As we use our teeth throughout our lives, they begin to weaken and become more sensitive. This leaves them susceptible to damage and cavities that can cause pain. If you are not as confident in your smile as you used to be, dental crowns can help restore the look of your teeth and prevent further damage to your oral health.
When a tooth is decayed or cracked, a dentist can apply a dental crown that can protect the pulp and roots from additional problems. There are many cases where fillings or bonding are not enough to fix your teeth. Dental crowns are porcelain covers that are made to match your teeth and protect your natural tooth grooves from a build-up of bacteria.
Our dentists at Sunset Dental can meet with you to discuss if dental crowns would be right for you. If you are prone to cavities or tooth sensitivity, dental crowns could be a good option. Visit or call our office to learn more about how to take your oral care to the next level.
Different Types Of Dental Crowns
A few different materials can be used to make dental crowns. Different materials can be used if you are allergic to one or if your teeth are more decayed than others. Here are some of the most common types of dental crowns that can be applied to your teeth:
- Metal Crowns
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
- Ceramic Crowns
- Porcelain Crowns
- Zirconia Crowns
How Dental Crowns Are Made And Applied
Dental crowns can be made from porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or a full gold crown. To maintain a natural look and feel, a porcelain finished crown is best, as it can be matched to the shade of your other teeth. This will allow it to blend in and appear just like one of your natural teeth.
The process of installing a dental crown takes more than just one visit to the dental office. Typically, dental crowns consist of two to three visits to your dentist. On the first visit, the tooth will be reshaped by filing down the enamel so that the crown can be placed over it. You will be given a local anesthetic before this part of the procedure so that you do not experience any discomfort. Once the tooth has been reshaped, a mold will be taken of that tooth and the surrounding teeth.
This mold will be sent to a dental lab to be made to your exact specifications. This is done so that it fills the grooves in your teeth and prevents bacteria or particles from getting underneath them. Taking a mold is the best way for dentists to help you achieve a perfect smile where all the teeth look the same.
Before the end of your first appointment, your dentist will fit you with a temporary crown until your permanent crown is ready. Dental crowns take about two to three weeks to be returned to your dentist. At this time, you will have another appointment to place and fit the permanent crown. The tooth will be placed using cement to ensure the tooth sets in place.
Helping Patients Achieve Their Desired Smile
Having dental procedures like a dental crown, can help improve the look of your teeth. Giving you a perfect smile can include filling cavities, applying dental crowns, and regular dental cleanings. Since dental crowns are matched closely to your other healthy teeth, you will eliminate the darker colors of decayed teeth. This helps people to feel more confident when they smile or talk because all their teeth match. While dental crowns can help improve your confidence, seeing a dentist every six months while also brushing and flossing regularly is also necessary.
More About Sunset Dental
Our dental practice has been serving patients for many years. We want to continue to provide the highest quality care for patients of all ages. We provide a state-of-the-art facility for people to recieve the care they need. We follow all OSHA and CDC regulations for our office and dental procedure rooms so you know you are getting safe care while in our chairs.
Our office can also assist in understanding insurance coverage, financial forms, and booking future appointments. Anything that we can do to make your life easier while still giving you comprehensive dental care is important to all of us here at Sunset Dental.
If you want to improve your teeth or see if you are a candidate for a specific dental procedure, contact our office through our contact form, or by calling 801-773-1533
What exactly is a dental crown, and when is it necessary?
A dental crown is a custom-fabricated “cap” designed to fit over a damaged, decayed, or weakened tooth. It is typically recommended when a tooth has a large cavity that a standard filling cannot support, after a root canal procedure, or to protect a cracked tooth from further damage. It restores the tooth’s original size, shape, and strength while protecting the underlying structure.
What materials are used for crowns at Sunset Dental Care?
While crowns can be made from various materials, Sunset Dental Care prioritizes aesthetic, tooth-colored options like porcelain or zirconia. These materials are favored because they mimic the translucency and color of natural enamel, allowing the crown to blend in seamlessly with your surrounding teeth.
How many appointments are required for a crown?
The process generally requires two separate visits:
The Second Visit: Once the custom permanent crown is ready (usually a few weeks later), you return to have it checked for fit and bite alignment before it is permanently bonded into place.
The First Visit: The dentist prepares the tooth by removing a small amount of enamel to ensure a proper fit. An impression or digital scan is taken and sent to a lab, and a temporary crown is placed to protect your tooth in the meantime.
How long can I expect a dental crown to last?
On average, a dental crown lasts between 5 and 15 years, though many last much longer with excellent care. Their lifespan depends heavily on your oral hygiene habits and lifestyle. To ensure longevity, it is important to brush and floss daily, attend regular dental checkups, and avoid using your teeth as tools or chewing on extremely hard objects.
Will the process of getting a crown be painful?
The procedure is designed to be as comfortable as possible. A local anesthetic is used to numb the tooth and the surrounding gum tissue during the preparation phase, so you shouldn’t feel pain. After the numbing wears off, some patients experience mild sensitivity or gum soreness, but this typically resolves quickly and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief.