A damaged tooth doesn’t have to mean losing your confident smile. At Bright Smiles Family Dentistry in Garner, we specialize in dental crowns, custom-crafted “caps” that restore both the function and appearance of compromised teeth. Whether your tooth is cracked, weakened, or severely decayed, a dental crown can protect it from further damage while blending seamlessly with your natural smile. Understanding this restorative procedure is the first step toward preserving your oral health and maintaining a complete, beautiful smile for years to come.
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped restoration that completely encases a damaged tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Think of it as a protective helmet for your tooth, safeguarding what remains while providing the full functionality of a natural tooth. Modern dental crowns are crafted from high-quality materials that are both durable and aesthetically pleasing, making them virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth. They are custom-made in a dental laboratory based on precise impressions of your mouth, ensuring a perfect fit and comfortable bite.
Dental crowns serve as a versatile solution for various dental concerns. You might need a crown if you have a tooth that is significantly weakened by decay or if a large filling has compromised the tooth’s structure. Crowns are also essential after root canal treatment to protect the treated tooth from fracture. For teeth that are cracked, broken, or severely worn down from grinding, a crown provides crucial reinforcement. Additionally, dental crowns can cover misshapen or severely discolored teeth, support a dental bridge, or complete a dental implant restoration.
You may be an ideal candidate for a dental crown if you have:
The best way to determine if a dental crown is right for you is through a professional evaluation at our Garner, NC, office. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Rouhani or Dr. Hartman to discuss your specific needs and treatment options.
Opting for a dental crown offers numerous advantages that extend beyond mere cosmetic improvement. Crowns provide exceptional protection for vulnerable teeth, preventing further damage and potential tooth loss. By restoring the tooth’s natural shape and function, crowns enable proper chewing and speaking while maintaining your jaw’s natural alignment. The materials used in modern crowns are stain-resistant and color-matched to your surrounding teeth, ensuring a natural-looking result that enhances your smile’s appearance. With proper care, dental crowns can last for many years, making them a long-term investment in your oral health.
The process of getting a dental crown typically requires two visits to our Garner office. During your first appointment, Dr. Rouhani or Dr. Hartman will prepare the tooth by removing a small amount of enamel to make room for the crown. We then take precise digital impressions of your tooth, which are sent to a dental laboratory where your permanent crown is custom-made. Before you leave, we place a temporary crown to protect your prepared tooth. Once your permanent crown returns from the laboratory (usually within two weeks), you’ll return for your second visit, where we remove the temporary crown, check the fit and color of your new crown, and permanently cement it into place.
At Bright Smiles Family Dentistry, we offer several types of crowns to meet your specific needs and preferences:
During your consultation, we’ll discuss which material is best suited for your specific situation, considering factors like the tooth’s location, your bite, and your aesthetic goals.
Dr. Valerie Hartman is a highly trained implant and cosmetic dentist serving patients in Garner, Raleigh, and the surrounding communities. She is passionate about helping patients restore their oral health, confidence, and quality of life through advanced implant dentistry, full-arch rehabilitation, and natural-looking cosmetic treatments.
Dr. Hartman completed a two-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at UT Health San Antonio, where she served as Chief Resident and received advanced training in complex restorative care, surgical dentistry, implant treatment planning, and comprehensive patient care. She has also pursued advanced implant and full-arch education, including Full Arch Masters training, to further develop her expertise in the diagnosis, planning, and delivery of complex implant-supported restorations.
As the primary doctor managing and performing implant and full-arch treatment at All Star Implants, Dr. Hartman takes a comprehensive, detail-oriented approach to every case. She evaluates each patient’s oral health, facial structure, bite, bone support, aesthetic goals, and long-term needs before developing a personalized treatment plan. Her goal is to provide predictable, functional results that look and feel natural, whether a patient needs a single dental implant, multiple implants, or a complete full-arch transformation.
Dr. Hartman also has a strong interest in cosmetic dentistry, including smile makeovers, veneers, crowns, and other aesthetic treatments. She combines her surgical and restorative expertise with a careful eye for facial balance, proportion, function, and natural-looking beauty. When appropriate, she incorporates cosmetic dentistry into larger restorative or implant treatment plans to help patients achieve a healthy, confident, and harmonious smile.
Patients appreciate Dr. Hartman’s thoughtful communication, surgical precision, and commitment to individualized care. She takes the time to explain each step of treatment, answer questions, and help patients feel informed and comfortable throughout their journey. Whether she is rebuilding a smile with full-arch implants, replacing a single missing tooth, or enhancing the appearance of a healthy smile, Dr. Hartman is dedicated to creating results that support both long-term oral health and lasting confidence.
Dr. Rouhani, DDS, brings over 12 years of experience in restorative dentistry, with advanced training in crown placement and cosmetic dental procedures. Her gentle approach and attention to detail ensure that each crown she places looks natural and feels comfortable.
The cost of a dental crown varies depending on the material chosen and the complexity of your case. At Bright Smiles Family Dentistry, we believe in transparent pricing and will provide a detailed cost estimate during your consultation. We work with most major dental insurance plans, and our team will help you maximize your benefits. For your convenience, we offer flexible financing options through CareCredit and Sunbit to make your treatment affordable.
Our office is in-network with all major insurance providers. Please bring your insurance card to each appointment so we can make sure your information is as up-to-date as possible. If you do not find your insurance provider here; we work with all major insurance provides, please call at (919) 205-0640 for clarity.
A dental crown is more than just a dental restoration; it’s an investment in your long-term oral health and quality of life. By protecting a damaged tooth, you prevent more extensive dental problems down the road while maintaining your natural chewing function and smile aesthetics. At Bright Smiles Family Dentistry, we’re committed to providing dental crowns that not only look natural but also provide lasting protection for your smile.
Ready to Restore Your Smile?
If you have a damaged tooth that needs protection, don’t wait until the problem worsens. Our Garner, NC dental team is here to provide you with a comfortable crown experience and a restoration that will serve you well for years to come.
Schedule your dental crown consultation today by Calling Us: (919) 205-0640
With proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, dental crowns can last between 10-15 years, and often longer with good care.
No, the procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you should feel no pain during the process. Some sensitivity after the procedure is normal but temporary.
No, dental crowns do not respond to teeth whitening treatments. If you’re considering whitening, it’s best to do so before your crown is placed so we can match it to your brighter shade.
Care for your crown as you would your natural teeth with regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings. Avoid chewing extremely hard foods or ice to prevent damage.
Contact our office immediately. We’ll schedule you for a prompt appointment to recement or replace the crown to protect your underlying tooth.
