Dental Crowns – Mission Viejo, CA
Natural-Looking Repair for Broken or Decayed Teeth
Is one of your teeth damaged to the point that you can barely chew without discomfort? Do you have a noticeable chip or crack in your tooth that makes it difficult to smile with confidence? In either case, that tooth may benefit from a dental crown. At Palm Dentistry, we can design these restorations to fit comfortably over your tooth, making it look and feel brand-new again. We even provide same-day dental crowns in Mission Viejo, CA thanks to CEREC technology! Don’t wait to give your smile the natural-looking repair it deserves – contact us today to schedule a dental crown consultation with Dr. Sienna Palmer.
Why Choose Palm Dentistry for Dental Crowns?
- Same-Day Dental Crowns Offered
- Impressions Taken with Digital Scanner – No Messy Putty Required!
- Modern Dental Office with Relaxing Atmosphere
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is essentially a “cap” designed to fit over the entire visible section of a tooth (the part that you can see above the gumline). This incredibly versatile solution can serve a number of purposes. For example, a dental crown can:
- Repair a decayed tooth when a filling alone is not sufficient.
- Strengthen a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy.
- Shield a broken or worn-down tooth from further damage.
- Improve the appearance of a misshapen, discolored, or otherwise cosmetically flawed tooth.
- Replace a missing tooth when paired with a dental implant or used as part of a dental bridge.
In the past, dental crowns were typically made from gold, silver, or other precious metals. However, these solutions created noticeable spots in your smile and could even weaken the tooth in the long run. At Palm Dentistry, we usually make our crowns from tooth-colored ceramic, which can be customized to blend in with the rest of a patient’s grin.
The Dental Crown Process
Placing a traditional dental crown requires two appointments. The first visit entails your dentist in Mission Viejo altering the tooth to ensure the crown fits properly. Then, impressions are taken and sent to a dental lab. While the lab technicians begin crafting your crown, you wear a temporary to protect your tooth. When you return a few weeks later, your temporary is switched out for your permanent restoration.
Alternatively, you may qualify for a CEREC dental crown that we can design, create, and place in a single day. After taking digital impressions, the computer develops a model for your crown and sends it to our in-house milling machine. This machine creates the crown from a sold block of pressed ceramic. Once it’s done, we’ll make sure your crown looks and feels right before bonding it to your tooth. The whole process should only take about an hour!
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Crown
Dental crowns are one of the most common services we offer, and it isn’t hard to see why! They provide multiple benefits, including:
- They can save vulnerable teeth from becoming damaged even more, potentially saving them from having to be extracted.
- With the right oral care, they can last for a decade or longer.
- Dental ceramic is virtually indistinguishable from tooth enamel, so no one should even be able to notice that your crown isn’t a “natural” part of your smile.
- Crowns allow you to chew without discomfort.
- In many cases, dental insurance will cover a significant portion of the cost of dental crowns.
Dental Crown FAQs
Dental crowns in Mission Viejo have held a commonplace in dentistry for generations because of their versatility and durability. However, a crown is a big commitment because it alters your tooth permanently. Don't worry if you have a few concerns because Dr. Sienna Palmer will explain everything during your consultation. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions while you wait for your appointment.
Are Dental Crowns Permanent?
A dental crown isn't permanent because it needs to be replaced about every 10 years. However, the procedure isn't reversible either. Dr. Palmer must reshape your tooth to allow the restoration to fit over it. If your crown is removed, your tooth will not grow back. Therefore, it must always be covered by a restoration.
Does Getting a Dental Crown Hurt?
You don't have to worry about a painful day in the dentist’s chair because your comfort is always our top priority. Your dentist in Mission Viejo may use a local numbing agent when preparing your tooth. Although you may feel some unusual sensations or pressure, you will not have any outright pain. It's normal for your tooth to be a little tender for a couple of days after the effects of any numbing agents wear off. You can manage it with an over-the-counter pain reliever and eat soft foods until it subsides.
Can Dental Crowns Get Cavities?
Dental crowns can't get cavities, but your underlying tooth is still vulnerable to decay. Poor brushing and flossing habits can cause plaque and tartar accumulations. Bacteria in the buildup can gain access to your tooth through small cracks that form in the dental cement over time. You can maintain a cavity-free smile by brushing at least twice a day for 2 minutes. Floss every day, paying careful attention when cleaning where the crown meets the gum line. Limit how often you have sugars and starches which feed cavity-causing bacteria. Schedule a cleaning and checkup every 6 months to keep cavities away.
Can You Whiten a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns are made of stain-resistant materials, so they shouldn't discolor. However, your teeth can change color and your crown can appear stained if it is damaged. Unfortunately, a whitening treatment won't have any effect on the color of your crown because it isn't porous, like your enamel. Not to mention, whitening agents can damage the dental cement holding your crown in place, which may cause it to fall off. You can still treat tooth stains using a personalized treatment plan, like teeth whitening. Dr. Palmer can reshade your restoration to match the color of your teeth to ensure seamless results.
How Long Does a Dental Crown Last?
A dental crown can last for 5 to 15 years before needing to be replaced, but many factors affect its lifespan, like the materials used. Molars experience more wear and tear than front teeth, so crowns placed in the back can have a slightly shorter life expectancy. You can get the most from your investment by committing to your oral hygiene at home and visiting your dentist twice a year. Limit hard, crunchy, and sticky foods to ensure your crown lasts for years.