Achieve a Stunning Smile with Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are a fantastic solution for restoring damaged or decayed teeth, helping numerous patients achieve radiant, healthy smiles. Crafted from various materials, these crowns are custom-designed to meet each patient’s specific requirements.
At our Tacoma, WA, dental practice, our cosmetic dentist offers dental crowns tailored to your oral health needs. To learn more about dental crowns and determine if they are the right choice for enhancing your smile, contact us at (253) 761-5422!
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns, often referred to as caps or tooth crowns, are prosthetic devices that cover damaged or decayed teeth, restoring their function, shape, and appearance. They’re custom-crafted to fit over the entire tooth, from the gum line to the chewing surface, and can be made from porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of these materials.
Dental crowns are versatile and can also be placed atop a dental implant, support a dental bridge, or serve as a cosmetic enhancement to improve the look of teeth.
When is a Dental Crown Necessary?
Dental crowns can address a variety of dental concerns. Our Tacoma dentist may suggest a dental crown for several reasons, including:
- Protecting a Weak Tooth: If a tooth is weakened due to tooth decay, a large filling, or a root canal, a dental crown can offer additional reinforcement and prevent the tooth from fracturing.
- Restoring a Broken or Damaged Tooth: Dental crowns can be utilized to restore a tooth that’s broken, cracked, or significantly worn down.
- Covering a Dental Implant: Once a dental implant is placed, a dental crown is often used to cover it, providing a natural-looking tooth replacement.
- Supporting a Dental Bridge: Crowns can be used to support a dental bridge, effectively replacing missing teeth.
- Enhancing the Appearance of a Tooth: Dental crowns can serve as a cosmetic solution to improve the look 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 chipped or cracked 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: Dental crowns can help protect weak or damaged teeth from further damage or decay.
- Restoration: Dental crowns can restore the function and appearance of damaged teeth.
- Durability: Dental crowns are strong and durable and can last many years with proper care.
- Versatility: Dental crowns can be used for several dental problems, from restoring a broken tooth to covering a dental implant.
- Aesthetics: Dental crowns can match the color and shape of your natural teeth, creating a natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing result.
If you’re wondering how dental crowns may benefit you, contact our Tacoma dentist today to schedule your next appointment!
Types of Dental Crowns
There are various dental crowns, ensuring each patient receives the solution they need to restore their smile. Our Tacoma dentist will evaluate your options and recommend the best choice for your dental health.
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are crafted from a tooth-colored material that can be precisely matched to the shade of your natural teeth, making them a preferred option for front teeth. These crowns are biocompatible and offer a natural, lifelike appearance.
Metal Crowns
Metal crowns are crafted from materials like gold, nickel, or other metal alloys. Known for their exceptional durability, they can endure significant biting forces and have a long lifespan. However, their metallic appearance makes them less favored for front teeth.
Porcelain-fused-to-Metal Crowns (PFM)
PFM crowns are constructed by combining a metal base with a porcelain overlay, offering the durability of metal and the visual appeal of porcelain. They are suitable for both front and back teeth.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia crowns are crafted from a robust, biocompatible material that is highly resistant to chipping and cracking. These crowns can be color-matched to your natural teeth, making them an excellent choice for back teeth.
Same-Day Crowns
Same-day crowns, also known as CEREC crowns, are custom-made and placed in a single dental visit. Unlike traditional crowns, which require multiple appointments and temporary crowns while the permanent one is made in a lab, same-day crowns save time and offer quick results. At our Tacoma dental practice, we offer this convenient option for patients who want fast, efficient dental care.
Partial Crowns
Partial crowns, also known as inlays or onlays, are designed to restore part of a damaged tooth. We offer same-day partial crowns at our Tacoma office, providing a quick solution for those needing a dental restoration that doesn’t require full tooth coverage.
The Dental Crown Procedure
Consultation and Planning
During your consultation, Dr. Petrie will examine the tooth to determine if it needs a crown or if other alternative treatment options are needed. From there, we may take X-rays to check the roots of the tooth and surrounding bone.
First Visit
- Preparation: First, the dentist administers a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding gum tissue. The tooth is then reshaped on the chewing surface and sides to accommodate the crown. The amount of tooth structure removed depends on the type of crown material selected.
- Impression: Following the reshaping, an impression of the tooth is taken to ensure the crown fits correctly and aligns with your bite. This can be done using a traditional mold or digitally with intraoral scanners.
- Temporary Crown: A temporary crown is then placed to safeguard the prepared tooth while the permanent crown is being crafted. Typically made from acrylic, it is temporarily cemented into position.
Second Visit
- Permanent Crown Fitting: The temporary crown is taken off, and the dentist positions the new crown over the tooth to assess its fit and color. If everything meets expectations, the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, and the new crown is securely cemented into place.
- Adjustments: Adjustments may be needed to ensure the crown fits properly. The dentist may ask you to bite down multiple times to confirm the fit and make any necessary alterations.
Aftercare and Follow-up
It’s not uncommon to experience some sensitivity or mild discomfort after the procedure, especially once the anesthesia wears off, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage this.
Aftercare is necessary to ensure the longevity of your new crown. Proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups play a vital role in maintaining your dental health. Additionally, avoiding hard foods and refraining from using the crowned tooth as a tool, such as to open packages, will help prolong the life of the crown.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns typically have a lifespan of five to 15 years or even longer when maintained with proper care. The durability of your dental crown depends on a range of factors, including the material it is made from, your oral hygiene practices, and the level of wear and tear it endures. Porcelain and ceramic crowns generally last longer than those made of metal or resin.
Is it painful to get a dental crown?
Getting a dental crown is generally not painful, as the procedure is typically carried out with the use of a local anesthetic. Some patients might feel slight discomfort or sensitivity during or after the process. Your dentist can provide pain relief options, such as prescribing medication or suggesting over-the-counter pain relievers, to help manage any discomfort.
How long does it take to put a dental crown on a tooth?
Two dental visits are typically required to complete the dental crown placement process. The duration for placing a dental crown on a tooth can vary based on the individual case and the dentist’s approach. During your initial consultation, your dentist will outline the expected treatment timeline.
Can a dental crown be placed in one day?
Certainly, you can have a dental crown placed 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 in a single appointment.
The process involves taking digital impressions of the affected tooth, crafting the crown with computer-aided design (CAD) software, and then using an in-office milling machine to produce the final crown.
Discover if Dental Crowns Are Right for You
Dental crowns are a popular and effective way to restore damaged or decayed teeth. Contact our Tacoma office at (253) 761-5422 today to schedule a consultation with our dentist. They’ll evaluate your oral health and recommend the best treatment for you. We serve patients in Lakewood, Federal Way, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, and University Place.
