A dental crown is a tooth-colored cap that we place over one or more teeth to repair their functionality and appearance. Dental crowns are restorative dentistry treatments that address problems like damaged, worn, and injured teeth. Do you think a crown may be suitable for your smile? Please contact our office; we’ll happily answer any questions about dental crown treatment in our Cedar Park, TX, dental office.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers a damaged or weakened tooth. Dentists use crowns to restore the tooth’s size, shape, and strength while improving its appearance. We will create your custom dental crown in our Cedar Park, TX, office to fit over your tooth and blend in with your natural teeth.
Dental crowns can:
- Protect a tooth weakened by decay or cracks.
- Restore a broken or worn-down tooth.
- Cover a tooth after a root canal.
- Support a dental bridge.
- Cover a dental implant to replace a missing tooth.
What Can Dental Crowns Do?
Dental crowns and bridges provide various restorative and cosmetic purposes. They offer:
Cosmetic Dental Solutions
Discolored teeth are among the most common complaints in our office. Traditionally, professional teeth whitening is the go-to treatment for tooth discoloration.
However, not all stains respond to traditional whitening techniques, and we may need a different option. We color-match dental crowns to match the shade of white you desire. A crown covers the entire tooth, ensuring everything is that shade of white.
Misshapen and disfigured teeth are other cosmetic problems that patients have. But these teeth can also impact how you eat or speak. This depends on the location of your tooth and the damage to your tooth.
A crown can restore the tooth’s look and function. We ensure the crown matches the size and shape of the rest of your teeth so that it blends in perfectly.
Strength to Your Natural Teeth
One of the most common uses for a crown is to strengthen and stabilize the tooth after a root canal. We seal the tooth after a root canal, but we want to ensure that your tooth retains its full function and completely seals it against future infection. Our office can recommend a crown to provide extra protection for your tooth.
Traditional dental bridges use two natural teeth as anchor teeth to support the restoration. It puts a lot of pressure on your natural teeth. They wear down faster and are more likely to suffer from tooth decay, breakage, and other dental problems. Dental crowns can fortify the anchor teeth. Instead of the natural tooth structure taking on the stress, the tooth crowns do.
Treatment for Severe Decay and Damage
Our office takes a conservative approach to dentistry. We want to preserve the natural tooth root whenever possible, as losing the tooth root has detrimental impacts.
Crowns are usually the last resort for severely damaged or decayed teeth. They can hold together broken pieces of a tooth or return stability to a tooth when much of the structure is removed due to decay.
If you grind your teeth, you may have problems biting and chewing. TMJ problems can increase your risk of tooth damage. Crowns protect your teeth by preventing severe damage and decay before it begins.
A Final Restoration for Dental Implants
Dental implants are the gold standard for tooth replacement because they look and feel the most like natural teeth. This is partly because a dental crown is usually used to complete the restoration.
We create dental crowns that match the qualities of your regular teeth. Previously, crowns were made of metals that stood out compared to the rest of your smile. This isn’t the case with modern ceramic ones.
Please contact our office for dental problems, including tooth damage and wear. We will examine your teeth during a consultation and decide if a dental crown is best for your smile.
Because dental crowns use tooth-colored materials, they easily blend in with other teeth in the smile. We customize them to match the shape and shade of natural teeth. Our office also uses dental crowns in dental bridge treatment by covering natural teeth with crowns and securing false teeth.
Types of Dental Crowns
Dentists can make tooth crowns out of multiple materials. Common materials include:
Metal Crowns
Traditional metal crowns use gold or other strong metal alloys. These crowns are very durable and can withstand heavy chewing and biting forces. However, because of their metallic color, they don’t blend in with natural teeth. Even when placed on molars at the back of the mouth, they can still be visible when you smile or talk.
Porcelain or Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM)
These crowns offer both strength and aesthetics. PFM crowns have a metal core covered with a layer of porcelain that matches the color of natural teeth. This design makes them durable while looking more natural. However, if your gums recede over time, the metal underneath the porcelain may become visible as a dark line near the gumline.
Pure porcelain crowns are entirely made of tooth-colored materials. They provide the best natural appearance, and our office prefers them over other options. Tooth-colored crowns provide durability and improve the look of teeth. Porcelain can reflect light like natural teeth.
