Everything You Need To Know About Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a cap that is placed over a tooth to improve its appearance, shape, and function. A tooth that has been broken or worn down can often look much better with a dental crown. Crowns can also be used to hold a dental bridge in place, protect a weak tooth from breaking, cover a dental implant, or anchor a dental veneer.

What Types of Dental Crowns are Available?

Dental crowns are porcelain or ceramic coverings that fit over the remaining structure of a tooth. Dental crowns are custom-made for the patient, so they can fit comfortably and securely over the remaining tooth structure. Typically, a dental crown is bonded to the remaining tooth structure with dental cement.

Dental crowns are crafted from porcelain or ceramic but can also be crafted from gold alloy. Dental crowns can be tooth-colored for a natural-looking appearance, or they can be more opaque. 

Why Might You Need a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a cap that fits over a damaged, worn, or misshapen tooth. It replaces the original structure of the tooth, giving it an appearance that is natural and life-like.

If your tooth is badly damaged from decay or trauma, your dentist in Oakland, CA, may recommend a dental crown. A dental crown will strengthen your tooth, give you back its functionality, and allow you to chew and speak clearly.

What Should You Expect When Getting a Dental Crown?

Prior to the procedure, your dentist in Oakland, CA, will administer a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding area. After numbing, the dentist will shape the tooth to receive the crown. Then, the dentist will remove a small amount of enamel from the tooth to make room for the crown. Before taking impressions of the teeth, the dentist will also remove any temporary crowns that have been placed.

To make a crown, our dentist in Oakland, CA, will take a mold of the tooth. The mold is sent to a dental lab, where the crown is custom-made to match the tooth. Once the crown is ready, it is cemented in place.

Do Dental Crowns Require Special Care?

While dental crowns don’t require special care, they still require the same care as regular teeth. It is important to brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. Regular checkups at the dentist in Oakland are also necessary.

To learn more about best practices for oral health, call Bay Area Dental at (510) 350-8187 or visit our dental office at 3300 Webster Street, #907, Oakland, CA 94609. Book your appointment with our dentist in Oakland, CA, to achieve the smile you have always wished for.