Dental Crowns in Virginia Beach

A damaged, decayed, or weakened tooth does not have to mean losing it, and in most cases, a well-placed dental crown is all it takes to restore full function and a natural appearance. Crowns are one of the most versatile and time-tested solutions in dentistry, capable of addressing a wide range of problems that cannot be resolved with a filling alone.

At Shoreline Cosmetic & Family Dentistry in Virginia Beach, dental crowns are part of a comprehensive restorative dentistry approach designed to protect and rebuild teeth that have been compromised by decay, fracture, or wear. Led by Dr. Brittany Wood, a Hampton Roads native with a Doctor of Dental Surgery from VCU School of Dentistry, our practice is committed to providing lasting solutions that preserve your natural smile for as long as possible.

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over an existing tooth, covering it entirely from the gumline up. Once cemented in place, the crown restores the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance, functioning exactly like a natural tooth. Crowns are made from a variety of materials, with tooth-colored porcelain and ceramic options being among the most popular for their ability to blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth.

The need for a crown often arises when a tooth has sustained damage that goes beyond what a filling can address. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, more than 90% of adults have experienced tooth decay at some point in their lives, underscoring how frequently restorative work becomes necessary. Crowns play a central role in treating that damage before it progresses to tooth loss.

Crowns are recommended for a number of situations, and Dr. Wood will always take the time to explain why a crown is the right solution for your specific case. The following are the most common reasons a crown may be placed:

• Severe decay: When a cavity is too large for a filling to adequately restore the tooth’s structure
• Cracked or fractured teeth: A crown holds a cracked tooth together and prevents the crack from spreading deeper
• After root canal therapy: Teeth that have undergone a root canal are more brittle and require a crown to protect them from breaking
• Broken or worn-down teeth: Grinding, trauma, or years of use can reduce a tooth to the point where a crown is the only way to rebuild it
• Cosmetic improvement: Crowns can also correct the appearance of severely misshapen or discolored teeth that cannot be improved with other treatments

Each of these situations calls for a tailored approach, and the crown we recommend will be selected based on the location of the tooth, your bite, and your aesthetic goals.

Knowing what lies ahead makes the experience far more comfortable, and Dr. Wood’s approach is designed to keep things straightforward from start to finish. The process is broken into two appointments, each with a clear purpose.

Your First Appointment

The process typically takes two visits. At the first appointment, Dr. Wood prepares the tooth by removing any decay and reshaping it so the crown will fit properly over the top. She then takes impressions or digital scans of the tooth, which are sent to a dental lab to fabricate your custom crown. A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while you wait.

Your Second Appointment

When your permanent crown is ready, you return so Dr. Wood can check the fit, make any needed adjustments, and cement it securely in place. The result is a restoration that feels natural, fits your bite comfortably, and looks like a healthy tooth. With proper care, a well-crafted crown can last well over a decade, making it one of the most durable restorative investments available in dentistry.

Porcelain and ceramic crowns are the most commonly chosen option for front teeth and visible areas of the mouth because of their natural appearance. For back teeth that bear more chewing force, Dr. Wood may discuss options such as porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, which offer additional strength while still maintaining a tooth-colored appearance. 

The best material for your crown depends on which tooth is being restored and how it functions in your bite, and we walk every patient through those considerations before moving forward. Maintaining the health of surrounding teeth is equally important, so we integrate routine preventive care into your ongoing treatment plan after a crown is placed.

Dr. Brittany Wood brings the same thoughtfulness and precision to every restorative case, a quality that has defined her approach to dentistry from the start. Born and raised in Hampton Roads, she built Shoreline Cosmetic & Family Dentistry in 2023 with the goal of delivering personalized, high-quality care to the Virginia Beach community she has always called home. Whether you are dealing with a cracked tooth, a failed filling, or a molar weakened over time, we are here to help you protect your smile with a solution built to last.

We are in-network with Delta Dental Premier, Cigna, MetLife, GEHA, and United Concordia, and we also offer financing through CareCredit and Cherry to make treatment more accessible. For patients without traditional insurance, our in-house membership plan provides a practical alternative. To get started or to ask any questions about the crown process, contact our Virginia Beach office and schedule your consultation today.