When a tooth is cracked, severely decayed, weakened after a root canal, or simply worn down over time, a dental crown can restore both its function and appearance. At Barataria Dental, Drs. Maria Burmaster and Valerie Hemphill have been helping patients across Marrero and the West Bank preserve their natural smiles with expertly crafted dental crowns since 1965. Whether you need a single crown to protect a damaged tooth or crowns to anchor a bridge or implant restoration, our team provides personalized, thorough care in a warm environment you can trust.
Dental crowns are custom-fitted restorations that cap the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gum line. They are one of the most versatile and reliable solutions in restorative dentistry, designed to look, feel, and function like a healthy natural tooth. Our preferred material is allporcelain, chosen for its lifelike appearance and excellent durability -and when existing metal crowns no longer serve you well, we can replace those too.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
- Restores strength to damaged teeth -Crowns reinforce teeth that are cracked, fractured, or significantly weakened by decay, allowing you to chew comfortably and confidently again.
- Natural-looking aesthetics -Modern dental ceramics closely mimic the translucency and color of natural tooth enamel, making porcelain crowns virtually indistinguishable from surrounding teeth.
- Protects teeth after root canal treatment -Following root canal therapy, a crown seals and reinforces the treated tooth, reducing the risk of fracture and restoring normal bite function.
- Supports dental bridges -Traditional bridges rely on crown-capped teeth on either side of a gap to stay securely in place, replacing one or more consecutive missing teeth.
- Completes dental implant restorations -Once an implant anchor has fully integrated with the jawbone, a crown is attached to serve as the visible, functional replacement tooth.
- Long-lasting results -With proper care, porcelain crowns typically last 15–20 years, making them a reliable long-term investment in your oral health.
- Conservative approach -Crowns allow us to preserve as much of your natural tooth structure as possible, often preventing the need for extraction.
What to Expect During the Dental Crown Procedure
At Barataria Dental, most dental crown procedures are completed over two visits, and we take every step to ensure you are comfortable throughout.
First Visit – Examination and Tooth Preparation: Your first appointment begins with a comprehensive examination. Our dentists will assess your teeth, gums, jaw joints, and bite to provide a comprehensive picture of your oral health. Diagnostic X-rays and imaging help guide treatment planning. Once a crown is determined to be the right solution, your tooth will be gently shaped to accommodate the crown. We will numb the area beforehand so you remain comfortable during preparation. We also offer digital dental impressions using a chairside intraoral scanner -no messy traditional impression trays needed. Those digital scans are sent directly to the dental laboratory where your custom crown is crafted. A temporary crown is placed to protect your tooth while the permanent restoration is being made.
Second Visit -Placement and Bonding: When your permanent crown arrives from the laboratory, you will return so we can remove the temporary crown and try in the final restoration. Our dentists take time to evaluate the fit, bite alignment, and appearance alongside you before permanently bonding the crown in place. The crown is then gently polished for a smooth, natural finish. You may experience mild sensitivity or gum soreness for a few days after each visit. Over-the-counter pain relievers and warm saltwater rinses typically manage any discomfort. We recommend avoiding very hard or sticky foods for the first 24 hours after final placement to allow the bonding cement to fully set.
Caring for Your Dental Crown: Porcelain crowns are easy to maintain with the same habits you use for natural teeth. Brush twice daily using a soft-bristle toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste, using gentle circular motions around the crown and at the gum line. Floss daily, forming a C shape around the crown to clean the sides and just beneath the gums. Flossing before brushing helps fluoride reach between the crown and the surrounding tissue. Avoid using your teeth as tools and minimize habits like chewing ice or grinding, which can shorten the lifespan of any restoration. Regular professional cleanings and checkups at Barataria Dental allow our team to monitor your crown and ensure it continues to fit and function properly.
Why Choose Barataria Dental for Dental Crowns
Our practice has deep roots in this community. Drs. Burmaster and Hemphill are second-generation dentists who grew up here, trained extensively, and chose to serve the same West Bank families their father served. Dr. Burmaster brings advanced training in TMJ and complex bite problems, ensuring that any crown we place supports a balanced, healthy bite -not just an aesthetically pleasing one. Dr. Hemphill’s expertise in cosmetic and restorative dentistry ensures your crown will blend seamlessly with your natural smile.
Voted Top General Dentist in 2020 and trusted by our patients with a 5.0star rating across more than 300 reviews, we are proud to offer the kind of personalized, unhurried care that keeps families returning to us for generations. We practice conservative dentistry, meaning we exhaust every option to save your natural tooth before recommending extraction. A dental crown is often the key to doing exactly that.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns
How long does a dental crown last?
With good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, porcelain dental crowns typically last between 15 and 20 years. The lifespan of your crown depends on the location of the tooth, your bite forces, and how consistently you maintain routine care. Our dentists will monitor your crown at each visit and let you know if any adjustments or replacements are ever needed.
Will getting a dental crown be painful?
The procedure itself should not be painful. We thoroughly numb the tooth and surrounding tissue before any preparation begins. After your visit, it is normal to experience some sensitivity around the gum line or mild soreness for a few days. Most patients manage this comfortably with over-the-counter pain medication. If discomfort persists beyond a week or feels severe, contact our office so we can evaluate the fit and bite of your crown.
Can decay develop under a dental crown?
A well-fitted, properly bonded crown seals the tooth beneath it from bacteria when properly cared for. However, the margin where the crown meets the gum line can be vulnerable if plaque accumulates. This is why brushing and flossing around your crown daily -and maintaining regular professional cleanings -is so important. If you notice sensitivity, discomfort, or visible gaps at the gum line, call us promptly so we can assess the crown and address any concerns early.
Schedule Your Dental Crown Consultation in Marrero, LA
If you have a damaged, weakened, or worn tooth, or if you are ready to replace an old metal crown, Barataria Dental is here to help. Drs. Burmaster and Hemphill will take the time to evaluate your needs, explain your options, and create a treatment plan that puts your long-term oral health first. Contact our Marrero office today at 504.419.1526 or visit us at 2272 Barataria Blvd to schedule your consultation.