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Restore Strength and Structure with a Custom Crown
Dental crowns are strong, stable restorations that help a tooth regain its structure after being injured or affected by decay. While fillings are used to strengthen a small portion of a tooth, a crown plays a larger role in protecting the entire tooth. Sometimes called a cap, a dental crown is designed to look like natural enamel and covers a tooth's above-the-gum surface completely.
Crowns are placed primarily to restore strength, but they can also be used to improve a tooth's appearance. Whichever type of crown fits your needs, our team is highly skilled at crown design and placement, and our office is conveniently located in Payson, AZ.
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Types of Dental Crowns
Not all dental crowns are made the same way, and the right material depends on the location of the tooth and your specific needs. We offer several options:
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns:For a durable cap with a natural appearance, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns offer both strength and beauty. A tooth-colored layer of porcelain is placed over metal, creating a restoration that can withstand heavy biting pressure and is considered somewhat stronger than all-ceramic crowns.
- All-porcelain dental crowns:This metal-free option provides the most natural appearance, as it can be crafted to closely match your natural tooth's color and translucency. While not as strong as ceramic-veneered metal or all-metal crowns, porcelain crowns are an ideal choice for visible front teeth and for patients with metal allergies or sensitivities.
- Gold dental crowns:Gold crowns are a great option for less visible teeth. They are strong, durable, and extremely malleable, allowing for a more precise fit, and unlike porcelain crowns, gold crowns are not susceptible to chipping.
Why You Might Need a Dental Crown
Crowns are one of the most versatile restorations in dentistry, used to address a wide range of concerns. You may need a crown if you have a tooth that is cracked or fractured, a tooth with a large area of decay that cannot be repaired with a filling, a tooth following root canal therapy, or a tooth that is worn down or misshapen. Crowns are also commonly used to anchor a dental bridge or to cover a dental implant. During an exam, our team can determine whether a crown is the right solution for your specific situation.
Getting Your Dental Crown, Step by Step
Placing a dental crown typically takes place over two visits. Here is what to expect:
Examination and Preparation
We begin by examining the tooth and removing any decay, then reshape the tooth to make room for the crown.
1
Taking an Impression
An impression of the prepared tooth is taken and sent to a dental lab, where your custom crown is crafted to match the size, shape, and shade of your natural teeth.
2
Placing a Temporary Crown
While your permanent crown is being made, a temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth and maintain your appearance.
3
Fitting the Permanent Crown
At your second visit, the temporary crown is removed, and your custom crown is checked for fit, bite, and color before any final adjustments are made.
4
Cementing the Crown
Once everything fits properly, the crown is permanently cemented in place, completing your restoration.
5
Caring for Your Dental Crown
A dental crown does not require special maintenance beyond your normal oral hygiene routine, but a few habits can help it last as long as possible. Brush and floss around the crown daily just as you would with a natural tooth, avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or pens, and wear a nightguard if you tend to grind your teeth. Keeping up with routine cleanings and exams also allows our team to check on the condition of your crown over time.
Protect Your Tooth Before It Gets Worse
A damaged or decayed tooth will not improve on its own. Schedule a consultation with Anderson Dental Group to find out if a dental crown is the right way to restore your smile.
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