What Are Dental Crowns?
Dentist Grants Pass
Dental crowns are custom-made restorations that completely cover the visible portion of a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its strength, shape, and natural appearance. They are often used to protect teeth with large fillings, cracks, advanced decay, or those that have undergone root canal treatment. Crafted from durable materials like porcelain or ceramic, crowns are color-matched to your surrounding teeth for a seamless, natural look that enhances your overall smile.
These restorations are also used to complete dental implants and support bridges, playing a critical role in both cosmetic and restorative dentistry. The process typically involves reshaping the tooth, taking precise impressions, and fabricating a crown that fits securely and comfortably. Once bonded in place, the crown functions like a natural tooth, restoring bite force and maintaining alignment. With regular brushing, flossing, and professional checkups, dental crowns can last many years while protecting your underlying tooth structure. Crowns are a dependable, long-lasting solution that improves both appearance and function for a healthier, more radiant smile.
Why Trust Dr. Niklaus Spendlove?
Dentist Grants Pass
Dr. Niklaus Spendlove is known for his precision and artistry in restorative dentistry, making him a trusted provider of custom dental crowns. He begins each case with a comprehensive exam and detailed discussion of your goals to ensure the final restoration meets both functional and cosmetic needs. His methodical approach ensures your crown fits comfortably, functions properly, and looks indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
With advanced training and the use of modern technology, Dr. Spendlove creates crowns that are durable, natural-looking, and carefully color-matched to enhance your smile. Patients appreciate his calm demeanor, clear communication, and dedication to quality results. Whether you need a crown to restore a damaged tooth or complete a larger treatment plan, he takes time to ensure every detail is addressed. His careful attention to comfort and aesthetics means your crown will feel secure and look beautiful. Through every step of the process, Dr. Spendlove provides the personalized care and clinical excellence needed for lasting results.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Dentist Grants Pass
Enhanced Protection
Crowns restore strength to teeth weakened by decay, fractures, or root canal treatment, protecting them from further damage while preserving their structure and functionality for the long term.
Aesthetic Improvement
Made from lifelike porcelain or ceramic, crowns are carefully color-matched to surrounding teeth, creating a natural appearance that enhances your smile and blends seamlessly with your existing dentition.
Long-Term Durability
Dental crowns are highly durable and resistant to wear, offering years of reliable use with proper care. They support long-term oral health while maintaining their strength, fit, and aesthetic appeal.
What Our Patients Have to Say
Reported Survival and Clinical Performance of Dental Crowns
Tooth-Supported Zirconia Crowns at 5 Years
95.9
Implant-Supported Zirconia Crowns at 5 Years
97.1
Lithium Disilicate Single Crowns at 5 Years
97.8
Tooth-Supported Zirconia Crowns at 5 Years, JADA Review
99
Tooth-Supported Zirconia Crowns at 10 Years, JADA Review
67
Zirconia Crowns Without Reported Clinical Complications
85
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
0%
10%
20%
| Dental Crown Finding | Percentage | What the Data Shows |
|---|---|---|
| Tooth-supported zirconia crown survival at 5 years | 95.9% | A systematic review reported that 95.9% of zirconia crowns placed on natural teeth remained in service after five years. |
| Implant-supported zirconia crown survival at 5 years | 97.1% | The same systematic review found a 97.1% five-year survival rate for zirconia crowns supported by dental implants. |
| Lithium disilicate single-crown survival at 5 years | 97.8% | A JADA evidence review reported a five-year cumulative survival rate of 97.8% for lithium disilicate single crowns. |
| Tooth-supported zirconia crown survival at 5 years | 99% | A separate JADA evidence review reported that 99% of the evaluated tooth-supported zirconia crowns survived for five years. |
| Tooth-supported zirconia crown survival at 10 years | 67% | The JADA review estimated a 67% survival rate at 10 years, although fewer long-term studies were available for this estimate. |
| Zirconia crowns without clinical complications | 85% | Because 15% of crowns in the JADA review experienced clinical complications, 85% had no reported clinical complication during the evaluated periods. |
Sources: Larsson C, Wennerberg A. “The Clinical Success of Zirconia-Based Crowns: A Systematic Review.” International Journal of Prosthodontics. 2014;27(1):33-43. Brignardello-Petersen R. “High Proportion of All-Ceramic Zirconia Tooth-Supported Crowns Survive After 5 Years.” Journal of the American Dental Association. 2017. “Lithium Disilicate Single Crowns Demonstrate Favorable Clinical Outcomes.” Journal of the American Dental Association. 2017.
What Grants Pass Patients Should Know About Dental Crowns
Crowns protect weakened teeth
A dental crown covers the visible portion of a tooth and may be recommended when decay, cracks, wear, or a large filling has weakened the remaining structure.
Treatment depends on the individual tooth
Dr. Spendlove evaluates the tooth, surrounding gums, remaining enamel, bite, and treatment history before recommending a crown.
Different crown materials serve different needs
The appropriate material can depend on where the tooth is located, how much biting pressure it receives, and how closely the restoration should resemble natural enamel.
Crowns can restore natural teeth or dental implants
A tooth-supported crown protects a prepared natural tooth, while an implant-supported crown replaces the visible portion of a missing tooth.
Daily care remains important
A crowned tooth can still develop decay near the restoration’s edge, so brushing, flossing, dental examinations, and professional cleanings remain necessary.
Long-term results require monitoring
Regular examinations allow the dental team to evaluate the crown, its margins, the supporting tooth, the gums, and the patient’s bite for changes.
Read Our 5-Star Reviews
Dentist Grants Pass
“I recommend a dental crown when it offers the best way to protect a weakened tooth, restore comfortable function, and preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible. Every crown is planned around the condition of the tooth, the patient’s bite, and the appearance they want to achieve.”
Dr. Niklaus Spendlove
Questions Grants Pass Dental Patients Ask
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a custom restoration that covers the visible part of a damaged or weakened tooth. It restores the tooth’s shape, function, strength, and appearance.
When might Dr. Spendlove recommend a dental crown?
Dr. Spendlove may recommend a crown for a tooth with extensive decay, a large filling, a fracture, significant wear, or reduced strength after root canal treatment. Crowns may also be used with dental implants or as part of a dental bridge.
What is the difference between a tooth-supported crown and an implant crown?
A tooth-supported crown is placed over a prepared natural tooth. An implant crown attaches to a dental implant that replaces the root of a missing tooth.
How long can a dental crown last?
Crown longevity varies according to the material, tooth condition, bite forces, oral hygiene, and dental care. Clinical reviews report strong five-year survival for several ceramic crown types, but every restoration requires ongoing evaluation.
Can a tooth develop decay beneath a crown?
Yes. Decay can develop where the crown meets the natural tooth, especially when plaque collects around the margin. Consistent home care and routine dental examinations help the team identify problems early.
What should a patient do if a crown feels loose or uncomfortable?
A patient should contact Spendlove Dental if a crown becomes loose, breaks, causes pain, or makes the bite feel uneven. Prompt evaluation may help protect the underlying tooth and determine whether the crown can be repaired or must be replaced.