Ceramic Zirconia Crowns in Hickory, NC
When a tooth is damaged, decayed, or weakened, a ceramic zirconia crown restores its strength, function, and appearance with a level of precision and aesthetics that older crown materials simply can’t match. At Hickory Dentistry in Hickory, NC, we use digital scanning technology to design and fit zirconia crowns that look completely natural and last for years. Call (828) 322-2977 to schedule your consultation today.
Durable, Natural-Looking Zirconia Crowns in Hickory, NC
A dental crown is a full-coverage restoration that fits over the entire visible portion of a tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and appearance. At Hickory Dentistry in Hickory, NC , we favor ceramic zirconia crowns for most crown restorations because they offer an exceptional combination of strength, aesthetics, and biocompatibility that makes them the superior choice for the vast majority of patients. If you’ve been told you need a crown, call (828) 322-2977 to schedule your evaluation and learn what to expect.
What Is a Ceramic Zirconia Crown?
Zirconium dioxide — the material from which zirconia crowns are made — is a high-strength ceramic that was originally developed for industrial applications before being adopted by dentistry for its remarkable combination of properties. It is extraordinarily strong — among the hardest dental materials available — while simultaneously offering a natural translucency that closely mimics the way light passes through natural tooth enamel. This combination makes it an ideal crown material for both front and back teeth: strong enough to withstand the heavy biting forces of the molars, and beautiful enough to be indistinguishable from the surrounding natural teeth when used on front teeth. Unlike traditional porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns, zirconia contains no metal substructure — which means there is no dark metal line visible at the gumline (a common aesthetic problem with PFM crowns), and no risk of a gray or dark shadow showing through the crown where gum tissue recedes over time. Zirconia is also highly biocompatible, meaning it is well-tolerated by gum tissue with minimal risk of sensitivity or allergic reaction.
When Is a Crown Recommended?
Dental crowns are recommended in a wide range of clinical situations. A tooth that has been weakened by extensive decay — where a simple filling can no longer provide adequate structural support — typically needs a crown to restore its integrity. Teeth that have been treated with root canal therapy are left more brittle after the procedure and almost always benefit from crown placement to protect against fracture. A cracked tooth — particularly one with a crack that doesn’t yet extend below the gumline — is often saved with a crown that holds the tooth together and prevents the crack from propagating further. A crown is also used to restore a severely worn tooth, to cover a dental implant abutment as part of an implant restoration, and as an anchor on either side of a dental bridge. Cosmetically, a crown can completely change the shape, size, or appearance of a tooth that cannot be adequately improved with veneers or bonding alone.
The Crown Process at Hickory Dentistry
Getting a zirconia crown at Hickory Dentistry is a streamlined, comfortable process. At your first appointment, Dr. Millsaps prepares the tooth by removing a thin, precise layer of enamel from the outer surfaces to create space for the crown to fit over the tooth at the correct size and bite height. We then use our iTero digital scanner to take a precise digital impression of the prepared tooth and surrounding dentition — eliminating the discomfort and inaccuracy of traditional impression putty. A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while your permanent zirconia crown is fabricated at the dental laboratory. At your second appointment, the temporary is removed, the permanent zirconia crown is tried in for fit and bite, any minor adjustments are made, and the crown is permanently cemented. The result is a restoration that is strong, seamless, and virtually indistinguishable from your natural tooth. We serve patients from Hickory, NC and surrounding communities including Newton, Lenoir, Granite Falls, and Conover. Call (828) 322-2977 or request your appointment online today.
Frequently Asked Questions — Ceramic Zirconia Crowns in Hickory, NC
How long do zirconia crowns last?
With proper care, ceramic zirconia crowns can last 15 years or longer — and many last the lifetime of the patient. Zirconia is one of the most durable crown materials available, highly resistant to chipping, fracture, and wear. Longevity depends on maintaining good oral hygiene, attending regular dental checkups at Hickory Dentistry, and avoiding habits like chewing ice or using your teeth as tools that put undue stress on any restoration.
Are zirconia crowns better than porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns?
For most patients, yes. Zirconia crowns offer several key advantages over traditional PFM crowns: they contain no metal, eliminating the dark gumline margin that develops over time with PFM; they are stronger than porcelain alone, reducing the risk of chipping; their natural translucency produces a more lifelike appearance; and their biocompatibility makes them gentler on the surrounding gum tissue. PFM crowns remain a viable option in specific situations, but zirconia is now our preferred material for most crown restorations at Hickory Dentistry.
Does getting a crown hurt?
The crown preparation appointment is performed under local anesthesia, so you should feel no pain during the procedure — only pressure and movement. Some sensitivity in the prepared tooth between the preparation and seating appointments is common and temporary, managed easily with over-the-counter pain relievers. After the permanent crown is placed, sensitivity resolves quickly as the tooth adjusts to its new restoration. If significant pain or sensitivity persists after the permanent crown is cemented, contact Hickory Dentistry at (828) 322-2977 for an evaluation.
Can a zirconia crown be used for front teeth?
Absolutely — modern zirconia materials are available in varying translucency levels, making them an excellent choice for front teeth where aesthetics are a priority. High-translucency zirconia closely mimics the way natural enamel interacts with light, and when shaded and shaped correctly by an experienced technician, the crown is virtually indistinguishable from surrounding natural teeth. Dr. Millsaps selects the appropriate zirconia formulation based on the location and aesthetic requirements of each individual crown.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
In most cases, yes — particularly for back teeth that bear heavy chewing forces. Root canal therapy removes the inner tissue of the tooth, which can leave it more brittle and prone to fracture. A zirconia crown placed over the treated tooth provides the structural reinforcement needed to protect it from cracking under normal biting forces and significantly extends its functional lifespan. Front teeth treated with root canals may be assessed individually — Dr. Millsaps will advise whether a crown or a more conservative restoration is appropriate for your specific tooth.
How do I care for a zirconia crown?
Care for a zirconia crown just like you would a natural tooth — brush twice daily with a non-abrasive toothpaste, floss daily (including around the margins of the crown), and attend your regular cleanings and exams at Hickory Dentistry. While zirconia itself is very resistant to staining and wear, the gum tissue and natural tooth structure at the crown margin still need consistent care to prevent decay and periodontal disease. Avoid biting very hard objects like ice or hard candy, which can damage any restoration, including zirconia.
Do you place zirconia crowns for patients from Newton, Lenoir, and Granite Falls?
Hickory Dentistry provides ceramic zirconia crowns and comprehensive cosmetic and restorative dentistry for patients from Hickory, NC and surrounding communities including Newton, Lenoir, Granite Falls, and Conover. If you’ve been told you need a crown — or if you have a damaged tooth that needs evaluation — call us at (828) 322-2977 or request an appointment online. We’ll restore your tooth to full strength and a natural-looking appearance.
