Dental Crowns are an Excellent Way to Preserve Your Natural Teeth
Do you have a severely damaged or decayed tooth? Modern dentistry offers multiple restorative options to maintain optimal oral health and aesthetics. Dental crowns in Glendale, Arizona, combine beauty and function to rebuild damaged teeth to full health. Expertly placed by Dr. Nima Afzalian, our dental crowns mimic nature for life-like results. They are also incredibly resilient and can withstand everyday chewing and biting forces.
Why do you need a dental crown?
Your teeth are designed to last for life as long as you observe optimal preventive care. Unfortunately, everyday wear and tear, trauma, heavy bite forces, decay, etc., can compromise the structural integrity of your natural teeth. A dental cap is a custom-made dental appliance shaped like a tooth to improve its health and appearance.
Your doctor may recommend a dental crown in the following instances:
- To reinforce your tooth after a root canal
- To restore a dental implant
- To secure a dental bridge
- To strengthen a weakened tooth after decay, damage, or failed dental work
- To aesthetically improve a misshapen, discolored, or rotated tooth
What are the different types of crowns?
Dental crowns can be created from metal, ceramics, or a combination of both. The material depends on your budget, tooth location, and personal preferences. Metal crowns can be created from several materials, but the most common is gold. Metal crowns are resilient to withstand biting and chewing forces. Unfortunately, their metallic appearance may look unnatural, so they are a good choice for out-of-sight molars.
Your dentist can also recommend porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns that combine the durability of metal and the aesthetics of porcelain. PFM crowns offer a perfect balance of beauty and resilience, but the porcelain coating may chip over time, exposing the metal underneath.
All ceramic crowns made from porcelain or zirconia mimic the appearance of your natural tooth more than any material. Ceramic crowns are also an excellent option for patients with metal allergy. Many patients prefer ceramic crowns because they feel, look, and function like natural teeth. They’re also gentle on opposing teeth, causing less enamel wear.
Are you still not sure what crown type you need for your smile? We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each type and help pick the one that best suits your needs.
Understanding Dental Crowns: What They Are and How They're Made
What are dental crowns? Dental crowns are basically restoration and it’s like a cap that protects your tooth. When we have extreme cavity and when we have a fracture in the tooth and we need a cap to protect the tooth, that’s what Dental Crown does. So crown will go on top of your tooth and at 360 degree protect your teeth. Obviously before putting the crown on, we’re going to clean all the cavity that is underneath the tooth and then protect your tooth with a crown. What is the process of dental Crown? In order to get a dental crown, basically the first visit, you’ll come in and we visit, evaluate the tooth that meets the dental crown. We make sure we have the X-rays and everything, and either on the same appointment or at a convenient appointment that is good for you. We prepare the tooth, we remove all the cavity, we clean the teeth very nicely and make the foundation ready for the dental crown. On that appointment, you leave with a temporary crown. Within two weeks you’ll get your final dental crown, which is bonded to your tooth, and it’s your natural tooth that is being protected by the dental crown. So that’s the process of Dental Crown two appointments.
What is the dental crown procedure?
Regardless of the crown type, the first step is an initial consultation with the dentist. We’ll examine your tooth and overall oral health to determine if a dental crown is the best restoration for your smile.
Next, our team prepares your tooth by removing a bit of enamel around the tooth. This step is crucial to accommodate your crown’s thickness, ensuring it doesn’t appear or feel bulky or out of place. After tooth preparation, we’ll take digital scans of your prepped tooth to create a blueprint when fabricating your crown. Until your dental cap is ready, we’ll temporarily restore your tooth to maintain normal function.
You’ll come to our office for fitment when we receive your crown. Once we establish your crown meets your tooth’s specifications, we’ll permanently cement it to the prepared tooth.
I need to crown my smile. Does a dentist near me offer dental crowns?
Inspired by a commitment to excellence, Dr. Afzalian always delivers outstanding outcomes for dental crowns and other restorations. For high-quality dental crowns in Glendale, AZ, and its environs, call (623) 300-2550 to schedule an appointment with My Dental and Implants.
FAQs
What is the process of obtaining a dental crown?
There are several steps involved in the dental crown procedure. First, Dr. Nima Afzalian will examine your tooth and determine if a crown is necessary or recommended. If so, he prepares the tooth by removing any existing decay and shaping it to fit the dental crown. Next, an impression of the prepared tooth is taken using traditional putty. This impression is then used to create a custom-made crown that fits your tooth snugly. In the meantime, a temporary dental crown is placed on your tooth while you wait for the permanent dental crown to be created in a dental lab. Once the permanent crown is ready, you return to the office to have the temporary removed and the final restoration bonded in place.
What are the different types of dental crowns?
Several types of dental crowns are available, including porcelain-fused-to-metal, all ceramic, and gold. Porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns have a metal base with a layer of porcelain on top for a natural appearance. All ceramic crowns are fabricated entirely from a ceramic material and offer excellent aesthetic results. Gold crowns are also an option and provide durability and strength, but they may not be as aesthetically pleasing.
How long do dental crowns typically last with proper care and regular evaluations?
The lifespan of a dental crown from My Dental and Implants can vary depending on the patient’s oral hygiene habits, the type of material used, and other factors. On average, most of our patients’ dental crowns last between 5 and 15 years with proper care and regular evaluations by their dentist. It is critical that you continue to maintain good oral hygiene and schedule regular check-ups in advance to ensure the longevity of your dental crown.
Can a dental crown be placed on any tooth?
In most situations, a dental crown can be placed on any tooth that requires restoration or protection. However, certain teeth may not have enough healthy structure remaining to support a crown or may require additional procedures, including root canal treatment, before a crown can be placed. Dr. Nima Afzalian evaluates your specific case and determines if a crown is the best option for you.
Do dental crowns require special care?
Dental crowns usually do not require any additional or special care, but proper oral hygiene is essential to prevent decay or damage to the tooth underneath the crown. It is recommended that you also avoid biting down on hard foods or objects that could potentially chip or break the crown. Additionally, regular check-ups with our dental team are necessary to ensure the integrity of the crown and address any potential issues early on.
When will I know if my dental crown needs to be replaced?
Your quality dental crown from My Dental and Implants may need to be replaced if it becomes loose or falls out, if there is decay or damage to the tooth underneath, or if the crown itself becomes worn down. It is essential to schedule regular evaluations with your dentist to monitor the condition of your crown and address any potential concerns before they become more severe. In some cases, dental crowns may need to be replaced due to natural wear and tear over time. Our team will advise you when it is time for a replacement based on your needs.
Are there any alternatives to dental crowns?
Depending on your specific dental situation, there are alternative treatments to dental crowns. For minor cosmetic issues, dental bonding or veneers may be an option. In cases where the tooth has significant damage or decay, a root canal and filling may be recommended instead of a crown. Dr. Nima Afzalian will assess your overall oral health and discuss all available options with you to decide the best course of treatment.
