Achieve a Radiant Smile with Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are an excellent solution for restoring teeth that have been damaged or decayed, enabling numerous patients to enjoy beautiful and healthy smiles. These crowns are crafted from various materials and are tailored to meet each patient’s specific requirements.
At our Denton, TX, dental practice, our skilled Denton cosmetic dentists offer dental crowns to address your oral health needs. Discover more about dental crowns and find out if this option is the perfect fit for your smile by contacting us at (940) 566-4888!
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns, often referred to as caps or tooth crowns, are prosthetic devices designed to cover damaged or decayed teeth, restoring their function, shape, and appearance. Custom-made to fit over the entire tooth, from the gum line to the chewing surface, these crowns can be crafted from porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of these materials.
A dental crown can also be utilized atop a dental implant, to support a dental bridge, or as a cosmetic enhancement to improve the look of teeth.
When Is a Dental Crown Necessary?
There are numerous dental issues that a crown can address. Our Denton dentists might suggest a dental crown for several reasons, such as:
- Protecting a Weak Tooth: If a tooth has been compromised by tooth decay, a large filling, or a root canal, a dental crown can offer added support and prevent the tooth from fracturing.
- Restoring a Broken or Damaged Tooth: A dental crown can repair a tooth that is broken, cracked, or significantly worn down.
- Covering a Dental Implant: Once a dental implant is in place, a dental crown is often used to cover it and create a natural-looking tooth replacement.
- Supporting a Dental Bridge: A crown can support a dental bridge to replace missing teeth.
- Enhancing the Appearance of a Tooth: Dental crowns can serve as a cosmetic solution to enhance the appearance of misshapen, discolored, or poorly spaced teeth.
Signs You Need Dental Crowns
Some signs that you may need a dental crown include:
- Tooth pain or sensitivity
- A cracked or chipped tooth
- A large filling that needs to be replaced
- A tooth that has had a root canal
- A tooth that’s misshapen or discolored
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Some of the benefits of dental crowns include:
- Protection: They safeguard weak or damaged teeth from further harm or decay.
- Restoration: They restore both the functionality and appearance of compromised teeth.
- Durability: Dental crowns are robust and long-lasting, capable of enduring many years with proper care.
- Versatility: They address many dental issues, from mending a broken tooth to covering a dental implant.
- Aesthetics: Dental crowns can be color-matched and shaped to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, resulting in an appealing and natural look.
If you’re curious about how dental crowns could benefit you, contact our Denton dentists today to book your appointment!
Types of Dental Crowns
There are several types of dental crowns available, ensuring that each patient receives a tailored solution to restore their smile. Our Denton dentists will assess your needs and suggest the most suitable option for your dental health.
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are crafted from a tooth-colored material that can be precisely matched to the natural shade of your teeth, making them a favored option for front teeth restorations. These crowns are biocompatible and offer a natural, lifelike appearance, enhancing the aesthetics of your smile.
Metal Crowns
Metal crowns are constructed from materials such as gold, nickel, or other metal alloys. Known for their exceptional durability, these crowns can endure substantial biting forces and have a long lifespan. Despite their strength, their metallic appearance makes them a less favored choice for front teeth restorations.
Porcelain-fused-to-Metal Crowns (PFM)
PFM crowns are created by integrating a metal core with a porcelain exterior, offering the durability of metal along with the aesthetic appeal of porcelain. These crowns are suitable for both front and back teeth.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia crowns are crafted from a strong and biocompatible material that offers excellent resistance to chipping and cracking. These crowns can be color-matched to your natural teeth, making them an ideal choice for restoring teeth.
Same-Day Crowns
Same-day crowns, also known as CEREC crowns, are a type of dental crown that can be crafted and placed in just one dental visit. This is unlike traditional dental crowns, which typically necessitate multiple appointments and the use of temporary crowns while waiting for the permanent crown to be created in a dental lab. At our Denton dental practice, we offer CEREC crowns.
The Dental Crown Procedure
Consultation and Planning
During your consultation, our dentists will thoroughly examine the tooth to assess whether a crown is necessary or if alternative treatments might be more suitable. We may also take X-rays to evaluate the roots of the tooth and the surrounding bone structure.
First Visit
During the initial visit, the dentists will take several important steps to prepare your tooth for the dental crown
- Preparation: First, the dentist will numb the tooth and surrounding gum tissue using a local anesthetic. The tooth is then reshaped along the chewing surface and sides to make room for the crown. The amount of tooth that needs to be removed will depend on the type of crown material.
- Impression: After reshaping, an impression of the tooth is created to ensure a proper fit and bite for the crown. This may be done traditionally using a mold or digitally with intraoral scanners.
- Temporary Crown: A temporary crown is placed to protect the prepared tooth while the permanent crown is created. It’s generally made from acrylic and is temporarily cemented in place.
Second Visit
During your second appointment, the dentist will focus on fitting and securing your new crown.
- Fitting the Permanent Crown: The temporary crown is carefully removed, and the dentist places the new crown over the tooth to assess its fit and color. If the fit and appearance are satisfactory, the tooth is cleaned, and the new crown is permanently cemented.
- Making Adjustments: To ensure a proper fit, the dentist may make bite adjustments. You may be asked to bite down several times to confirm the fit, and adjustments will be made as needed.
Aftercare and Follow-up
Experiencing some sensitivity or mild discomfort after getting a dental crown is common, especially once the anesthesia fades. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be beneficial in managing this discomfort.
Proper aftercare is essential for maintaining your new crown. Ensure you brush and floss regularly and attend routine dental check-ups to maximize the crown’s longevity. Avoid hard foods and refrain from using the crowned tooth as a tool, such as opening packages, to extend the crown’s lifespan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental crowns typically have a lifespan ranging from five to 15 years or even longer when properly cared for. The durability of your dental crown is influenced by factors such as the material used, your oral hygiene practices, and the level of wear and tear the crown endures. Porcelain and ceramic crowns are generally more long-lasting than metal or resin-based ones.
The process of getting a dental crown is generally not painful, as it’s typically performed under local anesthesia. Some patients might experience mild discomfort or sensitivity during or after the procedure. Your dentist can suggest over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribe medication to help manage any discomfort.
Typically, the dental crown placement process requires two dental visits to be completed. The duration for placing a dental crown can vary based on the specific situation and the dentist’s approach. During your initial consultation, your dentist will provide an estimated timeline for the treatment.
Absolutely, you can receive a dental crown in just one day by utilizing CEREC technology (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics). This advanced technique enables the dentist to design and fit a custom crown during a single appointment.
The process involves taking digital impressions of your tooth, designing the crown with computer-aided design (CAD) software, and using an in-office milling machine to produce the final crown.
Find Out if Dental Crowns Are Suitable for You
Dental crowns provide a reliable and efficient solution for restoring teeth that are damaged or decayed. Contact our Denton office at (940) 566-4888 to book a consultation with our dentists.
They’ll assess your oral health and suggest the most appropriate treatment for your needs. We’re delighted to assist patients in Denton and neighboring areas, including Robson Ranch, Corinth, Argyle, and Krum, TX.