Dental Crowns – Phoenix, AZ
An Effective Approach for Repairing Compromised Teeth
Whether you’ve recently damaged a tooth or have struggled with a compromised one for years, our team can offer dental crowns to repair your smile. Thanks to modern technology, we can reliably make blemishes vanish with these durable and natural-looking restorations. This treatment is completely personalized, so you can expect your results to blend flawlessly with the rest of your smile! Your brand-new tooth can even last 15 years or more with proper care and routine dental visits. Read on to learn more or give us a call today to schedule a consultation for dental crowns in Phoenix.
Why Choose Bell Road Dental Care of Phoenix for Dental Crowns?
- Same-Day Crowns with Advanced CEREC System
- Provides Outstanding & Honest Customer Service
- Utilizes Modern Dental Technology & Techniques
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is also referred to as a “cap,” which is designed to fit comfortably (and snugly) over a tooth that is plagued by decay or damage. Oftentimes, when a cavity spreads beyond the initial enamel layer, the only way to treat the problem is with a dental crown. Patients who suffer from teeth that are broken or chipped, stained or discolored, or even misshapen can renew their smiles with the help of this restoration treatment as well. Dental crowns are also vital components to a person who recently underwent a root canal or dental implant placement.
Dental crowns can be crafted using a variety of materials, but many dentists are moving away from traditional amalgam. Instead, they’re opting for more natural, lifelike solutions like ceramic and porcelain. These materials blend in with healthy remaining teeth much easier, as they effectively mimic natural tooth enamel.
The Dental Crown Process
Though the creation and placement of a dental crown take great skill, the process itself is rather straightforward. After our team has performed an initial consultation and oral exam, we’ll determine if this treatment is ideal for your specific situation. If it is, we’ll begin working on repairing your tooth by removing any damaged or decayed tissue from your tooth. Once we’ve also shaved off a small amount of your enamel to make room for your restoration, we’ll take impressions of the area for fabrication.
For traditional dental crowns, your team will send the impressions to a dental lab for them to construct your new tooth. You’ll typically have to wear a provisional one for protection. After we receive your final restoration from the lab, you’ll come back into our office so we can switch out the temporary one for the permanent one. This process can usually take a week or two to complete. Fortunately, our team offers CEREC same-day crowns, which can be fabricated in-office and placed during the very same appointment!
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Crown
Dental crowns have been used to help repair and renew countless smiles over the years. They offer patients a wide range of advantages, including:
- Lowered risk of dental health issues in the future.
- Improved/restored biting power.
- Completely customized dental material.
- Durable and natural-looking restoration.
- Results can last 15 years or more with proper care.
Dental Crown FAQs
Are Dental Crowns Permanent?
Dental crowns aren’t permanent, but they are a long-term solution for your smile. On average, they can protect your teeth from anywhere between 5 to 15 years with proper maintenance. When your dentist reshapes your tooth for a crown, this procedure is not reversible, as tooth enamel cannot grow back after it has been lost. Ultimately, the tooth always needs a crown for protection moving forward. That being said, a crown protects the underlying tooth from additional damage, helping the tooth to survive for much longer than it probably would have without the crown.
Do Dental Crowns Get Cavities?
It is impossible for a crown itself to develop cavities. However, the tooth underneath it still can. In fact, a crowed tooth has approximately the same risk of decay as an uncrowned tooth. Poor oral hygiene makes it possible for bacteria and plaque to form along the gumline where the tooth meets the crown. This can travel beneath the crown, wreaking havoc on the underlying tooth. You can prevent cavities in crowned teeth the same way you would for any other tooth. Brush twice, floss, and see your dentist for routine cleanings and checkups.
How Do You Know When a Dental Crown Needs to Be Replaced?
The only way to know for certain whether a crown needs to be replaced is to have it examined by your dentist. Here are some warning signs that could indicate that you need a new crown:
- Pain: If there is decay beneath the tooth that is causing pain, this means that the crown needs to be removed so the decay can be treated.
- Instability: If your crown feels loose, especially when you are eating sticky foods, this could mean that it needs to be repaired or replaced.
- Poor Appearance: If your crown is chipped or discolored, it can negatively affect self-confidence. This is a valid reason to replace it.
- Dark Line: If you have an old porcelain-fused-to-metal crown, the porcelain layer can wear away over time, revealing the darker metal beneath. This is likely a sign that it’s time for a new crown.
How Durable are CEREC Crowns?
Same-day dental crowns offer similar protection and strength as lab-made ceramic and porcelain crowns. Same-day dental crowns are usually made from a solid block of dental porcelain. This material mimics the natural appearance of enamel by reflecting light and is incredibly durable. This type of crown can last between 10 and 15 years with proper maintenance.