Dental crowns, also called caps, are tooth-shaped coverings that completely encase the visible portion of a damaged tooth above the gum line. They restore the tooth's shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are custom-made to match your natural teeth and are cemented permanently over the prepared tooth. They protect weakened teeth from further damage and can last many years with proper care.

You may need a dental crown if you have:

• A large cavity that's too big for a filling
• A cracked or broken tooth
• A tooth that's been worn down significantly
• A tooth that's had root canal treatment
• A severely discolored or misshapen tooth
• Need to anchor a dental bridge

Crowns are also used to cover dental implants or protect weak teeth from fracturing. Dr. Preston will evaluate your specific situation and recommend if a crown is the best treatment option.

Several types of dental crowns are available:

Porcelain crowns: Provide the most natural appearance and are ideal for front teeth.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns: Combine strength with good aesthetics.

All-metal crowns: (gold, platinum, or base metal alloys) are very durable for back teeth.

All-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns: Offer the best natural color match.

Zirconia crowns: Are extremely strong and tooth-colored.

Temporary crowns: Are used while permanent crowns are being made.

The dental crown procedure typically requires two visits:

First visit: Involves numbing the tooth, reshaping it by removing outer surface and decay, taking impressions for the permanent crown, and placing a temporary crown.

The impressions are sent to a lab where the permanent crown is custom-made over 1-2 weeks.

Second visit: Involves removing the temporary crown, checking the fit and color of the permanent crown, and cementing it permanently in place.

Some offices offer same-day crowns using CAD/CAM technology.

Dental crowns typically last 10-15 years with proper care, though many last much longer. The lifespan depends on:

• The material used
• Oral hygiene habits
• Teeth grinding
• Diet
• Regular dental care

Porcelain-fused-to-metal and all-metal crowns tend to last longest. All-porcelain crowns may have slightly shorter lifespans but offer superior aesthetics. Factors that can shorten crown life include poor oral hygiene, teeth grinding, chewing hard objects, and avoiding regular dental checkups.

The crown procedure itself should not be painful due to local anesthesia. You may feel pressure during tooth preparation but no pain. After the procedure:

• Some sensitivity to hot and cold is normal for a few days
• The tooth may feel sore when biting down initially
• Over-the-counter pain relievers usually manage any discomfort

If you experience severe pain, persistent sensitivity, or pain when biting, contact Dr. Preston as adjustments may be needed.

Dental crown costs vary based on:

• The material used
• Location
• Complexity of the case
• Whether additional procedures are needed

Porcelain and ceramic crowns typically cost more than metal crowns. Geographic location significantly affects pricing. Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of crown costs, usually 40-60% after deductibles. Many dental offices offer payment plans or financing options. The investment is often worthwhile considering crowns can last many years and save the natural tooth.

After getting a dental crown:

• Expect some initial sensitivity to temperature and pressure that should subside within a few days to weeks
• The crown may feel different when you bite down initially, but you should adjust quickly
• Avoid sticky or hard foods for the first 24 hours
• Some patients experience slight gum irritation around the crown margin that typically resolves as tissues heal

Contact Dr. Preston if you experience persistent pain, sensitivity lasting more than a few weeks, or if the crown feels loose.

Care for dental crowns like natural teeth:

• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss daily paying special attention to the gum line around the crown
• Use an antimicrobial mouthwash if recommended
• Avoid chewing hard objects like ice or pencils
• Don't use teeth to open packages
• Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth
• Maintain regular dental checkups and cleanings

Good oral hygiene prevents decay at the crown margin and gum disease, which can compromise the crown's longevity.

While designed to be permanent, dental crowns can occasionally become loose, fall off, or break. This can happen due to:

• Decay under the crown
• Cement failure
• Trauma
• Teeth grinding
• Normal wear over time

Porcelain crowns may chip or crack, especially if you bite down on hard objects. If a crown becomes loose or falls off, contact Dr. Preston immediately. Keep the crown if possible, as it may be able to be recemented if undamaged.

