Address worn and damaged teeth with a dental crown. A dental crown is a cap that fully covers single teeth to add structure to the smile and prevent further damage or wear to a natural tooth. Dental crowns can also secure dental bridges or single dental implants. We provide dental crown treatment for patients at Smile Land Family Dental in San Antonio, TX, to help patients restore their smiles. Tooth crowns are just one of the restorative dentistry treatments we provide to new and existing patients.
Dental Crowns in San Antonio, TX
Sometimes, a fracture or other damage to a tooth is too large that a filling cannot repair it adequately. In these cases, we can make the remainder of the tooth whole again with a dental crown. A crown can prevent further deterioration and restore the tooth quality. Tooth decay can have a variety of causes, such as a cavity, fracture, or a combination of both. A crown serves to restore the original shape and function of the tooth.
What Can Dental Crowns Do?
Tooth crowns are restorations that act like caps to cover and protect teeth. Dental crowns can:
- Cover and stabilize large dental fillings
- Strengthen broken and fractured teeth
- Restore the shape and size of worn teeth
- Secure dental bridges
- Protect teeth after extensive decay
- Cap off single dental implants
Crowns are great treatments for patients who want to restore one or more teeth. A tooth crown can restore the appearance and strength of teeth and last many years with the right care.
Before you receive dental crowns, we ensure that you are in good oral health. We can address problems like tooth decay and gum disease before tooth crown treatment. Our office can begin treatment once you are healthy and we determine you are a candidate.
Good candidates for dental crown treatment have enough tooth structure for the crown. Typically, patients should have about one-quarter of their natural tooth to receive a dental crown. Candidates for dental crowns also have healthy teeth and gums. Even if patients have tooth damage, they should be healthy enough to undergo treatment.
Types of Dental Crowns
There are also different common types of crowns to choose from:
- Metal Crowns: Crowns made of metal alloys like copper, nickel, and tin are traditional dental crowns. Metal crowns may be the most affordable dental crown option and offer durability. However, metal crowns do not blend in with the appearance of the natural smile.
- Porcelain Crowns: Porcelain is a common material dentists use in cosmetic and restorative treatments. Unlike metal crowns, patients do not feel sensitivity to temperature as they get used to their new restorations. Porcelain crowns are also low maintenance and provide a natural look.
- Porcelain Fused to Metal Crowns: These crowns have a porcelain exterior and metal interior. While these crowns are strong, they may not offer a seamless look. Sometimes, a small portion of the metal is visible near the gum line after treatment.
- Zirconia Crowns: Zirconia crowns are highly durable and offer a natural look. However, zirconia crowns also require more tooth reduction than other crown options. Patients can lose most of their natural teeth if they receive these crowns.
Dental Crown Treatment in San Antonio, TX
We recommend porcelain dental crowns for our patients. Porcelain crown materials are durable, natural-looking, and less expensive than other options. We will thoroughly examine your smile, discuss your options, and determine that you are a candidate for care. Then, we will begin dental crown treatment.
Preparing the tooth for your dental crown ensures the tooth cap fits properly. We prepare teeth by removing a small portion of the enamel or outer layer of the tooth. Our team may remove more of the tooth if you have areas of tooth decay or damage.
Then, we take digital impressions of your teeth to send to a dental laboratory. We color-match dental crowns to ensure that they blend in with other teeth. Our team will also provide a temporary dental crown as the lab creates your permanent crown. The temporary crown uses an adhesive we can easily remove in our office.
Once the permanent crown is complete, you will return to receive your final crown. We will remove your temporary crown and ensure the permanent crown matches the desired shape and shade. Then, we place a bonding cement to keep the permanent crown in place. Finally, we polish the crown for a natural shine.
How to Care For Dental Crowns
Directly after you receive your dental crowns, avoid crunchy, sticky, or hard foods. These foods can still damage your crown as your bonding cement settles. It can take 24 hours until your crown is completely stable. If you encounter any irritation or discomfort, take over-the-counter pain relievers. You may also use warm salt rinses to reduce inflammation.
Dental crowns differ in durability, strength, appearance, and cost. If you regularly care for your dental crowns by brushing and flossing, they should last for many years. You can floss between your crowns and natural teeth and brush your crowns as you would your natural teeth. We recommend using a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Gently brushing your crowns will keep them healthy and bright.
Remember that the most susceptible area of the crown is where it meets the tooth at the gum line. Make sure not to leave plaque sitting there for any length of time. Dental plaque is a sticky bacterial film on teeth and gums. Removing plaque, even from your dental crowns and surrounding gums, can prevent problems like gum disease. Over time, plaque hardens to form tartar, which requires removal in our office.
Request a Dental Appointment
Create a healthier, more stable smile with dental crown treatment in San Antonio, TX. Contact our dental office for care today at Smile Land Family Dental by calling 210-939-9689. You can also schedule a dental consultation with Dr. Bassam Abazid on our website. If you have questions about dental crown treatment, please call our office. We’re here to help you.