A dental crown is a custom-fabricated, tooth-shaped prosthetic cap permanently bonded over a compromised tooth to restore its structural integrity, mechanical strength, size, and appearance.
Here at Smile Land Family Dental, Dr. Bassam Abazid utilizes advanced crown restorations to safeguard teeth weakened by advanced decay, structural fractures, large failing fillings, or recent endodontic (root canal) therapy.
Our Babcock Rd practice provides restorative dental care to families and professionals throughout Northwest San Antonio, Leon Valley, Balcones Heights, and surrounding communities.
Contact our office to arrange an evaluation, routine cleaning, or consolidated family treatment block with Dr. Bassam Abazid.
📞 Call Us: 726-222-3307 or 💻 Request an Appointment Online
- Open five-days a week
- Get a same-day appointment
- Dental insurances accepted (CignaDental, DentaQuest, MCNADental, Aetna, TMHP and also CareCredit)
- Stress-Free Parking
What Can Dental Crowns Do?
Dental crowns cover and protect teeth. They can:
- Cover and stabilize large fillings
- Repair and strengthen broken or cracked teeth
- Restore worn-down teeth
- Support dental bridges
- Protect teeth after decay
- Cap dental implants
Crowns can restore the look and strength of your teeth, lasting many years with proper care. Before placing a crown, Dr. Abazid ensures your mouth is healthy. He will treat any decay or gum disease first, then move forward with the crown.
To be a good candidate for a crown, you need at least about one-quarter of the natural tooth left. Patients should also have healthy teeth and gums, even if the tooth has some damage.
Types of Dental Crowns
Dentists offer different types of crowns, each with its own benefits:
- Metal Crowns: Made from alloys like copper, nickel, or tin, these are affordable and strong but don’t blend in well with natural teeth. They are best for back teeth that sustain heavy chewing forces.
- Porcelain Crowns: These look more natural and are less sensitive to temperature. They are low-maintenance and work well for visible teeth.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal Crowns: These combine strength and a natural look but may show a bit of metal near the gum line over time.
- Zirconia Crowns: Very durable with a natural look, but they require more of the natural tooth to be removed. They are a great choice for back teeth.
When Is a Dental Crown Required?
When structural damage compromises more than half of a tooth’s natural enamel, a standard dental filling can no longer safely withstand normal chewing forces. Dr. Abazid utilizes porcelain and zirconia dental crowns to treat multiple complex oral health issues:
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Post-Root Canal Protection: Endodontic treatment removes the inner blood supply of a tooth, leaving the remaining structure brittle and prone to fracturing without a full-coverage crown.
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Restoring Fractured Enamel: Crowns bind cracked or deeply fractured teeth together, preventing the split from reaching the nerve tissue below the gumline.
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Support for Custom Dental Bridges: A fixed dental bridge relies on dental crowns placed on healthy adjacent anchor teeth (abutments) to bridge an empty gap.
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Prosthetic Finishing for Dental Implants: A custom crown serves as the functional, bio-compatible surface attached directly to a permanent titanium implant post.
Candidate Requirements
To qualify for a traditional crown placement, a tooth must retain approximately one-quarter of its natural structure to ensure a stable bonding foundation. Additionally, the surrounding gingival tissues and jawbone structure must be healthy and clear of active periodontal disease.
Crowns FAQs
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a custom-fitted, tooth-shaped cap permanently bonded over a severely decayed, cracked, or weakened tooth. It completely covers the visible structure above the gumline, fully restoring its original strength, size, alignment, and natural appearance.
How much do dental crowns cost?
The cost of a dental crown typically ranges from $800 to $1,500+ per tooth. The final price depends on the chosen material, clinical complexity, and insurance coverage. Smile Land Family Dental coordinates with providers to maximize your benefits.
How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns generally last between 10 and 15 years, though meticulous oral hygiene can extend their lifespan past 20 years. Longevity depends heavily on the durability of the selected material and preventing localized decay at the natural gumline margins.
How are dental crowns placed?
Placement requires two visits. First, Dr. Abazid numbs the area, reduces compromised enamel, and captures a digital impression for the lab. During the second appointment, the custom-fabricated porcelain or zirconia crown is permanently bonded using industrial-grade dental cement.
What are dental crowns made of?
Modern dental crowns are fabricated from medical-grade materials, including solid zirconia for maximum fracture resistance, metal-free porcelain or ceramic for life-like aesthetics, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) for hybrid durability, or traditional, high-strength cast gold and base metal alloys.