A dental crown can serve both restorative and cosmetic purposes in treating many dental concerns. We may recommend a dental crown for the following:
- Decayed tooth
- Damaged tooth
- Misshapen tooth
- Discolored tooth
- Fix gaps between teeth
- Strengthen a tooth after a root canal or support a dental bridge
At Fullerton Craft Smiles, Drs. Kush Patel and Dr. Krutav Patel place high-quality ceramic and porcelain dental crowns. Your dental crown will be color-matched to your natural teeth and made to provide years of dental health with proper dental care and oral hygiene.
Dental Crowns: What To Expect
The dental crown process causes minimal discomfort and will require a couple of visits to our Fullerton, CA dentist office. Our staff will ensure that you feel relaxed during your treatment. Drs. Patel will discuss this with you before the procedure and explain all aspects of the process.
The first visit will involve dental impressions and tooth preparation. We must remove some tooth structure and shape your tooth so that the crown fits perfectly. When this is done, we take impressions so the crown can be specially made for you. In most cases, we’ll place a temporary crown for your comfort until your final restoration.
At the second appointment, we adjust your new dental crown for fit and comfort. The dentist permanently secures the crown to the prepared tooth with dental cement. Dr. Patel will ensure that you leave our office with a comfortable bite for normal chewing and speaking.
The Many Uses of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are incredibly popular and essential to a dentist’s tool belt. One reason is that they can treat many cosmetic and restorative problems, sometimes multiple issues simultaneously.
Correcting Cosmetic Flaws
Discolored teeth are a cosmetic problem that everyone suffers from at some point. Most of the time, we treat it with professional teeth whitening. But not every tooth discoloration responds to this treatment. Deeper staining caused by trauma or medication needs another solution. A dental crown completely covers the tooth, so no discoloration shows. We also color-match dental crowns to the shade of white you desire.
When a patient has misshapen or deformed teeth, their main concern is usually the way they look. However, they can also impact the way you speak and eat. Each different tooth has an essential purpose. The tongue bounces off of them to create sounds for speech and each tooth breaks down food in a different way. A dental crown hides the deformed tooth, giving you back full functionality.
Strengthening Natural Teeth
One of the most common dental crown uses is to stabilize your tooth after a root canal. When we perform a root canal, we remove infected dental pulp from the tooth’s center and fill it with a biocompatible material. While we seal it from further infection, you may not get full function back. A crown further protects the delicate interior of the tooth from infection, while giving you back all of its function.
A dental bridge relies on natural teeth at either end of its span to support it. We call these anchor teeth because of their supportive role. Supporting a dental restoration requires a lot of these teeth. They’re more likely to wear down prematurely or succumb to tooth decay. If we cap these with dental crowns, the crowns will take on the stress of supporting the bridge instead of your natural tooth structure.
Treating Decay and Damage
Dental crowns are often the last line of defense for severe tooth decay or damage. We practice conservative dentistry and try to preserve the natural tooth root whenever possible. If your tooth shatters, it can hold the fractured pieces together. It can also fill out tooth structure that’s decayed away.
A small chip on a tooth is nothing to worry about. A large break, however, is. When a big piece of your tooth breaks off, it exposes the nerves and dental pulp. Anything brushing against these nerves is very painful, and the soft dental pulp is susceptible to infection. You may also have sharp edges because of the break that could cut the soft tissue in your mouth. A dental crown completes the tooth again and prevents these problems.
Dental Crown Benefits
Crowns come with many additional benefits aside from their versatility. Dental crowns are a durable restoration that should last you at least 10-15 years. If you care for them properly, they can last longer than that. The material we use resists cracks and staining, so you can still eat all of your favorite foods. There aren’t any special steps to caring for them, either. You just continue to perform your oral healthcare routine like you normally would.
We create crowns to match the size, shape, and shade of your teeth so that they blend in naturally. They’re comfortable, just slipping over the natural tooth. While they’ll feel weird in your mouth at first, you’ll quickly adjust and they’ll feel like your natural teeth. If you have teeth that are worn down and sensitive, a crown protects them from food and drinks that may cause pain.
Dental Crown FAQs
Dental crowns are a popular dental restoration. Learn more by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns are permanent restorations. On average, a crown can last around 15-20 years. But the better care you take of them, the longer they’ll last. Crowns can last upwards of 30 years if you take good care of them.
Is getting a dental crown painful?
No, you shouldn’t experience pain during the dental crown procedure. We numb the entire area around the tooth that’s getting the crown with a local anesthetic. Before the procedure starts, the dentist will double-check to ensure the anesthetic has taken proper effect. We’ll begin the procedure once he’s assured that it has.
Can I get a cavity under my dental crown?
Yes, it is possible to get a cavity under a dental crown. First, we’ll ensure the crown fits well and isn’t too big for you. A loose crown means it’s easier for bacteria and debris to catch up under it. For your part, be diligent about your oral hygiene. Brush, floss, and visit the dentist regularly. This helps prevent decay from occurring underneath your restoration.
Can my dental crown stain?
Yes, though the material is stain-resistant, it can eventually stain. If you frequently drink coffee, tea, or tobacco, you’re more likely to see the effects of staining than others. Dental crowns don’t respond to traditional whitening techniques. If your crown stains, you’ll have to get a replacement crown that’s the color you desire.
How long should I wait to eat after getting a crown?
Wait for around 30-45 minutes after the crown procedure to eat. You want to give the cement time to set and fully harden, ensuring a good bond. Start with softer foods first and avoid chewing directly on the crown for the first few days. You should also avoid any hard or sticky foods for the first week. Avoid biting down on hard or sticky foods with your dental crown whenever possible.
Am I a good candidate for a dental crown?
Many patients are eligible for a dental crown. First, we’ll ensure that your tooth is viable for a crown. We preserve the natural tooth structure whenever possible, but some teeth may be too damaged or decayed to salvage. Good oral health is also preferable for a crown. You’ll have to ensure you care for your teeth properly to avoid decay under the crown.
Schedule a Consultation
If you want to learn more about getting a dental crown in our Anaheim, CA, Placentia, CA, and Fullerton, CA area dentist office, schedule an appointment with Dr. Kush Patel or Dr. Krutav Patel. Fullerton Craft Smiles is currently welcoming new patients.