Dental crowns in Lakeview, New Orleans restore damaged or weakened teeth, providing strength, protection, and a natural-looking smile.
Severe toothaches, broken teeth, and knocked-out teeth cannot wait. Dr. Ponder-Memory offers same-day emergency appointments to get you out of pain fast.
Your tooth has been through a lot. Maybe it’s a molar that has cracked under years of pressure, or a front tooth weakened by an old filling that’s finally given way. Whatever the reason, you’re facing a choice: let it continue to deteriorate, or take action to protect what’s left. That’s where dental crowns come in! They’re one of the most versatile solutions in restorative dentistry, and here in Lakeview, Dr. Elizabeth Ponder offers this proven treatment to help protect your natural teeth and revive your smile.
At Ponder Memory Family Dental, Dr. Ponder provides dental crowns to protect and restore damaged teeth for patients throughout the Lakeview community. Whether you’re dealing with a cracked molar, extensive decay, or a tooth that’s been weakened by a large filling, she’ll evaluate your situation and recommend the best solution. With her extensive training and commitment to personalized care, Dr. Ponder ensures you understand your dental restoration options before moving forward with treatment.
Think of a crown as a custom-fitted helmet for your tooth. It shields the entire visible area of the tooth above the gum line, providing protection and restoring the tooth’s original shape and function. Unlike fillings that repair only a portion of a tooth’s surface, crowns encapsulate the entire structure, making them ideal for teeth that have lost too much natural material to support a traditional filling.
Crowns serve multiple purposes. They protect weakened teeth from further damage, restore teeth that have been worn down or broken, cover teeth after root canal therapy, secure dental bridges, or enhance the appearance of severely discolored or misshapen teeth. Their versatility makes them among the most commonly used restorations in dentistry.
Not all crowns are created equal, and the material you choose matters. Each type offers distinct benefits depending on your specific needs, budget, and the position of the tooth being restored.
These all-ceramic options are the go-to choice for front teeth because they can be color-matched to blend seamlessly with your natural smile. They’re metal-free, making them ideal for patients with metal sensitivities, and they provide excellent aesthetic results. The downside? They’re slightly more prone to chipping than metal-based options, so they’re typically reserved for teeth that don’t handle heavy chewing forces.
PFM crowns achieve a balance between strength and appearance. They feature a metal base for strength with a porcelain coating for a natural look. They’re versatile enough for both front and back teeth, though the metal underneath can sometimes create a dark line at the gum line as gums recede over time.
For back molars where chewing forces are highest, metal crowns are hard to beat. They’re incredibly durable, wear-resistant, and require less removal of natural tooth structure during preparation. The apparent drawback is aesthetics, as gold crowns aren’t subtle. But for function and longevity, they’re a solid choice.
Zirconia blends the durability of metal with the appearance of porcelain, making zirconia crowns Dr. Ponder’s material of choice for most teeth. These crowns are exceptionally durable and biocompatible, making them increasingly popular for both front and back teeth.
Adults aged 20 to 64 have an average of 9.3 decayed, missing, or filled teeth, according to data from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. This statistic reflects the reality that most of us will face significant dental work at some point. Crowns become necessary in several scenarios, including:
Dr. Ponder evaluates each situation individually, taking X-rays and conducting a thorough examination before recommending a crown. Not every damaged tooth requires one; sometimes a filling, inlay, or onlay will suffice. The goal is always to preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible while ensuring lasting results.
Getting a crown typically requires two appointments. Here’s what you can expect:
Dr. Ponder begins by numbing the area around the affected tooth. She then reshapes the tooth by removing a small layer of enamel to make room for the crown.
Once the tooth is prepared, she takes impressions that are sent to a dental lab where your new crown is fabricated. This process typically takes two to three weeks. In the meantime, you’ll receive a temporary crown to safeguard the prepared tooth and maintain aesthetics and function.
When your permanent crown arrives from the lab, you will return for the final placement. Dr. Ponder removes the temporary crown, cleans and prepares the tooth, and checks the fit and color of the new restoration. She makes any necessary adjustments before permanently cementing the crown in place.
You might experience some sensitivity to temperature or pressure for a few days after placement, but this typically subsides as your mouth adapts to the new restoration.
The good news? Crowns don’t require any special maintenance beyond what you already do for your natural teeth. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss once a day (paying special attention to the margin where the crown meets the gum line), and see Dr. Ponder every six months for cleanings and checkups.
Avoid habits that can damage crowns, like chewing ice, opening packages with your teeth, or grinding your teeth at night. If you’re a grinder, Dr. Ponder can fit you with a night guard to protect both your crown and your natural teeth. With quality care, crowns can last 10 to 15 years or longer. Some patients even get decades of use from a well-maintained crown.
Dr. Elizabeth Ponder has over 10 years of experience as a general dentist. She understands that dental work can feel overwhelming, which is why she takes time to explain your options and answer questions without rushing you through the process.
Whether you’re dealing with a cracked tooth that’s causing pain or you’ve been told you need a crown after root canal therapy, Dr. Ponder can help you understand your options and develop a plan that fits your needs and budget. Don’t let a damaged tooth continue to deteriorate. If you think you might need a crown, contact our office to schedule a consultation. Dr. Ponder will evaluate your situation and help you determine the best path forward for protecting your smile.
Contact Information:
📍 7037 Canal Street Suite 206-207, Lakeview, New Orleans, LA
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