A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a natural tooth or dental implant. Crowns cover a tooth down to the gumline and are used to restore broken-down teeth or replace missing teeth. They can also be used for cosmetic purposes to change the length, shape, or color of a tooth for a more aesthetic appearance. At Odesk Dental Care in Long Beach, CA, Dr. Robert Jackson specializes in designing and placing durable, aesthetic dental crowns that function like natural teeth.
Benefits of Our Dental Crowns
Dr. Jackson collaborates with a high-tech lab that fabricates crowns from a variety of high-quality materials according to his exact specifications. The material chosen for each crown is based on what will work best for your situation, ensuring that crowns visible in your smile look natural and blend seamlessly with your other teeth.
Types of Crowns:
- Porcelain Crowns: Ideal for front teeth, offering translucence similar to natural teeth.
- Ceramic Crowns: Durable and aesthetic, suitable for areas requiring extra strength.
- Porcelain Fused to Metal Crowns: Typically used for rear teeth, combining strength and aesthetics.
- Gold Crowns: Available for rear teeth, offering durability.
Dental Crowns Procedure Details
Dr. Jackson follows a meticulous process to ensure your crown fits comfortably and aligns properly with your bite.
The Procedure:
- Preparation: Dr. Jackson removes just enough tooth structure for the crown to fit over it. An impression of the teeth and bite is taken for the lab to use in fabricating the crown.
- Temporary Crown: An aesthetic and lifelike temporary crown is created and placed while the permanent crown is being made.
- Final Crown: The lab creates the final crown according to Dr. Jackson’s instructions. He makes any necessary adjustments to ensure it fits comfortably, matches your other teeth, and aligns properly with your bite. The crown is then permanently bonded using the best cement on the market.
Inlays and Onlays – “Partial Coverage” Crowns
For damage that is too extensive for a filling but does not require a full crown, Dr. Jackson can place “partial coverage” restorations.
- Inlays: Fit in the grooves between the cusps of the tooth.
- Onlays: Fit over one or more cusps.
These can be made from the same high-quality porcelains used for full crowns or from gold. Dr. Jackson will explain the pros and cons of each option to help you make an informed choice.
What Crowns Are Used For
Crowns are mainly used for the following purposes:
- Protecting and repairing a damaged or decayed tooth
- Covering and protecting a tooth from future fracture after root canal therapy
- Cosmetically correcting a discolored or misshapen tooth
- Correcting bite misalignment
- Serving as a replacement tooth secured onto a dental implant
Dental Crowns FAQs
What are the Benefits of a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns are a popular solution for decaying, cracked, chipped, crooked, or discolored teeth. They preserve the tooth’s functionality and enhance its appearance. Crowns are custom-made to match the color and size of your other teeth, typically lasting between five and 15 years. They prevent bacteria from entering the tooth, minimizing future problems. Crowns are made from materials that mimic real teeth, ensuring they feel normal and do not damage natural teeth when you bite.
What are My Choices in Dental Crowns?
Crowns come in a variety of materials:
- Porcelain Crowns: Durable and aesthetic.
- Ceramic Crowns: Frequently used for front teeth.
- Metal Crowns: Best for molars due to their strength and durability.
- Resin Crowns: Less expensive but with a shorter lifespan.
Dr. Jackson will recommend the best type of crown for your situation.
Will I Need Crowns for a Dental Bridge?
Crowns are often used to anchor dental bridges securely in your mouth. While some patients opt for attaching a bridge to dental implants, crowns are a lower-cost alternative that can be completed quickly. Dental bridges cover gaps in your mouth with one or more false teeth and come in various types, such as cantilever, conventional fixed, and resin-bonded bridges.
Learn More About Dental Crowns
Are you wondering if a dental crown is right for you? Consult with Dr. Robert Jackson at Odesk Dental Care in Long Beach, CA. Schedule an appointment by calling or emailing our office today to explore the benefits of dental crowns and find the best solution for your dental needs.