Crowns

If a tooth is partially decayed or fractured, a crown can be used to reinforce the tooth and reduce the risk of future damage.

Some teeth can fracture but remain relatively healthy. In these cases, a crown can stabilize and restore the tooth.

Deep intrinsic staining that does not respond to teeth whitening can be addressed with dental crowns.

Root canal therapy is used to treat infected teeth. After the root canal process, a dental crown is often placed to reinforce the tooth.

We can attach crowns to dental implants. These titanium implants are placed in the jaw to replace missing tooth roots.

Temporary crowns are typically made from a composite resin or acrylic material. A temporary crown is intended for short-term use while the dental lab creates your permanent crown. Your temporary crown can help you maintain a normal appearance, enunciation, and chewing efficiency during this time.

In many cases, we can use our iTero® digital scanner and CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing) technology to create same-day permanent crowns in a single appointment for your convenience.

These permanent crowns are made from porcelain and mimic the natural translucency of dental enamel, making them virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth. Same-day crowns are made of porcelain; more premium grades of porcelain may require having the crown made by a partner lab.

Instead of covering teeth, these crowns are attached to dental implants to completely replace a lost tooth from the roots to the chewing surface.

To determine the extent of your dental damage, one of our dentists will take digital X-rays of the affected teeth. This helps determine if any decay or infection has spread to adjacent teeth and confirms whether dental crowns are the most appropriate treatment option.

Your dentist will remove any decayed or damaged portions of the tooth structure. If necessary, we will remove infected tissue through root canal therapy. Next, we will carefully and conservatively remove small amounts of enamel to reshape your tooth. This creates a solid foundation for your new restoration.

After tooth preparation, your Plano dentist will take impressions of your prepared tooth. At our practice, we use a handheld wand to digitally capture these images. This is a more comfortable alternative to traditional putty impressions.

If you opt for a same-day crown, we can upload these images directly to our milling machine, which can produce a custom-designed crown in less than an hour. Otherwise, we will send your impressions to our in-house lab, where a skilled ceramist combines layers of porcelain to achieve the right look. This process can take two to three weeks.

Patients who choose a same-day crown can receive their cap during that very same appointment. If you decide on a traditional crown manufacturing process, we will schedule you for another visit for placement. Before attaching the cap, our dentist will assess its fit, color, and appearance. We will then remove any temporary restoration and replace it with your permanent crown. Prior to cementing the crown in place, we will always allow you to take a look in the mirror and make sure you approve of your new smile.

Brush two to three times every day. Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush, and choose a nonabrasive toothpaste formula. Some toothpastes contain harsh ingredients, which can actually scratch porcelain and enamel.

At-home hygiene is essential, but so are routine dental exams and cleanings. Visit our dentists at least twice a year for routine maintenance. During these appointments, any potential dental problems can be detected and treated.

If you wake up with a sore jaw or experience frequent headaches, you may be grinding your teeth. This can cause cracks or fractures in both a natural tooth and a dental crown, but a mouthguard can protect your teeth.

Crowns are resistant to staining. However, natural teeth are not. Consuming dark-colored foods and beverages can cause parts of your smile to darken over time, resulting in an unbalanced appearance. Limit coffee, tea, and red wine.

While dental ceramic is not vulnerable to cavities, the underlying tooth structure is. To reduce the risk of tooth decay, purchase an antibacterial, fluoride mouthwash. This helps fight cavity-causing bacteria between dental visits.