Crowns are porcelain caps that fit over teeth. They can strengthen teeth, improve how they work, and restore their natural appearance. Our dentists often use them after restorative procedures, like root canals or when a filling isn’t enough to repair a tooth. Crowns can even replace missing teeth by covering dental implants or securing bridges.
At Cooper Family Dental in Arlington, TX, we provide crowns to help restore the look, feel, and function of your teeth. Visit Dr. Jennifer Nguyen, Dr. Sang Kwon Seo, and Dr. Emmanuel Najera for all your crown needs.
Dental Crowns in Arlington, TX
Crowns have many uses, including replacing missing teeth and protecting damaged ones. Best of all, most insurance plans can help cover the cost of crowns. Here’s how our crowns can benefit your oral health:
- Replace Missing Teeth: Crowns can secure bridges or cover dental implants. Bridges fill gaps caused by missing teeth, and often rely on crowns for support. A crown can top off an implant to replace a single lost tooth.
- Cover Damaged or Stained Teeth: If you have a worn, chipped, or stained tooth, a crown can improve its look and protect it from further damage. We match your crown to your natural teeth for a seamless look.
- Protect After Fillings or Root Canals: When a tooth has a large filling that might fail, a crown can hold it in place. Crowns also protect teeth after root canals because the tooth may be weaker without it.
Types of Dental Crowns
You have options when choosing dental crowns. Different materials work better for different situations, and each type has its own strengths and weaknesses. Let’s break it down so you can find the best fit for your case:
- Metal Crowns: Metal crowns (like gold or other alloys) are the tough guys of the crown world. They’re super strong and can last for years without wearing down. They’re pretty noticeable because of their metallic color, so they’re not the best choice if you’re looking for something that blends in. Also, some patients find that metal crowns can make their teeth a little more sensitive to hot or cold foods.
- Resin Crowns: If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, resin crowns might be the way to go. They’re often used for same-day treatments because they’re quick to make and can match the color of your natural teeth. They’re not as durable as other types of crowns, so you might need to replace them sooner.
- Porcelain Crowns: Porcelain crowns are like the best of both worlds. They’re strong, long-lasting, and look completely natural. They’re a great choice for both front and back teeth because they blend seamlessly with your smile and can handle the wear and tear of daily use. Plus, they’re less likely to cause sensitivity compared to metal crowns.
Choosing the right crown depends on your needs, budget, and where the crown will go in your mouth. Your dentist can help you decide which option will give you the best results and keep your smile looking and feeling great!
What to Expect During Treatment
A dental crown treatment at Cooper Family Dental typically takes two visits to complete. You may experience some sensitivity during and after the procedure, but no pain. Here’s a general breakdown of the process:
- Evaluation and Prep: We’ll take digital X-rays to assess the damage and ensure your mouth is ready for treatment. If needed, we may do additional work like root canals or gum therapy beforehand.
- Tooth Preparation: The dentist will numb the area around your tooth, then trim it to make room for the crown. You need to have enough of the natural tooth left, about 2 mm, for the crown to fit properly.
- Impressions and Temporary Crown: We’ll take an impression of your prepared tooth and send it to a lab to create your custom crown. While waiting for your permanent crown, we’ll place a temporary one to protect the tooth. This will also help you use your mouth without issues while you wait for the new crown.
- Caring for the Temporary Crown: It’s easy to take care of the temporary. First, avoid hard or crunchy foods, and don’t chew ice or bite your nails. Doing these things can crack it or break it completely. Also limit very hot or cold foods to keep the glue intact.
- Final Crown Placement: Once your new custom crown is ready, we’ll remove the temporary crown. Then we will place the permanent one and check the fit, color, and shape. Our advanced technology will make sure it fits perfectly. After making sure it’s perfect, we’ll cement it in place and polish it to blend with your natural teeth.
You’ll be able to use your teeth normally right after your final visit. Ready to restore your smile? Contact our Arlington, TX dental office to learn more about how crowns can help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Take Care of My New Dental Crowns?
A well-cared-for crown can last eight years or more! It’s important to floss around the crown to keep plaque and debris from building up. Be sure to clean your gum line when flossing. When brushing, use a soft-bristle toothbrush and avoid abrasive toothpaste, as it can scratch the crown.
Crowns are strong, but habits like jaw clenching or teeth grinding can wear them down faster. Also, avoid chewing hard foods, ice, and hard candy, because they can loosen or damage the crown.
We recommend regular dental visits every six months. During these visits, we’ll clean your teeth, gums, and crowns and check to ensure everything is in good shape. With proper care, porcelain crowns can last 15 years or longer.
Are Veneers and Crowns the Same Thing?
No, veneers and crowns are not the same. Veneers only cover the front part of a tooth and are mostly for aesthetic purposes. Veneers are best for front teeth.
However, crowns cover the entire tooth to restore its strength and function. Dentists use crowns to repair back teeth.
Can Crowns Get Cavities?
The crown itself can’t get a cavity, but the natural tooth and gums around it are still at risk of infection. If bacteria reach the tooth under the crown or the surrounding gum tissue, it can cause problems.
To avoid this, make sure to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss carefully around the crown, especially near the gum line. This will keep your tooth and gums around the crown healthy.
Restore Your Teeth Today
Contact us to protect your natural teeth or restore them. Call Cooper Family Dental in Arlington, TX at 817-646-1217 to schedule a dental care visit. You can also schedule an appointment online. Feel free to ask us anything over the phone or during your next visit!