Same-Day Dental Crowns Specialist

What is a crown?

A crown is a tooth-shaped "cap" that's used to cover a damaged or weak tooth. It's shaped to look like the natural tooth and can enhance its strength and appearance. The crown acts as a protective covering, as it's fitted over the original tooth so that the visible portion of the tooth is encased. It's sealed in place with dental cement.

Why would I need a crown?

Silver Lake Dentistry may suggest a crown for many reasons. A crown can cover a strangely shaped or dark tooth, or a dental implant.

Crowns are more than cosmetic solutions. They can cover and protect a weak or cracked natural tooth. Crowns can strengthen teeth that are at risk of breaking or that have weakened as a result of large fillings.

Many patients are great candidates for dental crowns, for both cosmetic and restorative reasons. Whether you need a crown to fix the appearance of a tooth or strengthen a weak tooth, a dental crown can protect teeth for years to come.

What type of crown is best for my teeth?

Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including:

• Stainless steel
• Gold or another alloy
• Porcelain fused to metal
• Resin
• Ceramic

The material used for your crown will depend on your situation and the crown's purpose. For example, stainless steel is the most common material for temporary crowns. Prefabricated stainless steel crowns are a frequent choice for children who have decayed baby teeth and need crowns.

Metal crowns are strong and able to tolerate the impact of chewing and biting, but because of their noticeable color, they’re usually reserved for use in the back of the mouth.

Porcelain fused to metal crowns have a more natural appearance than metal crowns, but they do come with some downsides. For example, the metal portion of the crown might be visible as a dark line close to the gums, and the opposing teeth might endure more wear than with other types of crowns.

All-ceramic crowns are the best choice for patients who have metal sensitivities. All resin crowns are one of the most affordable crown options, but they're also more susceptible to cracking.

Should I consider a CEREC® dental crown?

Getting fitted for a traditional crown can feel like a time-consuming process if you’re running on a tight schedule.

CEREC® significantly cuts down on that wait time, helping you get out the door and back to your normal routine as quickly as possible.

Unlike traditional crowns, which have to be sent off to the lab to be created, CEREC® dental crowns can be made in-office by a cosmetic dentist.

What this means for you is that your dentist can fit you for the perfect crown during one quick appointment.

Why wait several days or weeks for a new crown when you can walk out of the office with one on the same day?

What makes CEREC® dental crowns unique?

Traditional lab-made crowns often take weeks to arrive at the office before they can be fitted to your teeth. With CEREC® dental crowns, you can have your new crowns fitted during one single appointment.

The impression is also taken digitally, so you don’t have to worry about biting down on gooey putty for several minutes at a time to find an accurate fit.

Taking a 3D scan makes for a more comfortable, quick, and precise fitting, ensuring that your crown molds perfectly to your teeth every time.

What should I expect when I get a crown?

Most of the time, a minimum of two visits is necessary for a dental crown procedure. The first visit will include X-rays so that your Silver Lake Dentistry dental professional can evaluate the condition of the tooth in question.

Next, your dentist will administer anesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding tissues. The tooth is built up or filed down so that the crown will fit snugly. Then, the dentist will take an impression of your teeth. The impression will go to the dental lab and be used to create a custom crown. Your dentist will place a temporary crown over your tooth until the permanent crown is completed.

Getting a dental crown can be a simple, easy process. To discuss your crown options, contact the experienced team at Silver Lake Dentistry.