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 have to remove some tooth structure and shape your tooth so that the crown fits over it perfectly. We take impressions when this is done so that the crown can be specially made for you. In most cases, we’ll place a temporary crown for your comfort until your final restoration is complete.
We adjust your new dental crown for fit and comfort at the second appointment. 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 Benefits Of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are ideal because they can treat such a wide variety of dental issues. Not only can they treat restorative concerns, but they also take care of cosmetic flaws. We usually treat discolored teeth with professional teeth whitening services. But not all discoloration responds to this treatment. Teeth that are deeply stained by medication or discolored due to trauma need different solutions. A dental crown completely covers the tooth, and we color-match it to the shade of white you desire.
Dental crowns also cover misshapen, chipped, or broken teeth. Depending on the location of the misshapen tooth, it can impact your ability to chew or speak clearly. Chipped and broken teeth are often painful or have sharp edges that can cut the soft tissues in your mouth. Dental crowns completely cover these teeth, giving you back both look and function. A crown completes the part that’s been broken off.
When you get a traditional dental bridge, your natural teeth serve as the anchors. These increase wear and tear on these teeth, making them more susceptible to tooth decay and damage. A dental crown can fortify the anchor teeth. The crowns take the pressure and strain of supporting the bridge instead of your natural teeth. This is also true when you have a root canal procedure. A crown fortifies the tooth and seals it from any further infection. We want to ensure you still have full use of this tooth.
Dental crowns are usually the final restoration that completes a dental implant. We place an implant post in the jaw and an abutment piece on top of it to connect it to a final restoration. A dental crown is the most natural-looking and feeling restoration to complete an implant. We custom-make them to fit in with the size, shape, and color of the rest of your smile. People won’t even be able to tell it’s a restoration.
Dental Crown FAQs
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 actually starts, the dentist will double-check to ensure the anesthetic has taken proper effect. Once he’s assured that it has, then we’ll begin the procedure.
Can I get a cavity under my dental crown?
Yes, it is possible to get a cavity under a dental crown. To start, we’ll ensure that the crown fits well and isn’t too big for you. A loose crown means that it’s easier for bacteria and debris to get caught 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 over time. If you frequently drink coffee or tea or use 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 to get 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 take care of your teeth properly to avoid getting decay under the crown.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are interested in learning 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 are currently welcoming new patients.