decayed. A crown covers the entire tooth, protecting and strengthening it. You may need veneers if you want to fix cosmetic issues like stains, small chips, gaps, or slightly crooked teeth. Veneers are thin shells that cover only the front surface of your teeth to improve their appearance.
How much do CEREC crowns cost?
The cost of CEREC crowns can vary depending on a few factors. Keep in mind that there might be extra costs for other treatments you may need before you get the crown. If you need a cleaning or a filling,
Talk to our dentist for a specific price based on your needs. He can give you the most accurate information about costs for CEREC crowns.
Do CEREC crowns look natural?
Yes! CEREC crowns are designed to look just like natural teeth. They are made from high-quality ceramic material that can be matched to the color of your real teeth, so they blend in with your smile. Our dentist will choose a shade that closely matches your natural teeth, making the crown look seamless.
Unlike some traditional crowns that have a metal base, CEREC crowns are made entirely of ceramic. This means there’s no dark line at the gumline, which can sometimes happen with metal crowns. We shape and polish your crowns to match the size and contours of your other teeth. This helps them blend in and feel comfortable. The ceramic material also reflects light like real tooth enamel.
How long does the CEREC process take?
The entire CEREC crown procedure usually takes about two hours from start to finish. Unlike traditional crowns requiring multiple visits, we make and create CEREC crowns in just one appointment.
After we prepare your teeth, we take a digital scan. From this scan, we can design your custom crown. A machine creates your crown from a strong ceramic material in about 15-30 minutes. Once the crown is ready, we will check the fit, make necessary adjustments, and bond it to your tooth.
SCHEDULE A DENTAL CARE VISIT
Do you have a dental concern that a dental crown could treat? Dr. Bottoms welcomes new patients and can evaluate your dental health needs during your first visit with us. Schedule an appointment and experience the difference that our personalized approach can make in your patient experience.