Ceramic Crowns
Same-day dental crowns use ceramic, which can be created and placed in a single dental visit. Like porcelain, ceramic is tooth-colored and blends well with natural teeth. However, ceramic may not be as strong as porcelain, making it better suited for front teeth that don’t experience as much chewing pressure.
Zirconia Crowns
These are among the most durable options available. Zirconia crowns are made from a strong, tooth-colored material that withstands heavy biting forces. However, because zirconia is so hard, it can sometimes wear down the teeth that bite against it. Despite this, zirconia crowns are an excellent choice for people who need a long-lasting and natural-looking solution.
Dental Crown Treatment in Cedar Park, TX
We will take X-rays and examine your smile to determine if you are a candidate for crowns. Good candidates for dental crowns have damaged or weakened teeth. Crowns can cover decayed, broken, and worn teeth.
The steps of treatment include:
Tooth Preparation
To begin treatment, we reshape your tooth before we design and place a custom crown. Reshaping the tooth ensures your new restoration can fit perfectly and won’t look bulky. Before we alter your tooth, we numb it with a local anesthetic to completely numb the mouth. We can also remove decayed portions of the tooth.
Impressions
After we prepare the tooth, we take digital impressions. We send these impressions to a dental lab, where technicians customize the dental crowns to your teeth. Our office will send the exact shade specifications for your crown to ensure it looks and feels natural.
Final Crown
We will place a temporary dental crown on your tooth as you wait for your final restoration. Then, at a follow-up visit, we remove the temporary restoration. Finally, we cement the dental crown and make any necessary modifications.
Caring for Crowns
To care for your crown, brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Be gentle around the crown to avoid damaging it. Floss daily to remove food between your teeth, including around the crown. You can also use a water flosser or dental picks for easier cleaning.
Avoid biting on hard objects like ice, pens, or candies, as these can crack or damage your crown. If you grind your teeth, ask our dentist about getting a nightguard to protect your crown and natural teeth. Limit sugary snacks and drinks, which can lead to decay around the edges of the crown. Instead, choose foods good for your teeth, like fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.
Finally, visit us regularly for checkups and cleanings. Our dentist can check your crown to ensure it’s in good shape and address any issues early. With good care, your dental crown can keep your smile healthy and beautiful for years.
Dental Crown FAQs
Dental crowns treat almost any dental concern. Read the answers to these frequently asked patient questions.
How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns usually last 10–15 years, but their lifespan depends on the material used, oral hygiene, and wear and tear. With proper care, some crowns can last 20 years or longer. Regular dental check-ups and avoiding habits like grinding teeth or chewing ice can help extend their longevity.
Does getting a dental crown hurt?
The process of getting a dental crown is generally not painful. Your dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the tooth during preparation so you won’t feel discomfort. After the procedure, some mild sensitivity or soreness may occur, but this is temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Can a dental crown get cavities?
The crown cannot develop cavities because it’s made of non-organic material. However, the natural tooth underneath can still decay if oral hygiene is neglected. Keeping the area around the crown clean and attending regular dental visits are essential to prevent decay and gum disease.
Can dental crowns fall off?
While rare, a dental crown can loosen or fall off due to issues like cement failure, decay beneath the crown, or trauma. If this happens, contact your dentist immediately. In most cases, the crown can be re-cemented or replaced. Good oral hygiene and avoiding excessive pressure on the crown can prevent this.
Can I whiten a dental crown?
Dental crowns cannot be whitened with traditional treatments because they are made from materials like porcelain or ceramic. If you’re planning to whiten your teeth, it’s best to do so before getting a crown so it matches your new tooth color. If a crown becomes discolored, your dentist may recommend replacing it.
Can I get a crown if I grind my teeth?
Yes, but if you grind your teeth (bruxism), your dentist may recommend additional precautions, such as wearing a night guard to protect the crown. Bruxism can place excessive pressure on crowns and natural teeth, increasing the risk of damage. Addressing the underlying cause of grinding is important for long-term dental health.
Restore Your Teeth
Treat injured, damaged, and stained teeth with a dental crown in Cedar Park, TX. Call 512-866-9654 or schedule a dental appointment on our website. Also, let us know if you have questions about restorative treatment; we will gladly help.