Crowns in West Palm Beach
A dental crown can often save a tooth that might otherwise need to be removed. When a tooth has been weakened by a large cavity, a crack, or a root canal, a crown covers and protects what remains so you can chew, smile, and speak with confidence again. At Family Dental Care, our team led by Michael C. Westcott, DDS, and Sujay Trivedi, DMD, places crowns for patients ages eight and up throughout West Palm Beach. Because we offer comprehensive care under one roof, we can often handle related treatments right here in our office.
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gumline. Unlike a filling, which repairs one area of a tooth, a crown surrounds the tooth completely. This restores its shape, strength, and appearance while shielding it from further damage.
Crowns are one part of the restorative dentistry we provide for West Palm Beach families. Depending on your needs, a crown may stand on its own, cap a tooth after root canal therapy, attach to a dental implant, or anchor a bridge that replaces a missing tooth. Seeing how crowns fit into the bigger picture helps us recommend the option that makes the most sense for your smile.
Many different situations can lead us to recommend a crown. Here are some of the most common:
- A tooth with decay too large for a filling to support
- A cracked, chipped, or fractured tooth
- A tooth that has had root canal therapy and needs protection
- A worn or broken-down tooth that no longer functions well
- A replacement tooth on a dental implant
- Support teeth on either side of a dental bridge
- A misshapen or discolored tooth as part of a cosmetic plan
Not every damaged tooth needs a full crown. If enough healthy structure remains, an inlay, onlay, or filling may be a more conservative choice. We will take time during your exam to explain what we see and why we are recommending a particular option. That way, you can make an informed decision.
How We Prepare and Place Your Crown
Your crown journey begins with a dental exam. We assess the tooth, check the surrounding gums, and look for any underlying problems that should be addressed first. If the tooth needs root canal therapy, our team can perform it for front teeth, premolars, and molars. If there is not enough tooth above the gumline to hold a crown securely, we also offer crown lengthening, which reshapes the gum and bone to expose more of the tooth.
Once the tooth is ready, we numb the area and gently reshape the tooth so the crown can fit over it. We then capture the tooth's shape so your crown can be custom-made to match your bite and blend with your smile. In the meantime, a temporary crown protects the tooth. At a follow-up visit, we check the fit and comfort of your permanent crown before securing it in place. If dental visits make you nervous, ask us about oral sedation, which can help you feel more relaxed during treatment.
Caring for Your Crown After Treatment
A crown protects your tooth, but the tooth beneath it still needs care. Brush twice a day and floss daily, paying special attention to the area where the crown meets the gumline. Keeping this area clean helps prevent new decay and gum irritation around the restored tooth.
Avoid using your teeth to open packages, and be cautious with very hard foods and ice. If you grind or clench your teeth at night, a custom night mouth guard can help protect your crown and your natural teeth. Regular cleanings and exams at our office let us monitor your crown over time. If a crown ever feels loose, cracks, or causes discomfort, call us. We offer emergency dental appointments for urgent problems.
Insurance, Self-Pay, and Planning Your Visit
We want cost questions to feel straightforward. Family Dental Care accepts all major PPO insurance plans, and our team can help you understand how your benefits may apply to crown treatment. We also welcome self-pay patients. Before treatment begins, we will review your plan with you so there are no surprises.
For West Palm Beach residents, having general, cosmetic, and specialty-level care in one practice means fewer referrals and less coordination on your end. Whether you need a single crown on a cracked molar or a more complex plan involving implants or bridges, we can map out your care together. Contact our West Palm Beach office to schedule an exam and find out whether a crown is the right choice for your tooth.