Dental Crowns at Kind Smiles: Restoring Strength, Structure, Stability

Tooth trauma can cause pain and disrupt normal function. A broken tooth, whether due to decay, trauma, or abrasion, can hinder chewing and flossing. Our dental crowns offer a reliable and long-lasting solution to restore both the structure and function of a fractured tooth. At Kind Smiles, we utilize advanced procedures and high-quality materials to ensure that your restored tooth looks and functions just like a natural, healthy tooth.

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What are Dental Crowns?

A crown, or cap, is fitted over an individual tooth and covers the entire visible portion above the gumline. It is designed to strengthen the tooth's structure, return it to its original shape and size, and tighten it. Crowns are used in various situations, from broken or rotten teeth to a foundation for a dental bridge or on top of a dental transplantation.

The crowns of kind smiles are fabricated using long-lasting, tooth-colored materials such as porcelain, ceramic, or zirconia. These restorations can withstand regular cutting forces and match the rest of the teeth completely. For those individuals who require additional strength, especially on the back teeth, we also provide metal or porcelain-pushed-to-metal crowns according to personal needs.

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When is a Dental Crown Required?

Our dentists may recommend a dental crown for one of the following reasons:

• To prevent a decayed or traumatized tooth from fracturing apart
• To restore a fractured, worn, or cracked tooth
• To stabilize a tooth with a large filling where little tooth structure is left
• To stabilize a dental bridge
• To cap a dental implant restoration
• To beautify the smile on crooked or yellowed teeth
• To crown a tooth after a root canal

Every crown we place at Kind Smiles is custom-made for your specific case and what you want. We wish to give you not simply a restoration that feels natural and works perfectly but will stand the test of time.

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What to Expect During the Procedure

Getting a dental crown typically takes two visits:

1. Initial Examination and Preparation of Tooth

During your first visit, Dr. Shashank Gattumeedhi will examine your tooth thoroughly. If a crown is the best choice, we'll begin by numbing the area to ensure your comfort. We will reshape the tooth to accommodate the crown. We will remove the decay and damaged structure and drill down to the healthy tooth.

We then take precise impressions of the tooth and prepared area to obtain a precise fit. A temporary crown is cemented to cover the tooth, while a permanent crown is fabricated at a dental laboratory.

2. Crown Placement

The temporary crown is removed on your second visit, and the personally crafted permanent crown is placed. Dr. Gattumeedhi checks the fit, bite, and color to ensure the crown blends with your other teeth. When everything feels comfortable, the crown is cemented to the tooth with firm dental cement.

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Benefits of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are more than just a restoration—stability and protection can enhance your overall dental health. Some of the main advantages include:

• Longevity: Crowns are built to last and can endure daily wear for years with proper care.
• Protection: A crown protects damaged teeth from further injury or infection.
• Function: Eating and speaking become easier with a restored tooth.
• Versatility: Crowns are used for various restoration treatments, such as bridges and implants.
• Comfort: The properly fitting crown restores comfort and prevents sensitivity on a broken tooth.

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Long-Term Maintenance

Dental crown maintenance is simple and just like caring for your own teeth. We recommend brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing against the crown gently, and avoiding eating hard or sticky foods that could crack or dislodge the crown. We can examine the condition of your crown and the tooth beneath with regular checkups at Kind Smiles.

With good oral health and regular checkups, crowns can last 10 to 15 years or even more. Our staff will also work with you to maintain your restoration and prevent issues like gum irritation along the crown margin or cavities.

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Get to know Dr. Shashank Reddy Gattumeedhi, DDS, MBA

Dr. Shashank Gattumeedhi brings global insight and state-of-the-art clinical proficiency on all procedures. He completed his dental degree at Vokkaligara Sangha Dental College and Hospital in Bangalore, India, followed by further advanced training in the United States with an MBA in health care administration and his DDS from the New York University College of Dentistry.

With his training in laser dentistry and Invisalign, Dr. Gattumeedhi is committed to evidence-based practice and ongoing education. He is committed to providing comfortable and effective treatment and ensuring every patient is educated and comfortable. His calming presence, focus on details, and prevention orientation are key to the high level of care he provides at Kind Smiles.

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Payment and Insurance

Kind Smiles accepts most major PPO insurance companies, including:

• Delta Dental
• UnitedHealthcare
• United Concordia
• Cigna
• Aetna
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Humana
• Careington
• Connection Dental
• DenteMax
• GEHA
• Medicaid

We do not accept HMO plans. To make care more affordable, we provide in-office dental savings plans for patients not covered by insurance. We also utilize CareCredit to offer flexible payment options so you can pay for care over time without stress.

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Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you're experiencing pain from a cracked or damaged tooth or have been referred to investigate the potential for a dental crown, Kind Smiles can help. We deliver personalized care and long-term solutions according to your dental needs. To learn more about Raleigh dental crowns or schedule an appointment with Dr. Gattumeedhi, call (919) 615-2885.