Custom Dental Crowns for Enhanced Oral Health!
A radiant smile is a powerful asset, and maintaining optimal oral health is the cornerstone of achieving it. Dental crowns play a pivotal role in preserving and enhancing the health and appearance of your teeth.
What Is a Dental Crown?
At Smile Expert, our experienced Chula Vista, CA dentist, Dr. Nick Adddario offers this restorative dentistry solution to improve the aesthetics of your smile, and ensure your teeth stand the test of time.
A dental crown is a cap that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth, providing strength, protection, and improved aesthetics. Dental crowns are commonly used to treat a cracked tooth, severe tooth decay, and weak tooth structures.
Types of Dental Crowns
- Same-Day Crowns: These crowns are crafted using computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology, allowing them to be created and placed in a single dental visit. They are typically made from materials like ceramic or resin.
- Metal Crowns: These crowns are often made from alloys containing metals like gold, platinum, or palladium. They are known for their exceptional durability and are commonly used for molars.
- Porcelain Crowns: These crowns are entirely crafted from porcelain, providing a natural appearance that closely resembles a natural tooth. They are often chosen for their aesthetic appeal, particularly for front teeth.
- Zirconia Crowns: Made from a strong and white material called zirconia, these crowns are renowned for their impressive strength, durability, and natural look. They are a popular choice for various dental restorations.
- Porcelain Fused-to-Metal Crowns (PFM): These crowns have a metal base for added strength and a porcelain coating for a natural appearance. They offer a balance between durability and aesthetics, making them a common choice.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
- Restoration of Tooth Functionality: Dental crowns provide strength and support to weakened or damaged teeth, allowing you to bite and chew comfortably.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: Crowns can significantly improve the appearance of a tooth, covering stains, discoloration, and misshapen or poorly aligned teeth.
- Protection from Further Damage: Crowns act as a protective shield, preventing further deterioration of a weakened tooth and safeguarding it from decay or fractures.
- Long-lasting Solution: When cared for properly, dental crowns can last for many years, providing a durable and reliable solution for dental issues.
- Versatile Applications: Crowns can be used in various dental procedures, including root canals, dental implants, and as anchors for dental bridges, making them a versatile treatment option for different dental conditions.
Candidacy for Dental Crowns
Dr. Addario typically recommends dental crowns for patients with:
- Significant Tooth Damage: Candidates for dental crowns often have teeth with extensive damage due to decay, trauma, or large fillings that compromise the structural integrity of the tooth.
- Root Canal Therapy: Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment may require a dental crown to provide additional strength and protection, as the inner structure of the tooth may be weakened.
- Cosmetic Improvements: Dental crowns are suitable for individuals seeking cosmetic enhancements, such as covering severely discolored or misshapen teeth, and for those looking to improve the overall aesthetics of their smile.
- Replacement of Large Fillings: When a tooth has a large filling that takes up a significant portion of the tooth’s structure, a dental crown may be recommended to provide additional support and prevent further damage.
- Stabilization of Dental Bridges: Dental crowns are often used as abutments to support dental bridges, making them an essential component in replacing missing teeth and restoring proper bite function.
Dental Crown Procedure
Initial Consultation
During the initial consultation, your Chula Vista dentist evaluates the patient’s oral health and determines if a dental crown is the best treatment option. This pivotal stage includes a discussion of the most suitable dental crown type for the patient and an assessment of the tooth’s condition to see if preparation is required.
X-rays may be taken to assess the adjacent bone and tooth roots, providing the dentist with a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s oral health.
Tooth Preparation
Tooth preparation for a dental crown involves removing any decay or damage from the tooth and shaping it to ensure that the crown fits properly. A dental drill may be used for this purpose, and local anesthesia may be administered to ensure the patient’s comfort during the procedure.
Dr. Addario will remove any decay and reshape the tooth to ensure its structure is optimal for the crown. This step is instrumental to the success of the dental crown, guaranteeing a perfect fit and averting future potential complications.
Temporary Crown Placement (if needed)
In some cases, a temporary crown may be placed over the prepared tooth while the permanent crown is being fabricated in a dental laboratory. This temporary crown helps protect the tooth and maintain normal functionality.
Custom Crown Fabrication
The dental impression is sent to a dental laboratory, where skilled technicians craft a custom crown. The permanent crown is typically made from materials like porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of these, ensuring it matches the color and shape of your natural teeth.
Final Crown Placement
Once the custom crown is ready, typically within a few weeks, you return to our Chula Vista, CA dentist’s office for the final placement. The temporary crown (if used) is removed, and the permanent crown is carefully checked for fit, color, and alignment.
Crown Bonding
The final crown is bonded securely onto the prepared tooth using a strong dental adhesive. Dr. Addario ensures that the crown fits perfectly and that your bite is comfortable.
Final Adjustments
Any necessary adjustments are made to ensure the crown feels comfortable and functions properly within your bite. This may involve minor shaping or polishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do dental crowns last?
The lifespan of a dental crown can vary depending on factors like the material used, oral hygiene practices, and the level of wear and tear. On average, well-maintained dental crowns can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene habits can help extend the lifespan of a crown.
Are there different types of dental crown materials?
Yes, there are several types of materials used to make dental crowns. The most common options include porcelain, ceramic, metal (such as gold or silver alloys), and porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns. Each material has its own set of advantages and considerations, including aesthetics, durability, and cost.
Is the dental crown procedure painful?
The dental crown procedure is typically not painful. Before the procedure, the area around the tooth will be numbed using a local anesthetic to ensure you are comfortable throughout the process. After the procedure, some patients may experience mild discomfort or sensitivity, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and typically subsides within a few days.
Can dental crowns be whitened or stained over time?
Unlike natural teeth, dental crowns do not respond to teeth whitening treatments. The color of a crown is determined during its fabrication and cannot be altered after it is placed. However, it’s important to note that while crowns themselves do not stain, the teeth adjacent to them can.
Elevate Your Smile with Dental Crowns Today!
Dental crowns are a versatile and effective solution for restoring damaged teeth, improving oral health, and enhancing one’s smile. Don’t let damaged teeth hold you back – schedule a consultation with Dr. Addario today by giving our Chula Vista, CA dental office a call today at (619) 626-2004