5 Dental Concerns that Crowns Resolve

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that can restore both the function and appearance of a damaged or misshapen tooth.

Crowns cover many tooth flaws and are affixed atop dental implants. With so many uses, it’s no surprise that over 2 million crowns are placed annually on patients in the United States.

These prosthetics are made from various materials, including porcelain, metal, resin, zirconia, and ceramic. 

Board Certified Cosmetic Dentist Emmanuel Aguilar, DMD, of American Dental Clinic in San Diego, California, specializes in cosmetic dental treatments, including custom dental crowns.

In this month’s blog, he explains what crowns offer and the five most popular reasons his patients get them.

What are dental crowns?

A crown looks like a tooth but is manufactured in a lab using various materials. Dental crowns' versatility lies in covering your entire natural tooth, like a tight hat, making it the ideal solution for multiple problems. 

Dr. Aguilar most often recommends crowns made of porcelain fused to metal. Porcelain is translucent and smooth, matching your original teeth' size, shape, and shade. This means your crown seamlessly blends with neighboring natural teeth.

When to consider a crown

The most popular issues Dr. Aguilar remedies with dental crowns include:

1. Tooth damage, like fracture and decay
2. Weakened or worn teeth or covered root canal
3. Support for dental bridges
4. Dental implant restorations
5. To improve your overall smile, like concealing misshapen or discolored teeth

Crowns require one, two to three office visits.

What to expect when getting a crown

Dr. Aguilar offers traditional and one-day crowns. 

Traditional crowns

Installing a traditional crown requires 2-3 dental appointments. On the first, your tooth is reshaped by filing down the enamel so the crown can be placed over it. The procedure is performed under a local anesthetic, so you shouldn’t experience any discomfort. Once the tooth has been reshaped, a mold is taken of that tooth and the surrounding teeth. 

This mold is sent to a dental lab where your crown is custom fabricated. Dr. Aguilar will fit you with a temporary crown until your permanent crown is ready.

Fabrication takes 2-3 weeks. Once your crown is ready, Dr. Aguilar affixes your new “tooth” using a special dental cement. 

Same-day crowns

For same-day crowns, Dr. Aguilar uses an intraoral camera to scan the inside of your mouth and a computer-aided design to create a crown that both looks natural and fits over your prepared tooth. 

To prepare the affected tooth for a crown, he files down the enamel to reduce the size. 

During the same visit, your crown is manufactured in-house and installed with dental cement. It takes about 15 minutes to mill the crown with the in-office machine. 

Are dental crowns permanent?

Your dental crown should last between five to 15 years. Care is no different than care for the rest of your teeth. Brush twice, floss at least once daily, and have a professional checkup and cleaning every six months.

Could a crown solve your tooth problems? To find out, call American Dental Clinic in San Diego, California, at 858-215-2951 or use the online scheduler to make your appointment anytime!