Services
Crowns
A crown covers a whole tooth above the gum. It fits when too little sound tooth is left for a filling or an inlay.
That can be a large break, a crack, a tooth that has worn down or a tooth that has had a root canal. Dr. Xiao looks at how much of the tooth is sound and what the tooth has to do, then tells you whether a crown is the repair she would choose.
What happens
A crown is usually two visits. Dr. Xiao tells you how far apart for your tooth.
- 01
Step 1: Exam and options
She explains what she sees, whether a crown fits and what the other choices are.
- 02
Step 2: Prepare the tooth
She numbs the tooth, reshapes it all round, takes a scan or an impression and fits a temporary crown.
- 03
Step 3: The crown is made
It is made from the scan or impression, with its shade matched to the teeth beside it.
- 04
Step 4: Fit and cement
She checks the fit, the shade and your bite with you, then cements the crown.
Comfort, choices and care
Comfort
We numb the area before we start. If you feel anything, tell us and we stop and numb more. You can ask for a break at any time. The second visit is usually quicker.
If you wait
A cracked tooth can break below the gum, where a crown can't be placed. If Dr. Xiao sees a crack she tells you how soon she wants to cover the tooth.
Risks and aftercare
Expect some sensitivity for a few days. A crown can chip or come loose, and decay can start at its edge, so brushing and flossing there matter. Call us if the bite feels high.
How it is billed
A crown is billed as a crown, and plans differ on how they pay for one. You get a written estimate before we start. The fees page explains insurance, receipts and paying yourself.
How fees work
Questions about crowns
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
Often the tooth is weaker afterward, so Dr. Xiao looks at how much sound tooth remains and whether a back tooth should be covered.
Will my crown match my other teeth?
She matches the shade to the teeth beside it, and you can check it before it is cemented.
What if my temporary crown comes off?
Call us and keep it. Don't glue it back yourself. We tell you when to come in.
Provided by a general dentist
Dr. Lin Xiao, DDS, general dentist, licensed in West Virginia. She looks at the tooth, explains the options and gives you the estimate in writing.