Medically reviewed by Dr. Michael Moulton, DMDMon - Thurs: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Fri: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
(803) 951-0991
Our qualified team provides expert care you can trust.
We use advanced technology for accurate treatments.
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Some teeth need more than a filling can offer. When decay has taken too much structure, a crack has traveled deeper than the surface, or an older restoration has left a tooth thin and fragile, a patch will not hold for long. A dental crown covers the entire visible portion of the tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and bite so you can chew with confidence again.
Families across West Columbia, SC turn to Lexington Family Smiles when a tooth needs lasting protection. Dr. Michael Moulton and our team take a conservative approach and recommend a crown only when it is truly the right answer for that tooth. Whether you live near the Congaree River and the Riverwalk or along the Sunset Boulevard corridor, our Lexington office is a short drive away, and you can learn more about our full range of dental crown services before you visit.
Several situations point toward a crown. A large cavity is the most common one: once decay removes a big share of the tooth, a filling has little to anchor to, and the remaining walls can fracture under normal chewing. A tooth that has been repaired several times over the years can reach the same point, where a crown is the best way to hold it together.
Cracks and root canal treatment are two more reasons. A crack that reaches the dentin can cause a sharp twinge each time you bite, and a crown stops that flexing by wrapping the whole tooth. After a root canal, the tooth often becomes more brittle, so a crown restores full function and lowers the chance of a break. An exam tells us whether a crown is needed or a simpler dental filling will do.
The right crown depends on where the tooth sits, how much natural structure remains, and what matters most to you. Porcelain and ceramic crowns reproduce the color and translucency of natural enamel, which makes them a favorite for front teeth. Zirconia is a strong ceramic that stands up to heavy chewing on molars while still looking like a natural tooth. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns pair a metal core with a porcelain surface and have a long track record, especially on back teeth.
The American Dental Association’s MouthHealthy resource notes that crowns can also anchor bridges, protect weak teeth, and cover implants. Before any work begins, we walk you through the tradeoffs for your tooth so you know exactly why we recommend one material over another.
A crown typically takes two visits. At the first, we numb the area and shape the tooth to make room for the restoration. We then take impressions or a digital scan, which a dental laboratory uses to craft your custom crown, and place a temporary crown to protect the tooth in the meantime.
When the permanent crown is ready, usually within one to two weeks, you return for the second visit. We remove the temporary, check the fit, shape, and shade, and make any adjustments before cementing the crown in place. We finish by polishing it and confirming your bite feels comfortable and natural.
With good care, most crowns last ten to fifteen years, and many last longer. Material, tooth location, and daily habits all play a part, and back teeth take more force with every bite. Brushing twice a day, flossing, and keeping up with regular cleanings protect the tooth underneath, which is where most crowns eventually fail. If you clench or grind your teeth at night, tell us, because a custom night guard can shield your crown and the neighboring teeth from that extra pressure.
With consistent home care and routine professional visits, most crowns last ten to fifteen years or more. Lifespan varies with the material, the tooth, and habits like grinding. We check existing crowns at every checkup so small signs of wear are caught early.
Crowns made from ceramic or zirconia are matched to the shade, shape, and translucency of your surrounding teeth. Once a crown is properly placed and polished, it blends in with your natural smile.
The cost depends on the tooth being restored and the material you choose, and we explain the numbers before treatment begins. Our financing page outlines ways to spread out payments, and patients without insurance may also like our Dental Savings Plan.
Many dental plans cover part of the cost of a crown placed for functional, restorative reasons. We work with an insurance advocacy group to help you get the most from your benefits, and our team reviews your coverage before your appointment so you know what to expect.
Lexington Family Smiles is a neighborhood practice built around comfort, clear communication, and careful dentistry for the whole family, from children’s checkups to restorative care for grandparents. Dr. Michael Moulton and our team are ready to help West Columbia patients protect a compromised tooth before a small problem becomes a larger, more costly one. If you have tooth pain, sensitivity when you bite, or have been told you may need a crown, contact our office today to schedule your consultation. Questions about payment? Visit our financing page to see your options.
We would love to welcome you and your family to our Lexington office. Whether it is your first visit or your next checkup, our team is here to make you feel right at home.
We believe cost should never stand between you and a healthy smile. Our team works with an insurance advocacy group to help you get the most from your benefits, and we offer several ways to make care affordable.
We accept most major dental insurance plans and file claims on your behalf.
No insurance? Our in-house savings plan is a simple, affordable alternative.
Spread out the cost of care with Cherry, CareCredit, and Sunbit.
Schedule your visit today and experience comfortable, compassionate dental care for your whole family. New patients are always welcome.
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