What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that can restore a damaged or discolored tooth. Crowns are a popular and effective option for patients getting dental implants or whose teeth are weakened, broken, stained, or decayed.
Properly fitted dental crowns will restore your tooth’s shape, size, and strength and improve its appearance. When taken care of correctly, they can last between five and 15 years.
When Is a Crown Necessary?
- Strengthen a weak tooth
- Protect and support a cracked tooth
- Hold a dental bridge in place
- Cover a root canal-treated tooth
- Cover a dental implant
- Cover and support a tooth with a large filling and only a little left
Types of Dental Crowns
Emax Crowns
Emax crowns are a type of ceramic crown made from a single block of lithium disilicate material that is durable and aesthetically appealing. These crowns are used mainly for the front teeth, as they are both stronger than traditional crowns and also have an attractive, natural-looking appearance. If taken care of properly, Emax crowns can last up to 15 years before they begin to wear down.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia crowns are made from zirconium dioxide, an extremely durable ceramic. Due to their exceptional strength, zirconia crowns are typically used for back teeth, as they can easily withstand the force required to chew food. Zirconia crowns can be made right in-office so you won’t have to come back again to get them placed.
Temporary Crowns
Acrylic-based temporary dental crowns are used on adults after teeth are prepared and the final crown is cemented. Stainless steel crowns are a temporary solution for kids that can last for years until they are old enough to get a more permanent tooth-colored (Emax or Zirconia) crown. Temporary crowns can be made in your dentist’s office, whereas permanent crowns are usually made in a laboratory.
What to Expect During a Dental Crown Procedure?
Whether using our services for your child or yourself, the expectations for the dental crown procedure are the same.
- The Initial Exam
This is where we’ll decide if crowns are the best course of action to repair your smile.
- Prepping Your Teeth
One of our dentists will reshape your tooth by removing enamel so the tooth base is wider than the top. After that, we will take an impression using a paste, putty, or oral scanner.
- Inserting the Temp Crown
After the impression, we’ll fit you for a temporary crown to cover the tooth while the permanent one is made. This process will take a few weeks. As soon as we receive it, we’ll contact you to schedule the final placement.
- Inserting Your Permanent Crown
Your permanent crown has finally arrived! At this point, we’ll get you back in the chair to remove the temporary fix and insert the permanent one if everything is acceptable with it. If all is good to go, it’s time to numb your tooth and cement the permanent crown.
Choose Thrive Dental & Orthodontics for Your Teeth Care
The most important part about getting dental crowns is feeling like the best version of yourself afterward. At Thrive Dental & Orthodontics, we have the tools to help you achieve this! If you have any questions or want to schedule a consultation, contact your local Thrive Dental & Orthodontics in Frisco, Allen, Sachse, Richardson, or Dallas.
