Dental Crowns
Restore damaged teeth with custom-made dental crowns that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Our expert team provides durable, aesthetic solutions for your smile.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are designed to fully encase the visible portion of a tooth above the gumline, providing protection and improving function.
At Navarro Dental Care, we offer various types of dental crowns to meet your specific needs, whether you're looking to restore a damaged tooth, improve aesthetics, or protect a tooth after a root canal treatment.
When Are Dental Crowns Needed?
- Protect a weak tooth from breaking
- Restore a broken or severely worn down tooth
- Cover and support a tooth with a large filling
- Hold a dental bridge in place
- Cover misshapen or severely discolored teeth
- Cover a dental implant
- Restore a tooth after root canal treatment
Diagram showing how a dental crown fits over a prepared tooth
Types of Dental Crowns
We offer several types of dental crowns, each with unique advantages to suit your specific needs.
Porcelain Crowns
Natural-looking crowns that closely match the color of your natural teeth. Ideal for front teeth where aesthetics are important.
Benefits:
- Excellent aesthetics
- Metal-free option
- Biocompatible
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
Combines the strength of a metal base with the aesthetics of porcelain overlay. A versatile option for both front and back teeth.
Benefits:
- Durable
- Good aesthetics
- Reliable track record
Zirconia Crowns
Made from zirconium dioxide, these crowns offer exceptional strength and natural appearance. Suitable for any location in the mouth.
Benefits:
- Extremely durable
- Natural appearance
- Minimal tooth reduction
Gold Crowns
Traditional option known for durability and minimal wear on opposing teeth. Typically used for back molars where aesthetics are less critical.
Benefits:
- Exceptional durability
- Gentle on opposing teeth
- Minimal tooth reduction
The Dental Crown Procedure
Getting a dental crown typically involves two appointments. Here's what you can expect:
Initial Consultation
Comprehensive examination to determine if a crown is the best solution for your dental issue.
Tooth Preparation
The tooth is reshaped to make room for the crown. This involves removing a portion of the outer surface.
Impressions
Digital or traditional impressions are taken to create a precise model of your tooth for crown fabrication.
Temporary Crown
A temporary crown is placed to protect the prepared tooth while your permanent crown is being made.
Crown Fabrication
Your custom crown is created in a dental laboratory according to the specifications provided.
Crown Placement
The permanent crown is checked for fit, color, and comfort before being permanently cemented in place.
Caring for Your Dental Crown
With proper care, your dental crown can last many years. Here are some tips to help maintain your crown:
Aftercare Recommendations
- Avoid sticky, chewy, or hard foods for the first 24 hours
- Brush and floss around the crown as you would your natural teeth
- Use a nightguard if you grind your teeth
- Schedule regular dental check-ups
- Contact us if you experience any issues with your crown
Crown Lifespan
On average, dental crowns last 5-15 years. However, the actual lifespan depends on several factors:
- Material of the crown
- Oral hygiene practices
- Bite habits (grinding or clenching)
- Location of the crown in the mouth
- Regular dental check-ups
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about dental crowns.
Are dental crowns painful?
The procedure itself is not painful as we use local anesthesia to numb the area. Some patients may experience mild sensitivity after the procedure, but this typically subsides within a few days.
How long does it take to get a dental crown?
The entire process usually requires two appointments spaced about 2-3 weeks apart. The first appointment involves preparing the tooth and placing a temporary crown, while the second appointment is for placing the permanent crown.
How do I care for my temporary crown?
Avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods. Brush gently around the area and floss carefully by pulling the floss out from the side rather than lifting it up, which could dislodge the temporary crown.
How long do dental crowns last?
With proper care, dental crowns can last 5-15 years or longer. The lifespan depends on factors such as the material used, your oral hygiene practices, and whether you grind or clench your teeth.
Will my crown look natural?
Yes, modern dental crowns, especially those made from porcelain or zirconia, are designed to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, creating a seamless and natural appearance.
Restore Your Smile with Dental Crowns
Don't let damaged teeth affect your smile and oral health. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how dental crowns can restore your smile.