A dental crown can help strengthen a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t enough tooth remaining to hold the filling. Crowns can also attach dental bridges, protect a weak tooth from breaking, or restore a tooth already broken. A crown is an excellent way to cover teeth that are discolored or poorly shaped. We provide dental crowns as restorative dentistry treatments for patients in Garland, TX, whether they need to restore missing teeth or address tooth damage.
Why Do I Need a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns can improve the strength and look of teeth. Our office may recommend one or more crowns for these problems:
- Large Fillings: A large tooth filling can increase the risk of your natural tooth cracking or breaking. Covering a large filling with a crown can protect against infection or damage.
- Damaged Tooth: Large tooth fractures affect the strength of your teeth. Crowns can hold damaged teeth in one piece to prevent the need for extraction.
- Weakened Tooth: A root canal is a routine treatment that removes infected pulp from within a tooth. While we can provide a filling after treatment, this may not be enough to support infected teeth. We often recommend crowns to offer protection to a weakened tooth following a root canal. Dental crowns provide the needed strength and structure to th tooth.
- Implant Treatment: We can cover single implants with a dental crown if you have a missing tooth. Implants are metal posts that replace missing teeth at the root. Tooth-colored crowns offer a great restoration for single missing teeth.
- Dental Bridge: Traditional dental bridges use crowns for support. During treatment, a dentist prepares natural teeth on either side of a tooth gap. Then, the dentist caps off these teeth with crowns to secure replacement teeth.
Types of Dental Crowns
We will find the right dental crown for you in our Garland, TX office based on your budget and concerns. Crowns come in a variety of materials:
- Metal Alloy Crowns: Traditional crowns use metal materials. Metal crowns are strong. However, they are noticeable, even if they cover the molars. Metal crowns also increase your risk of tooth sensitivity.
- Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) Crowns: PFM crowns consist of a metal base covered by a porcelain outer shell. While these crowns are ideal for biting and chewing, the metal layer can show at the gum line.
- Ceramic Crowns: Same-day dental crowns typically use ceramic materials. Ceramic is a tooth-colored material but may not last as long as other options like porcelain.
- Zirconia Crowns: Zirconium dioxide makes these crowns highly resistant to damage and wear. However, because they are so strong, they can damage opposing teeth. These crowns also often cost more than other crown types.
- Porcelain Crowns: These tooth-colored crowns are stronger than ceramic but do not cost as much as zirconia crowns. Porcelain crowns are also stain-resistant.
No matter the type of crown, we use biocompatible materials. This means these materials are safe for the human body and less likely to cause allergic reactions. Our office prefers tooth-colored crowns that can blend in with your natural teeth. Depending on the type, crowns can last over 15 years.
How much are crowns?
The cost of dental crowns will depend on multiple factors, including the material and how many crowns you need. Cornerstone Family Dentistry is in-network with top dental insurance companies, including United Healthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and MetLife. We will work with you to fit restorative treatments like crowns within your personal budget.
What are Inlays and Onlays?
Similar to dental crowns, inlays and onlays are also known as “partial crowns.” These restorative treatments may use metal or resin materials like crowns. However, we recommend ceramic inlays and onlays.
Inlays and onlays are separate pieces we bond to the teeth. Similar to fillings, inlays fit inside the cusps of a tooth. Onlays are larger and cover the tooth’s entire biting surface.
Dental Crown Procedure in Garland, TX
To begin dental crown treatment, we will first numb your treated tooth. Then, we will shape the tooth to prepare it for treatment. Tooth preparation ensures the crown fits properly.
After preparation, we will take dental impressions of your tooth. We send these impressions to a dental lab, where technicians create the crown to our specifications. Our office will also color-match your teeth so the crown blends in with your smile. While the lab creates your crown, we will place a temporary one.
To care for your temporary crown, avoid directly biting down on the crown. In addition, eat soft foods and be careful when you brush and floss your crown to prevent the crown from loosening.
After several weeks, your final crown will be complete. You will return to our office, where we will remove your temporary crown. Then, we will check the crown’s shape, size, and shade before we cement the permanent crown on your tooth.
How to Care for Dental Crowns
You can care for crowns like natural teeth. For the best results, we offer these recommendations:
- Brush and Floss: Harmful bacteria can still build on other natural teeth or at the gum line. If you develop an infection, it can even affect your natural tooth beneath your crown. Continue to brush and floss. When you brush, use a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste and soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Avoid Bad Habits: Crowns are strong restorations. However, you can damage your crowns if you chew on ice, bite your nails, or use your teeth as tools. Avoid these bad habits after you get crowns.
- Continue Dental Visits: At regular dental visits, we will clean and examine the patient. We will ensure your crowns look and feel comfortable and natural.
If you notice any changes in the fit of your crown, please notify our office. Problems like TMJ disorders or infection can loosen or damage your crowns. We can determine the cause of your problem and provide a replacement crown if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about tooth crowns.
How do I know if I need a crown instead of just a filling?
A crown is needed when a tooth is too damaged or weak for a filling to provide enough support. Large cavities, fractures, or teeth with root canals often require crowns to restore strength and function. Fillings work for smaller areas of decay but may not be strong enough for extensive damage. We will assess your tooth’s size, location, and condition to determine the best option.
Can I whiten my teeth if I have crowns?
Teeth whitening treatments do not work on crowns, as whitening agents only affect natural tooth enamel. If your natural teeth whiten, your crown may no longer match, creating a color difference. If you want a whiter smile, consider replacing your crown to match your newly whitened teeth. Dr. Giang can help you choose the best option for a uniform look.
Are same-day crowns as reliable as lab-made crowns?
They can be. Many offices use advanced technology for same-day options. However, traditional lab-made crowns sometimes offer a broader range of materials and customization. Your dentist will suggest the method best for your situation.
What if my crown feels too high or uncomfortable?
If your crown feels too high or causes discomfort, it may need an adjustment. A high crown can affect your bite, leading to jaw pain or difficulty chewing. Your dentist can easily reshape it for a better fit. Schedule a follow-up visit if the discomfort doesn’t improve after a few days.
Will my crown look different from my natural teeth?
Modern dental crowns are designed to blend well with your natural teeth. We will carefully match the crown’s color, shape, and translucency to your surrounding teeth. All ceramic and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns provide the most natural appearance, especially for front teeth. Most people can’t tell which tooth has been crowned when the work is done well.
Can I eat right after my crown procedure?
Yes, but if you received a temporary crown, stick to soft foods and avoid anything sticky or hard that could dislodge it. If you received a permanent crown, wait until the numbness wears off to avoid biting your cheek or tongue. Avoid chewing directly on the crowned tooth for the first day to allow the cement to set fully.
Get a Crown Today
Call Cornerstone Family Dentistry for dental crown treatment in Garland, TX, today at 972-848-7749. You can also schedule a dental appointment online. Let us know if you have questions about crowns at your next visit. We will be happy to help.