Dental Crown in Atkins, AR

Dentistry often involves three essential goals: restoring, replacing, and repairing teeth. Many treatment options contribute to this process, but few are as versatile as the dental crown. Whether reinforcing a weakened tooth, completing a dental implant, or improving a tooth’s appearance, crowns play a vital role in maintaining both function and aesthetics.

According to the American College of Prosthodontists, dental crowns are the most common restorative dentistry procedure used today—and it’s easy to see why. At Atkins Dental Clinic, we offer custom crowns as a reliable solution for protecting damaged teeth and replacing missing ones. Designed for durability and a natural look, crowns restore strength after decay or injury, complete dental implants, and repair cosmetic imperfections. Their adaptability makes them an indispensable part of modern dentistry, and we are committed to providing high-quality restorations that support long-term oral health.

What Is a Dental Crown?

The primary goal of restorative dentistry is to preserve your natural tooth whenever possible. A dental crown acts as a protective covering, restoring strength and function to a damaged tooth while preventing further harm. However, if the tooth is damaged beyond repair and requires an extraction, a crown can still play a key role in restoration by attaching to a dental implant.

Crowns come in various materials, allowing patients to choose an option that best suits their needs, preferences, and budget:

• Metal crowns: Dental lab technicians craft metal crowns from various materials, such as gold, nickel, palladium, or chromium. These crowns are the longest-lasting and require minimal enamel removal. They work best for out-of-sight molars that endure heavy bite forces.
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns: This option combines the strength of metal with porcelain, which more closely mimics the look of natural teeth. In fact, the shade of the porcelain is matched to your existing teeth to create a seamless appearance. However, the porcelain coating may chip or damage the enamel on the opposing teeth.
• Porcelain or zirconia crowns: These crowns offer the closest resemblance to natural teeth, providing a beautiful and durable restoration. Materials like zirconia are exceptionally long-lasting, making them an excellent choice. Additionally, this option is likely the most suitable for individuals with metal allergies.

What Is a Dental Crown Used For?

From protecting and supporting to completely replacing teeth, we can use crowns in various ways to enhance your smile. Some of the different ways crowns can be used are:

To Restore a Damaged Tooth

A traditional dental crown acts like a protective shield, fully covering a damaged tooth to restore its strength and appearance. A small amount of enamel is carefully removed to ensure a secure and natural fit, making space for the crown. If you’re receiving a tooth-colored crown, Dr. Bratton will match the shade to blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth. After preparing the tooth, he cements the crown in place, restoring its function and strengthening it against further damage. With a well-fitted crown, you can chew, speak, and smile confidently, knowing your tooth is protected and enhanced.

As Supports on a Dental Bridge

A traditional dental bridge is a reliable way to replace missing teeth, restoring both function and appearance. This type of bridge consists of an artificial tooth (or teeth) held securely in place by two dental crowns. These crowns fit over the healthy teeth on either side of the gap, acting as anchors to stabilize the bridge.

Dr. Bratton begins by evaluating the supporting teeth to ensure they’re strong enough for the crowns. He then reshapes them, creating the right amount of space for a secure and comfortable fit. Once the custom crowns and artificial teeth are ready, he cements them in place, completing the bridge.

To Protect a Tooth After a Root Canal

If a tooth becomes infected or damaged, Dr. Bratton may perform a root canal to save it. During this treatment, he removes the infected pulp inside the tooth, relieving pain and preventing the infection from spreading. However, once Dr. Bratton removes the pulp, the tooth is left hollow and more fragile than before. That’s where a dental crown comes in.

A crown acts like a protective helmet, covering the weakened tooth to restore strength and structure. This is especially important for teeth that handle heavy chewing forces, like molars. Without a crown, the tooth is more likely to crack or break over time. By placing a custom-fitted crown, Dr. Bratton ensures the treated tooth stays functional and secure.

To Replace a Missing Tooth

If saving your tooth isn’t possible or it’s already missing, Dr. Bratton can restore your smile with a dental crown supported by a mini dental implant. Since a crown needs a stable foundation, the implant serves as an artificial tooth root, anchoring the crown securely in place.

Unlike traditional implants, mini implants feature a slimmer, single-piece design that integrates directly with the jawbone. This direct placement provides long-term stability, allowing the crown to function just like a natural tooth. Beyond restoring your bite and appearance, the implant also helps preserve jawbone health by stimulating the bone and preventing the shrinkage that occurs after tooth loss. This means a stronger, healthier smile—not just now but for years to come.

Restore and Protect Your Smile With a Custom Dental Crown

A damaged or missing tooth can make everyday activities—like eating, speaking, and smiling—more difficult. But with a custom dental crown, you can regain strength, function, and confidence in your smile. Whether you need to protect a tooth after a root canal, reinforce a weak tooth, or replace a missing one, Dr. Bratton provides trusted, long-lasting solutions to restore oral health. Contact Atkins Dental Clinic today to schedule your consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions