Dental Crowns

If a damaged, cracked tooth is causing you pain and embarrassment, Wurzbach Parkway Family Dental is here to bring healing and return your smile. For severely damaged teeth, dental crowns are an effective option.

A dental crown is the perfect solution for many oral issues. A crown can:

Protect a weak tooth from breaking or hold a cracked tooth together
Restore a broken or worn tooth
Support a tooth with a large filling
Hold a dental bridge
Hide an odd-shaped or discolored tooth
Cover a dental implant

Dental Crown Benefits

Protects teeth from further decay
Eliminates any pain or sensitivity related to tooth damage
Allows you to freely eat your favorite foods
Enhances your smile and boosts self-confidence

Dental Crown Candidates

The best candidates are those who have major tooth damage or decay that affects the overall tooth structure, or those who are missing teeth.

Crown Procedure

The crown process requires two visits to the dentist. During the first step, the tooth is examined and prepared. The dentist may take a few X-rays to check the tooth roots and surrounding bone. If there is extensive decay or risk of infection, a root canal may be performed first.

Then the dentist will anesthetize the tooth and gum tissue. The tooth receiving the crown is filed down along the chewing surface and side to make room for the crown. The amount removed from the crown depends on the crown type.

After reshaping the tooth, the dentist makes an impression of the tooth receiving the crown. Teeth impressions above and below the tooth are also made to make sure the bite is not affected. The impressions are sent to a dental lab and returned in a couple weeks. A temporary crown is placed to protect the prepared tooth while the permanent one is made.

During the second visit, the temporary crown is removed and the permanent crown is cemented in place.

Types of Dental Crowns

Depending on your habits and gum conditions, your dentist will help you determine which of these crowns best fits your needs:

Gold: simple and uncomplicated preparation since there is minimal tooth structure removal. It is also healthier for the gum tissue.
Porcelain crowns: most aesthetically pleasing, and matches easily to surrounding teeth color, but more tooth structure needs to be removed.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns: have a very natural appearance. They have a metal substructure and require an opaque below the porcelain.

Dental Crown FAQs

What is the difference between a filling and a dental crown?

A filling only covers a portion of the tooth; a dental crown completely encases the visible areas of the tooth and makes a brand new outer surface of the tooth.

Is it possible for my dental crown to fall off?

A dental crown doesn’t pop off often, but if it does it must be replaced right away. If it happens contact your dentist immediately.

How long do crowns last?

The life span is 5-15 years if the crown is well-maintained.

To learn more about the dental crowns we offer at Wurzbach Parkway Family Dental, contact us today.