Dental Crowns

To restore the strength and attractiveness of your smile, a dental crown might be what you need. These tooth restorations address a wide variety of aesthetic and functional issues. And, best of all, they look just like natural teeth! Interested in scheduling an exam and finding out how you can maintain outstanding oral health? DENTAL STUDIO SF proudly serves patients throughout the entire Bay Area!

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a type of dental restoration that completely caps or encircles a tooth or dental implant. Often referred to as ‘caps,’ crowns are typically used when a tooth is damaged, decayed, or aesthetically displeasing. They can strengthen your tooth, restore its original shape, improve its appearance, or align it with the rest of your teeth.

Our crowns are made from various materials, including porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, resin, or metals such as gold and other alloys. The material used for your restoration will depend on the tooth’s location, your preferences, the amount of the tooth that shows when you smile, and the function of it.

When To Consider a Dental Crown

• Severely Damaged or Decayed Tooth: If you have a tooth that is significantly decayed or damaged and cannot be restored with a simple filling, a crown may be needed. We offer crowns to provide a protective cover for your tooth to restore its strength and function.
• After Root Canal Treatment: After a root canal, your tooth can become fragile and more prone to fractures. We usually recommend dental crowns to protect the treated tooth.
• Cracked Tooth Syndrome: If you have a tooth that is cracked, a crown can hold it together and prevent the crack from worsening. This will also help alleviate pain and sensitivity that often occurs with cracked teeth.
• Cosmetic Enhancement: Crowns can also be used to improve the appearance of discolored, misshapen, or aesthetically unpleasing teeth!
• Dental Implant Procedure: We use crowns for the final restoration of dental implant procedures. The crown is attached to implants and serves as the replacement tooth.
• Large Filling: If a tooth has a large dental filling and there isn’t much tooth structure left, a crown can be used to protect the tooth from further damage.

Each individual’s dental situation is unique. Dr. Cornehl and Dr. Ma are trained to thoroughly assess your situation and recommend the best treatment plan for your needs.

State-Of-The-Art Tooth Restorations

Tooth crowns differ by the material they’re made of. At the DENTAL STUDIO SF, porcelain crowns are the preferred choice. These ceramic crowns offer outstanding aesthetics as well as durability. They contain no metal, which is beneficial for people with a metal allergy, and are mercury-free.

Here’s What To Expect 

1. First, you’ll have a consultation with one of our dentists to establish your oral health condition and ensure a tooth crown is the right option for you.
2. Next, you’ll visit us for a preparatory appointment, where we’ll take impressions, scans, and X-rays to see the anatomy of your teeth and jaw. Your dentist will also place a temporary crown while the permanent crown is fabricated at a dental lab.
3. Lastly, you’ll visit for a final appointment to have your permanent crown placed.

It is important to remember that this process can vary slightly depending on your circumstances. For example, if the crown is associated with an implant or bridge to replace a missing tooth, then the process may require a few more appointments to finalize.

The Longevity of Crowns

The lifespan of a tooth crown is typically between 5 to 15 years. To extend the life of your restoration, we also recommend that our patients practice great dental hygiene since, although porcelain itself cannot decay, the tooth and surrounding gum tissue can. If you play contact sports, we also recommend that you wear a mouth guard and, if you have a habit of teeth grinding, talk to us about night guards to mitigate the damage caused by grinding.

Dental Crowns Vs. Veneers: What’s Best For You?

Tips For Avoiding Dental Crown Damage

• Brushing at least twice daily, flossing once a day, and using an antiseptic mouthwash can help keep your mouth healthy.
• Regular dental check-ups and cleanings also play an integral role, as we can monitor the condition of your crown and promptly address any problems.
• If you grind or clench your teeth, especially during sleep, talk to us about a nightguard to protect your crown from excessive pressure.
• Athletes and those engaged in recreational activities that could result in a mouth injury should consider wearing a mouthguard.
• Keeping up with a balanced diet contributes to overall oral health and can indirectly support the longevity of your dental crown. 

An Alternative To Dental Crowns: Inlays And Onlays

Like dental fillings and tooth crowns, inlays and onlays are restorations that protect teeth weakened by decay. Inlays and onlays are often used to replace old dental fillings. They can be matched to the color of your teeth for a seamless result. Speaking generally, inlays and onlays are similar to dental crowns but are recommended when the tooth damage is not extensive enough to warrant a crown.

Let’s take a closer look at the two types:

These restorations are highly durable and tend to stand up to biting and chewing forces for many years. Inlays and onlays are made in a dental laboratory based on impressions of the tooth being restored. The final restoration is then bonded to the tooth by the dentist. In this way, they are more similar to crowns, whereas a dental filling is molded to the tooth at the time of your appointment.

Get a Natural-Looking Restoration with Dental Crowns

We’re dedicated to delivering unparalleled care and working closely with you to design a dental crown that blends seamlessly with your natural teeth. We also utilize state-of-the-art technology and materials to ensure that your crown is durable and comfortable! Whether you’re looking to protect a vulnerable tooth, restore tooth functionality, or simply enhance your smile’s appearance, we’re here to help.