Dental Crowns in La Grange, Illinois

Dental crowns are custom-designed caps that cover a damaged tooth to restore its strength, shape, and appearance. They are a necessary treatment when a tooth is too severely decayed or fractured to be repaired with a simple filling. Made from durable, tooth-colored materials such as porcelain or zirconia, crowns are designed to blend seamlessly with the rest of your smile. At La Grange Dental Studio, we utilize advanced tools and techniques to restore teeth that are cracked, decayed, or have undergone root canal treatment.

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When is a Dental Crown Necessary?

La Grange Dental Studio recommends dental crowns for various situations.

• Significant Decay or Damage: If a tooth has a large cavity or an existing filling that can no longer withstand the pressures of chewing, a crown can fully cover and support the remaining tooth structure.
• Post-Root Canal Treatment: Crowns are also used after a root canal to seal and protect the treated tooth.
• Cosmetic Issues: In cosmetic dentistry, a crown can be used to cover a severely discolored or misshapen tooth, improving the shape and function of your smile.
• Preventing Further Damage: Replacing a missing tooth with a crown can prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting out of place, preserving a natural biting pattern and preventing further tooth loss.

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The Dental Crown Procedure

At La Grange Dental Studio, the process of getting a dental crown is usually completed in two appointments. Our dentists take great care with each step to ensure a comfortable and precise outcome.

Initial Examination and Preparation:

During your first visit, the dentist will examine your tooth and take X-rays as needed. Any decay or infection will be cleaned out, and old fillings or broken pieces of the tooth will be removed. The tooth is then reshaped to make room for the crown. We take accurate impressions or 3D digital scans of the prepared tooth and the neighboring teeth. These scans are then sent to a dental laboratory, where your custom crown is fabricated.

A temporary crown is typically placed over the tooth while your final crown is being made, which usually takes one to two weeks.

Final Crown Placement:

At your second appointment, the dentist will remove the temporary crown and check the fit and color of the new one. Any final adjustments are made to ensure a comfortable bite. The crown is then cemented onto your tooth using dental cement. You will leave with a new-looking tooth that functions as well as it looks.

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Advantages of Dental Crowns

For people with extensive tooth damage, dental crowns offer several benefits.

• Protection for Teeth: A crown covers the entire exposed part of the tooth, protecting it from further decay or fracture. This can save a tooth from needing to be extracted.
• Restored Functionality: Crowns restore your ability to chew and eat normally by replacing the missing tooth structure.
• Improved Appearance: Crowns can be shade-matched to your natural teeth, covering imperfections such as deep stains, chips, or irregular shapes to provide a pleasing, natural-looking smile.
• Prevents Shifting: By filling gaps and maintaining proper tooth spacing, crowns prevent surrounding teeth from shifting out of place.
• Long-Lasting: When made with high-quality materials, crowns can last for many years or even decades. Materials such as porcelain-fused-to-metal or full zirconia offer exceptional strength and durability.

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Advanced Technology and Patient Comfort

La Grange Dental Studio uses advanced technology to improve the accuracy and efficiency of our crown treatments.

• Intra-oral Digital Scanner: This tool captures precise 3D impressions of your teeth without the need for traditional impression putty. The images are used to design crowns with an ideal fit and to reduce the time it takes for the dental laboratory to create them.
• Digital X-rays: Our digital X-rays capture high-quality images of your teeth and surrounding structures with minimal radiation exposure. These images can be enhanced on-screen to reveal conditions such as decay, cracks, or other issues beneath the teeth before treatment begins.

To ensure patient comfort during crown procedures, our office provides:

• Local Anesthesia: We utilize local anesthesia to minimize discomfort during procedures.
• Sedation Options: Nitrous oxide and oral sedation are available for patients who experience dental anxiety.
• Comfort Items: Pillows, blankets, and aromatherapy are available to create a relaxing atmosphere in the treatment area.

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Meet Our Dentists

Dr. Evan J. Fry, DMD:

Dr. Fry graduated with highest honors from the University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry and is a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon honor society. He is a general practitioner with a focus on preventive care. Dr. Fry also serves as a clinical instructor at UIC, teaching future dentists, and remains active in humanitarian dentistry and patient education.

Dr. James M. Maragos, DDS:

Dr. Maragos graduated from Loyola University Chicago Dental School and completed an advanced general dentistry residency. He has been a part of the La Grange community for over 35 years. Dr. Maragos has extensive experience working with medically complex and anxious patients and uses sedation to ensure they are comfortable.

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Insurance and Payment Options

La Grange Dental Studio accepts most major PPO dental insurance plans. Our team will verify your coverage before your treatment and discuss any co-pays or out-of-pocket costs. We work with a variety of insurance companies to help you get the best benefits. If you do not have insurance, we offer convenient financing plans, including CareCredit.

We will work with you to establish a payment arrangement that fits your budget. We also accept cash, checks, and all major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.

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Schedule Your Consultation

La Grange Dental Studio provides restorative treatments, including dental crowns, to repair broken and decayed teeth. To schedule an appointment, please call our office and discuss the best option for your needs with one of our representatives.