Dental Crowns
How Does A Dental Crown Work, And What Are The Reasons For Getting One?
Dental crowns, or tooth caps, are protective covers that fit over the visible part of teeth that are damaged, broken, or decayed. They are made from durable, high-quality materials that help restore the normal functions, appearance, and health of the teeth. Due to their multiple benefits, dental crowns are a popular cosmetic and restorative treatment.
Our dentists may recommend tooth crowns for several reasons, some of which include:
- To protect a weakened tooth or to add to its structural integrity.
- To restore a broken, fractured, cracked or severely worn down tooth.
- To encase and support a tooth with a large dental filling.
- To hold a dental bridge or implant in place.
- To cover a misshapen or discolored tooth.
- To make a cosmetic modification.
- To save a decayed tooth that cannot be saved with a filling.
- To protect the permanent teeth of a child at high risk for tooth decay.
Questions About Dental Crowns
What Are The Different Types of Dental Crown Materials?
Dental crowns utilize different materials, having different levels of strength and appearance. After a careful examination, our dentists will choose the best type of tooth crowns for your oral needs. Some common types are:
- All-metal: These crowns are made from metal alloys, which make them very strong and resistant. The only problem with metal crowns is that they don’t look natural. That’s why we use them mostly for back teeth restorations, where they are less noticeable.
- All-porcelain: These crowns are made entirely from porcelain, which matches the color and texture of your natural teeth. Porcelain crowns are great for front teeth, where cosmetic appeal is more important. However, they are not used for back teeth because they may crack under heavy biting forces.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM): These crowns combine the best of both worlds: the strength of metal and the beauty of porcelain. There is a thin metal layer under the porcelain crown to give it extra support. Our dentists use these crowns for both restorative and aesthetic reasons.
What Are The Steps Involved in Getting A Tooth Crown?
The dental crown procedure usually requires two visits. The first visit is for preparing the teeth and taking impressions. The second visit is for placing the permanent crowns. The procedure typically involves the following steps:
- To begin, we will numb your teeth and gums with local anesthesia.
- Next, we will shave off a thin layer of enamel from the teeth that need crowns. This will make room for the crowns to fit properly.
- After preparing the teeth, we will take impressions of both arches and send them to a dental lab with the desired specifications.
- The lab will make the crowns according to the given requirements. This step may take about a week, so we will provide you with temporary crowns to protect your prepared teeth in the meantime.
- On the second appointment, we will remove the temporary crowns and cement the permanent crowns over your teeth.
- We will check your bite and make any adjustments if needed. With just two appointments, you will notice a visible difference in your smile!
Patient Testimonials
See what out happy patients have to say about us
Took my 7 month old in for his first visit and everyone was so helpful and made the first visit so easy . Lisa in the front was so helpful answering any question I had and was so nice to me and my baby ,as well as made checking out easy and fast . Nora in the room was so patient and made sure my child was comfortable.
Karina and Lisa were very attentive in the front ! Nora, Juana, Alex were attentive to my treatment needs ! Dr. Dang is the best DANG dentist !!! He’s was very detailed with my treatment! He took his time to make sure I was comfortable through out my whole dental treatment!! Thank y’all !!
ruly and very satisfied with my dental appointment, I hadn't gone to the dentist in about 8 years because I had a bad experience. I switched my entire family to be seen with Dr.Dang, him and his team are great. Nora the dental assistant was very nice and informative throughout the whole visit.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Typically Last?
What Are The Best Practices For Maintaining A Dental Crown?
Dental crowns require regular care and maintenance to function properly. To prolong the lifespan of your crowns, you can adopt the following practices:
- Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Flossing between your teeth once a day.
- Using an antibacterial mouthwash to prevent plaque and bacteria buildup.
- Avoiding foods that are sticky, hard, or require a lot of chewing.
- Avoiding biting on inedible, hard objects, such as pens, or nails.
- Wearing a mouthguard or a night guard if you play sports or grind your teeth.
- Visiting our dentist for routine check-ups and cleanings.
Frequently Asked Questions
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers a damaged, weakened, or decayed tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. Crowns are often recommended after a root canal, for a large filling, or to protect a cracked tooth. They cover the entire visible portion of the tooth, giving it durable, natural-looking protection.
Crowns can be made from porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination, each with its own benefits. Porcelain and ceramic crowns are popular for front teeth because they blend in beautifully with natural teeth, while metal-based crowns offer extra strength for back teeth. We'll help you choose the material that best balances appearance, durability, and your needs.
Getting a crown is a comfortable procedure because the tooth is numbed beforehand, so you shouldn't feel pain during the appointment. Some patients notice mild sensitivity afterward, which usually fades within a few days. If you feel anxious about the visit, let us know and we can discuss options to help you stay relaxed throughout.
