Dental Crowns in Fairhope, AL
Restore Your Tooth and Keep Your Smile
A damaged tooth doesn’t have to mean a lost tooth. Whether you’re dealing with a deep crack, a broken cusp, a large failing filling, or a tooth that’s been weakened by decay, a well-made crown can restore it all: strength, function, and the natural look.
At Sweet Water Dentistry in Fairhope, Dr. Phillip Greer has spent over 12 years helping patients across Baldwin County and the Eastern Shore protect their teeth with custom-crafted crowns that are built to last and designed to blend in. From your first exam to the day your crown is placed, you’ll know exactly what to expect, and why it’s worth doing right.
If you’re dealing with damaged teeth and you’re ready to repair them, contact our Fairhope dentist today by calling our office at (251) 210-2773.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over the entire visible portion of a tooth, from the gumline up, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Think of it as a protective shell that lets a compromised tooth function normally again.
Dr. Greer recommends crowns when a tooth has damage or structural weakness that a filling or bonding alone can’t reliably fix. That includes teeth that are cracked or fractured, teeth with large areas of decay that don’t leave enough healthy structure for a filling, teeth that have been treated with a root canal and need long-term protection, or teeth that are broken down enough to affect your bite or your confidence in your smile.
If you’re not sure whether you need a crown or a less involved option, Dr. Greer will give you a straight answer. He’s not a drill-first dentist; he’ll walk you through what he sees and what he’d genuinely recommend
Why Are Patients Choosing Dr. Greer?
Dr. Greer founded Sweet Water Dentistry more than 12 years ago with a clear purpose of building a practice on the Eastern Shore where patients feel genuinely cared for and not like they’re just another number. He trained at Meharry Medical College in Nashville and has advanced training in cosmetic dentistry, implantology, and CEREC® restorations. He’s been voted Best Dentist in Baldwin County and recognized as one of Alabama’s top-rated dental practices, and the patients who refer their family members here are the best proof of both.
What you’ll notice when you come in isn’t just the clinical skill. It’s the warm blankets and neck pillows. It’s the team that knows who you are when you walk in. It’s a dentist who answers your questions before you have to ask them, and who treats every patient, from Fairhope locals to folks driving in from Foley, Gulf Shores, or Mobile, with the same patience and care.
A crown is an investment in your tooth’s future. Dr. Greer takes that seriously.
What to Expect During Your Crown Procedure
Exam and Treatment Planning
Dr. Greer examines the tooth, takes any necessary X-rays, and confirms a crown is the right treatment. He’ll discuss material options, walk you through what to expect, and make sure you have a clear picture of the process and the cost before anything begins.
Tooth Preparation
The tooth is numbed with local anesthetic so the appointment is comfortable throughout. Dr. Greer gently reshapes the outer surface of the tooth to create a proper fit for the crown. The amount removed is precisely what’s needed, nothing more.
Impressions and Temporary Crown
A detailed impression of the prepared tooth is taken and sent to a trusted dental lab, where your permanent crown is custom-fabricated to exact specifications. A well-fitting temporary crown is placed the same day to protect the tooth while your permanent crown is being made, typically a one-to-two-week turnaround.
Permanent Crown Placement
When your crown is ready, you return for the final appointment. Our Fairhope dentist removes the temporary, checks the permanent crown for fit, bite, and color match, and bonds it securely in place. He’ll make any fine adjustments needed and check your bite from every angle before you leave.
The entire process is straightforward, and patients consistently tell us they were more comfortable than they anticipated, even those who came in nervous.
Need It Done in One Visit? Ask About Same-Day CEREC® Crowns
For patients who can’t easily fit two appointments into a busy schedule, or who simply want to skip the temporary crown and get it done, Sweet Water Dentistry also offers CEREC® same-day crowns.
With CEREC technology, Dr. Greer uses a 3D intraoral camera to scan your prepared tooth digitally (no impression trays, no goopy material), then designs your crown on-screen using CAD/CAM software. That design is sent to our in-office milling unit, which carves your permanent porcelain crown from a solid ceramic block in about 15 minutes. Dr. Greer shade-matches it to your surrounding teeth, bonds it in place, and adjusts the bite all in the same appointment.
One visit. No temporary crown. No coming back for multiple appointments.
Same-day crowns are an excellent option for straightforward restorations on teeth that are well-suited to the process. Dr. Greer will let you know at your exam whether a same-day crown is the right fit for your situation or whether a traditionally fabricated crown would give you a better long-term outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns
How long does a dental crown last?
With good home care and regular cleanings, a well-made crown routinely lasts 15 years or more, and many last significantly longer. Dr. Greer will share specific maintenance tips at your appointment, including which habits are hardest on crowns over time (think ice chewing and grinding).
Will getting a crown hurt?
The tooth and surrounding area are completely numbed before any preparation begins, so the procedure itself should be comfortable. Some mild sensitivity in the days following is normal as the tooth settles. If dental anxiety is a concern, let us know when you call.
What’s the difference between a crown and a veneer?
Veneers are thin shells that bond to the front surface of a tooth and are primarily cosmetic. Crowns cover the entire tooth and are used when there’s structural damage or significant decay that requires full-coverage protection.
How do I care for my crown?
To care for your dental crown, brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss around the crown each day (a floss threader or water flosser works well if the crown is in a tight spot), and keep up with your six-month cleanings. Avoid chewing ice or very hard foods, and if you grind your teeth at night.
Ready to Protect That Tooth? Let’s Talk
If you’ve been told you need a crown, or you’ve noticed a tooth that’s cracked, sensitive, or just not right, the best next step is a conversation with Dr. Greer. He’ll take a look, tell you exactly what he sees, and help you decide on the approach that makes the most sense for your tooth, your schedule, and your budget.
Patients from across Fairhope, Daphne, Spanish Fort, Foley, Gulf Shores, and Mobile have trusted Sweet Water Dentistry with their smiles for over a decade. We’d love to earn that trust from you, too.
Contact our dental office in Fairhope today by calling (251) 210-2773 for an appointment.