Dental Crown

A dental crown, also known as a dental cap, is a custom-made restoration that covers the entire visible portion of a damaged, weakened, or decayed tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Dental crowns provide structural support, enhance aesthetics, and improve oral function. They can be made from porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination thereof.

Dental crowns are commonly used to protect and strengthen teeth after procedures like root canal therapy or to restore teeth with extensive decay, fractures, or cosmetic imperfections. The dentist in Los Gatos, CA, meticulously designs the crown to match natural teeth's color, texture, and translucency, ensuring a seamless and natural-looking result.

Types of Dental Crowns 

Porcelain Crowns 

Porcelain crowns, also known as all-ceramic crowns, are prized for their natural appearance and ability to blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth. Due to their lifelike translucency and color-matching capabilities, porcelain crowns are an excellent choice for front teeth and highly visible areas of the mouth. They are stain-resistant and biocompatible, making them suitable for patients with metal allergies. While they provide superior aesthetics, porcelain crowns may not be as durable as other materials and may be prone to chipping or fracture under heavy biting forces. Contact us today! 

Metal Crowns 

Metal crowns, typically made from gold alloy or other metal alloys, are renowned for their strength, durability, and longevity. These crowns are ideal for back teeth and mouth areas subjected to heavy chewing forces, as they can withstand daily wear and tear. Metal crowns require less tooth structure removal than other types of crowns and are less likely to cause wear on opposing teeth. While they demonstrate unparalleled durability, metal crowns are less aesthetic than porcelain or ceramic crowns and may not be suitable for patients concerned about appearance.  

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns 

Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns combine metal's strength with porcelain's aesthetics, providing a balance between durability and appearance. These crowns have a metal substructure covered with a layer of porcelain, providing the natural-looking appearance of porcelain crowns with the added strength and stability of metal.

PFM crowns are suitable for front and back teeth and demonstrate excellent biocompatibility and longevity. However, the metal substructure may become more visible at the gumline over time, compromising aesthetics. There is also a slight risk of porcelain chipping or fracture.  

All-Ceramic Crowns 

All-ceramic crowns are made entirely of ceramic, offering excellent aesthetics and biocompatibility. They are metal-free, making them ideal for patients with metal allergies or those seeking a more natural-looking restoration.

All-ceramic crowns are highly customizable and can be fabricated to match natural teeth's color, texture, and translucency with exceptional precision. While they may not demonstrate the same level of strength as metal crowns, advances in ceramic technology have significantly improved their durability and longevity. 

The Dental Crown Procedure 

• The process begins with a consultation with our dentist, during which your oral health is evaluated, and treatment options are discussed. If a dental crown is deemed necessary, our dentist will explain the procedure and address any concerns or questions you may have. 
• Before the crown is placed, the tooth receiving the crown must be prepared. This involves reshaping the tooth by removing a small amount of enamel to make room for the crown. Additional preparation may be necessary in cases where the tooth is severely damaged or decayed.  
• Once the tooth has been prepared, impressions (molds) of the tooth and surrounding teeth are taken. These impressions are then used as the basis for creating a custom-fitted crown that will blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. 
• Sometimes, a temporary crown may be placed over the prepared tooth while the permanent crown is fabricated. This temporary crown helps protect the tooth and maintain its function and appearance until the permanent crown is ready. 
• The impressions are sent to a dental laboratory, where skilled technicians fabricate the permanent crown according to the specifications provided by our dentist. This process typically takes about two weeks. 
• Once the permanent crown is ready, you return to the dental office for placement. Our dentist carefully checks the crown's fit, color, and appearance to ensure it meets your expectations. If any adjustments are needed, they are made at this time. 
• Once the fit is confirmed, the permanent crown is bonded to the prepared tooth using dental cement. The crown is carefully positioned and secured, ensuring a solid and durable bond. 
• After the crown is bonded, our dentist might make final adjustments to ensure proper occlusion (bite) and comfort. This may involve trimming or polishing the crown as needed. 
• Following crown placement, our dentist will provide instructions on how to care for your new crown. This typically includes practicing good oral hygiene, avoiding hard or sticky foods, and attending regular dental checkups. 

Dental crowns are versatile restorations that offer numerous benefits for patients seeking to improve their smiles' health, function, and aesthetics. Visit Orchid Dental Care at 320 Los Gatos—Saratoga Road, Los Gatos, CA 95030, or call (408) 395-8888 to learn how dental crowns can restore and enhance your teeth.