A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers a damaged tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and appearance. When a tooth is too broken down to hold a filling, a crown lets you keep your natural tooth and chew comfortably again.
At Smile Innovations of Fairfield, crowns are designed to match the color and shape of your surrounding teeth, so they blend in with your smile.
Good to know
- Visits
- Usually two, or one with a same-day CEREC crown
- Lasts
- Many years, depending on material and bite
- Insurance
- Many PPO plans cover part when a crown is needed
When is a crown recommended?
Your dentist may recommend a crown to protect or rebuild a tooth when:
- A tooth is cracked or fractured
- Decay is too large for a filling to repair
- A tooth has several old or failing fillings
- A tooth has had a root canal and needs protection
- A tooth is badly worn from grinding
- A dental implant needs a tooth on top of it
- You want to improve the shape or color of a misshapen or discolored tooth
What to expect during treatment
Getting a crown usually takes two visits. At the first visit, the tooth is numbed, any decay is removed, and the tooth is shaped so the crown can fit over it. An impression or scan is taken and a temporary crown protects the tooth while your permanent crown is made.
At the second visit, the temporary is removed and your custom crown is checked for fit, bite, and color before it is permanently cemented in place.
Same-day CEREC crowns
For many teeth, we can make and place your crown in a single visit with CEREC, right here in our office. After the tooth is prepared, a digital scan takes the place of impressions, your crown is designed on screen and milled from a solid block of ceramic in our office, and it is bonded in place before you leave. There is no temporary crown and no second appointment.
Same-day crowns aren't the right choice for every tooth. Dr. Barajas will let you know whether a same-day crown or a two-visit crown is the better fit for you.
Caring for your crown
Crowns are cared for just like natural teeth: brush twice a day, floss daily, and keep up with regular cleanings and exams. The tooth underneath can still get decay at the edge of the crown, so good home care matters. If you grind your teeth, a night guard helps protect your crowns and natural teeth.
With good care, crowns commonly last many years. Your dentist will check them at each visit.
Questions
Dental Crowns: frequently asked questions
Can I get a crown in one day?
Does getting a crown hurt?
How long does a dental crown last?
Will my crown look natural?
Is a crown covered by dental insurance?
From our blog
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Understanding the Pros, Cons, and Key Differences to Help You Choose the Right Tooth Replacement