Our Services / Crowns

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a prosthetic tooth cap that’s permanently sealed to an existing root structure, like a natural tooth root or dental implant (for an implant crown). Once in place, a dental crown feels and functions just like a natural tooth. Depending on the material of your crown, it can even look just like a natural tooth, too.

What are dental crowns made from?

There are a few different options when it comes to your dental crown materials, including:

• Cast gold
• Silver (amalgam)
• Porcelain
• Porcelain-fused to metal
• Zirconium

Different crown materials offer different advantages depending on where in your mouth they’re being placed. Your dentist at Gables Family Dental can help you select a material for your crown that’s best suited to your unique needs, preferences, and budget.

Why do I need a dental crown?

Dental crowns serve a wide range of purposes, such as:

• Restoring a tooth that’s suffered severe damage or decay
• Reinforcing a tooth from further damage
• Replacing an unsightly tooth
• Capping a dental implant (for an implant crown)

Crowns are also frequently placed after a root canal in order to strengthen your tooth and restore its appearance.

What is the process for getting a dental crown?

Your dentist first numbs the tooth receiving the crown and the surrounding tissue with a local anesthetic and then shaves off a portion of enamel to make room for the crown. 

After your dentist is done preparing your tooth, they take an impression of your smile with a dental putty or an intraoral camera. They send that impression to a lab that custom-builds your crown to fit comfortably in your smile and blend in seamlessly with the rest of your teeth. You’ll be sent home with a temporary crown while you wait a week or so for your permanent restoration to come back from the lab.

When your permanent crown is ready, you come back to the office for a second visit. Your dentist at Gables Family Dental removes the temporary crown, cleans your mouth, and places the permanent crown. They check to ensure that the fit is comfortable and then seal it in place with dental cement, giving you a strong and sturdy tooth that feels and functions just like the real thing. 

How do I care for my dental crown?

The best thing about a dental crown is that it doesn't require any special care. You should treat it just like your natural teeth, so make sure to brush twice a day, floss daily, and maintain regular checkups and cleanings at Gables Family Dental to ensure that it’s staying healthy.

Don’t wait around with a damaged or unsightly tooth any longer. Schedule a consultation with Gables Family Dental today to restore your smile with a high-quality dental crown. You can book your visit by phone or online.