Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a cap that a dentist places over a tooth to restore its look or function. At Full Smile Dental, we will help determine the type of crown to fit your aesthetic and financial needs. Contact us to learn more about this restorative treatment and how your smile could benefit from dental crowns in Dumas, Canyon, Amarillo, Farwell, and Dalhart, TX. 

What Are Dental Crowns?

A dental crown is an effective way to restore your smile. It is a tooth-shaped cap that your dentist cements around a tooth. There are many types of crowns, but regardless of the material, your crown will serve you for many years with proper care. 

Reasons You Would Need a Crown

You may benefit from having a crown placed if you have a tooth or teeth that are damaged or chipped. A crown can hold together a broken tooth or be placed over teeth that are discolored or uneven compared to other teeth for a more uniform appearance.

Teeth that are weakened can greatly benefit from the added durability of a dental crown placed on top. Having a crown placed is also a step of root canal treatment. The crown protects the tooth following a root canal to protect it from future damage. It is also the last step of receiving a dental implant.

Benefits of Dental Crowns 

There are many benefits of dental crowns, including: 
 

• Prevent a damaged or weakened tooth from needing to be extracted
• Protect a tooth after undergoing root canal therapy 
• Can be used as an alternative to a dental filling when treating tooth decay
• Correct cosmetic imperfections such as discoloration, gaps between teeth, or chipped teeth
• Can last for several decades

Types of Dental Crowns 

Prior to your crown placement, your dentist will help you select the right type of crown depending on its location and your finances. 

• Ceramic/Porcelain. These crowns naturally have a tooth-colored appearance and are ideal for restoring front teeth. Ceramic crowns are stain-resistant and can last up to 15 years, although it is possible for them to last 30 years or more.
• Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM). These crowns are made with metal but have a porcelain cover. The metal can sometimes be seen along the gum line, but they are more durable than all-porcelain crowns. These crowns can last up to 20 years. 
• Gold. Gold crowns are particularly strong and can withstand pressure, even from grinding your teeth. Some people like their unique appearance, while others prefer to use them for stability on the back molars. They can last for up to 50 years or longer. 
• Base-Metal Alloy. These crowns are made from a variety of metals including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, but mostly consist of chromium and nickel for a silver appearance. They are very strong and are less expensive than gold crowns. Patients may prefer their unique appearance or only consider them for back molars, and they can last for several decades. 

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is used solely to replace missing teeth. They use two crowns on either end, holding up false teeth in the middle. These crowns are placed over your existing teeth, which your dentist must resize for a secure fit. There are different types of bridges depending on how many teeth are missing and the condition of the adjacent teeth. 

What to Expect When Getting a Dental Crown

You will see us for two appointments to complete your crown treatment. At the first appointment, your dentist will explain the different types of crowns available and help determine the right choice for you. Your dentist will prepare the tooth so the crown will fit securely around it.

We will take an impression of the reshaped tooth and surrounding teeth to fabricate the crown, then place a temporary crown for you to wear until your crown has been created in a dental lab. At the second appointment, your dentist will use cement to attach the new, final crown. You can expect your crown to function and feel just like a natural tooth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Crowns 

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

With proper care, your crown can last for several decades. This depends on the type of crown and if you put additional pressure on it from chewing or grinding your teeth.

Can Dental Crowns Be Placed on the Front Teeth?

You can receive a crown on any tooth. Crowns with a more natural-looking appearance are ideal for the front teeth, such as porcelain or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.

Will I Be Put to Sleep for the Procedure?

We may use local anesthesia to numb the area. Additional anesthesia or sedation may be necessary if you are concerned about pain or need additional treatment.

What Are Dental Crowns Made Out Of? 

We can create a crown using a variety of materials. Crowns can be made of ceramic (porcelain), porcelain-fused-to-metal, gold, or base metal alloys.