Crowns Specialist

What are crowns?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped covering used to restore a chipped, cracked, or decaying tooth to its original size, strength, and appearance. Once placed, a crown covers the entire portion of your tooth enamel that sits above the gumline. 

Dental crowns aren’t permanent, but with proper care, they can last for 10-15 years. They can also prevent further damage and/or the need for an extraction.

What issues can dental crowns correct?

At Westside Dentistry, the team regularly uses crowns to correct a variety of oral issues, including:

• Weak teeth
• Cracked teeth
• Chipped teeth
• Decaying teeth
• Misshapen teeth
• Severely discolored teeth

The team also uses dental crowns to make cosmetic modifications and to cover dental implants. 

Are there different types of crowns?

There are several different types of dental crowns, including:

• Stainless steel crowns
• Metal (or amalgam) crowns
• All-resin crowns
• All-ceramic crowns

At Westside Dentistry, the team offers same-day crowns with CEREC. This state-of-the-art milling technology allows you to receive a crown on the same day as your initial consultation, saving you time and money. 

Does getting a dental crown take a long time?

Getting a dental crown at Westside Dentistry takes only one appointment. First,  your provider performs an oral exam and asks you about your goals for treatment. Your dentist also takes a series of X-rays to get a closer look at your jaws and tooth roots. If your dentist detects a cavity, they might recommend a root canal before moving forward with treatment.

If there’s no infection present, your dentist moves forward with treatment. First, they administer a local anesthetic, numbing your tooth roots and gums. After the anesthesia kicks in, your dentist carefully files down your tooth and takes a series of digital impressions. Your dentist uploads your impressions to the CEREC milling machine, and the machine creates your custom crown. 

Once the CEREC machine finishes, your dentist bonds your new custom crown to the top of your affected tooth. You leave the office with a brilliant, healthy smile. 

How do I care for my crown?

You care for your dental crown like you would your natural teeth. The team at Westside Dentistry recommends brushing your teeth twice every day, visiting the dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and exam, and avoiding bad habits like nail-biting and chewing on ice cubes. 

If you’re interested in learning more about dental crowns, request your appointment today by calling the office or using the online scheduling tool.