Same-day dental crowns, also called CEREC crowns, are made in the dental office using CAD/CAM technology. The process involves:

• Taking digital impressions
• Designing the crown on a computer
• Milling it from a ceramic block in about 1-2 hours

Benefits include: Completing treatment in one visit, no temporary crown needed, and no second appointment. The fit and aesthetics are excellent, though some complex cases may still require traditional lab-made crowns.

Crowns: Cover the entire tooth above the gum line, require more tooth structure removal, and are used for damaged, decayed, or structurally compromised teeth. They provide structural support and protection.

Veneers: Only cover the front surface of teeth, require minimal tooth preparation, and are primarily cosmetic for healthy teeth with minor imperfections. They mainly improve appearance.

Crowns are thicker and stronger, while veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite material.

Yes, you can develop cavities under a dental crown, particularly at the margin where the crown meets the tooth. This typically occurs due to:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Plaque buildup along the gum line
• If the crown doesn't fit properly

Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups help prevent decay under crowns. If decay does occur under a crown, the crown may need to be removed, the decay treated, and a new crown placed. This is why maintaining excellent oral hygiene with crowns is essential.

Alternatives to dental crowns depend on the situation:

Large fillings or inlays/onlays: May work for smaller areas of damage.

Veneers: Can address cosmetic issues on healthy front teeth.

Dental bonding: Can repair minor chips or cracks.

Root canal treatment: May save severely damaged teeth that might otherwise need extraction.

Dental implants: Can replace teeth that are too damaged to restore.

Dr. Preston will evaluate your specific case and discuss the best treatment options based on the extent of damage and your goals.

Yes, children can get dental crowns, typically called pediatric crowns or baby tooth crowns. Stainless steel crowns are most commonly used for baby teeth with extensive decay or after pulp therapy. These crowns protect the tooth until it naturally falls out.

Zirconia crowns are sometimes used for front baby teeth for better aesthetics. The goal is to preserve the baby tooth until the permanent tooth erupts. Pediatric crowns require less tooth preparation than adult crowns.

If your crown feels too high when you bite down, contact Dr. Preston for an adjustment. A high crown can cause pain, sensitivity, and problems with your bite. Don't try to adjust it yourself by chewing hard foods.

Dr. Preston can easily adjust the crown by carefully reducing the high spots. This is a quick procedure that should provide immediate relief. Leaving a high crown unadjusted can lead to tooth pain, jaw problems, and excessive wear on other teeth.

Temporary crowns are placed over prepared teeth while permanent crowns are being made at a dental laboratory. They're typically made of acrylic or composite material and held in place with temporary cement.

Temporary crowns:

• Protect the prepared tooth
• Maintain spacing
• Allow normal function and appearance

They're more fragile than permanent crowns, so avoid sticky or hard foods. Be gentle when flossing around temporary crowns. They're usually worn for 1-2 weeks until the permanent crown is ready.

Modern dental crowns are designed to look completely natural. Dr. Preston will match the crown to your existing teeth in color, shape, and size. Porcelain and ceramic crowns provide the most natural appearance and can be customized to match subtle variations in your natural teeth.

The shape and contours are designed to blend seamlessly with your smile. Most people cannot tell the difference between a well-made crown and a natural tooth. Dr. Preston may work with you to achieve the exact shade and appearance you desire.

Teeth whitening will not change the color of existing crowns, veneers, or fillings - only natural tooth enamel responds to whitening treatments. If you want whiter teeth and have crowns, you may need to:

• Whiten your natural teeth first, then replace the crowns to match the new shade
• Replace crowns with lighter-colored ones

Discuss your whitening goals with Dr. Preston before starting any whitening treatment to ensure the best aesthetic outcome across all your teeth.

Dental crown complications are generally rare but can include:

• Increased sensitivity to hot and cold that may persist
• Discomfort or pain when biting down
• Chipped or broken crowns especially with porcelain
• Crowns falling off due to cement failure
• Allergic reactions to crown materials
• Nerve damage requiring root canal treatment
• Decay developing under the crown

Most complications can be prevented with proper case selection, good technique, and excellent oral hygiene. The success rate for dental crowns is very high when performed by experienced dentists.