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According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, more than 3 million Americans rely on dental implants, including bridges and crowns, for their teeth. Dental crowns have proven to be one of the most effective ways to restore damaged teeth, giving back both strength and a natural look. When your tooth becomes damaged from decay, injury or wear, a crown can reliably restore your ability to eat and smile confidently.
Dental crowns are custom-made caps that fit over damaged or weakened teeth. They cover the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gum line, restoring its shape, size, strength and appearance. Unlike fillings, which only fill in a portion of a tooth, crowns completely encapsulate the visible part.
Designed to match your natural teeth, modern crowns are virtually indistinguishable from surrounding teeth when properly crafted. The restoration process involves precisely removing some outer tooth structure to accommodate the crown, which then distributes bite forces evenly.
Made from various materials including porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys or combinations, crowns provide a durable solution for many dental problems. Each material offers different advantages in terms of strength, appearance and cost, allowing your dentist to recommend the best option for your specific situation.
You might benefit from a dental crown for several reasons related to both function and appearance.
If you have a weak tooth at risk of breaking, or one that's already broken or severely worn down, a crown provides essential protection and strength. Your dentist might also recommend a crown if you have a tooth with a large filling and little natural structure remaining, or to secure a dental bridge.
For cosmetic concerns, crowns can dramatically improve the appearance of teeth that are misshapen or severely discolored when whitening isn't effective. They also provide the visible portion of dental implants and protect teeth after root canal treatment when they're more susceptible to fracture.
These crowns provide the best natural color match to your existing teeth. They're particularly suitable for front teeth or for people with metal allergies. Modern ceramics are extremely strong and can be used for both front and back teeth.
These crowns combine the strength of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain. The metal base provides durability while the porcelain exterior creates a natural appearance.
Made from gold, platinum or base-metal alloys, metal crowns are the longest-lasting in terms of wear and rarely chip or break. Their main disadvantage is their metallic color, which is why they're often reserved for molars.
These modern crowns offer excellent durability and a natural appearance. They're biocompatible and less likely to cause allergic reactions.
When you invest in a dental crown, you gain numerous advantages beyond just fixing a damaged tooth. These restorations provide immediate benefits you'll notice right away as well as long-term protection for your oral health. Here are the key advantages you'll experience:
The crown placement process typically requires two visits to your dentist, with careful preparation and customization to ensure optimal results.
During your first visit, your dentist examines the tooth and takes X-rays to check the roots and surrounding bone. They remove any decay, treat infections and shape the tooth by filing it down to make room for the crown. After reshaping, the dentist takes impressions of the tooth and surrounding teeth to create your custom crown. Before you leave, they place a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth.
For your second visit, about two to three weeks later, the dentist removes the temporary crown and checks the permanent one for proper fit, color match and bite alignment. Once everything looks perfect, they permanently cement the crown in place and provide care instructions.
Some dental offices now offer same-day crowns using CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing) technology. This advanced approach allows the entire process to happen in a single appointment, eliminating the need for temporary crowns and multiple visits.
While dental crowns don't require special care beyond good oral hygiene, proper maintenance helps extend their lifespan and protect your investment.
Daily care should include brushing twice daily with a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste and flossing carefully around the crown area. Pay special attention to the crown's margins where it meets the gumline, as this area can collect plaque and potentially lead to decay of the underlying tooth.
Dietary habits also affect crown longevity. Avoid chewing hard foods or objects like ice, hard candy or pencils that might crack the crown. If you grind or clench your teeth, especially at night, ask your dentist about a custom mouthguard to protect both your natural teeth and dental restorations.
Maintain regular dental check-ups every six months so your dentist can monitor your crown's condition, check for issues at the margins and professionally clean areas that home care might miss. During these visits, they can address small problems before they become major concerns.
Our Riverview team provides expert dental crown services using advanced techniques and a friendly, personalized approach. Dr. Dani and Dr. Esterley carefully evaluate each patient to determine the best crown material and approach for your specific needs.
Visit us in Riverview: Get Directions
Our Apollo Beach location offers high-quality dental crown procedures in a comfortable and welcoming environment. We use the latest dental technology to create crowns that look natural and function perfectly.
Visit us in Apollo Beach: Get Directions
"After years of avoiding photos because of my damaged front tooth, I finally got a crown at Monaco Dentistry. Now I can't stop smiling! The crown matches my other teeth perfectly, and the whole process was so much easier than I expected." - Sarah P.
Don't let damaged teeth affect your confidence or oral health. At Monaco Dentistry, Dr. Dani and Dr. Esterley provide exceptional dental crown services using the latest techniques and materials. Our team will help you choose the right crown option for your specific needs, creating a restoration that looks natural and functions perfectly.
Learn More About Our Services or call our Riverview office at (813) 568-1112 or Apollo Beach office at (813) 567-3333 to schedule your consultation today.
On average, dental crowns last between 5 and 15 years. However, with proper care and maintenance, many crowns can last 25-30 years. Factors affecting longevity include your oral hygiene practices, habits (like teeth grinding or chewing hard objects), and the material of the crown.
The procedure itself shouldn't be painful as your dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the area. You might experience some sensitivity or discomfort after the procedure as your tooth adjusts to the new crown, but this typically subsides within a few days.
The cost varies depending on factors such as the material used, the complexity of the case, and your location. While dental crowns represent an investment in your oral health, many dental insurance plans cover at least part of the cost. At Monaco Dentistry, we offer various payment options and can help you understand your insurance coverage.
While dental crowns are designed to be permanent, they can occasionally become loose or fall off. This might happen if there's decay underneath the crown, if the cement washes out, or if you bite down on something extremely hard. If your crown feels loose or falls off, contact your dentist right away.
Modern dental crowns, especially those made from porcelain or ceramic, are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Your dentist will match the color, shape, and size to your existing teeth, making them virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.
With your temporary crown, you should avoid sticky foods like caramel or gum that might pull it off, and hard foods that could damage it. Once your permanent crown is placed, you can generally eat normally, though it's always wise to avoid excessively hard foods like ice or hard candy that can damage even natural teeth.
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