Dental Crowns – Houston, TX
Invest in a Restoration That Looks Natural
If you have a damaged tooth, your dentist may recommend a dental crown to repair it. You don't have to worry about a metal restoration being the focal point of your smile. Our office uses ceramic materials to create durable restorations that look natural. You won't think twice before showing off your pearly whites.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is the most commonly used procedure in restorative dentistry. A customized cap covers the entire surface of a tooth down to the gum line. Your dentist must reshape your tooth to allow the crown to fit over it. It is cemented in place to provide long-lasting results with the correct care, like brushing and flossing. Crowns are versatile and can be used with other procedures, like root canal therapy or dental bridges. Ceramic materials allow crowns to offer both cosmetic and restorative benefits.
The Dental Crown Process
Your dentist may use a local numbing medication to prevent any pain during preliminary procedures and while preparing your tooth. Your tooth will be reshaped before making an impression of your mouth. Your restoration will be crafted to meet your exact size, shape, and color needs. It will blend in with your natural teeth, so only a trained dental professional will know it is there. Once your restoration has been made, your dentist will bond it to your tooth using a strong dental cement. It may take a few days to get used to your crown, but in no time at all, you may forget it is there.
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Crown
A dental crown provides a tooth with a layer of protection. Often, crowns are recommended to treat severely decayed, broken, or fractured teeth. However, they can also be used to protect a tooth that has suffered significant enamel loss or is at risk of fracturing. It's not unusual for crowns to be used after a root canal to protect a tooth or along with a dental bridge to replace lost teeth.
No matter the reason, you'll enjoy a restoration that looks like your real teeth. Ceramic materials not only look natural, but they are also biocompatible. There's no risk of allergic reactions from metal sensitivities. Although they don't contain any metals, ceramic crowns are durable and can last for 5 to 15 years before needing to be replaced. You can get the most from your restoration with good oral hygiene and regular dental care.
If you need a dental crown, don't settle for less than the best. Request an appointment through our website or call our office at (281) 377-3125.
Dental Crowns FAQS
How Long Will My Crown Last?
This is entirely up to you! If your crown is brushed and flossed daily, it should easily last for a decade or more. Unlike normal fillings, the materials used will not break down in the mouth. Our practice stands behind all crowns for one year.
Why Should I Trust a Crown to Restore My Smile?
A full-coverage crown is one of the most trusted dental restorations for durability and function. A crown completely covers a tooth down to the crest of the gums. This creates a seal at the “margin” where the crown meets the tooth structure. This seal protects the tooth against any further decay.
Why Does My Tooth Need a "Build-Up?"
Often, teeth are broken down to the point that a “crown build-up” is required. By using silver amalgam, composite resin, or special cement, the remaining tooth structure can be augmented so that the crown will have a more secure hold.
Why Do I Need a Crown After a Root Canal?
After a root canal, a tooth is usually very brittle. If it is not restored with a crown, it will likely break and require extraction.
How is My Crown Made?
The process of getting a crown usually requires 2 appointments. At the first one, we will remove any decayed portion of your tooth, shape it to fit the crown, and take an impression. This will be sent to a local dental lab to fabricate your crown. This process takes about 1 to 2 weeks, so we will fit you with a temporary crown during this time.
After it is completed, you will return to our office to place your crown over your natural tooth using a small amount of dental cement. From there, your new smile will be ready for the world!
Can My Temporary Come Off?
If your temporary crown comes off, call our dental office in Houston, TX right away and we will re-cement it for you. It is important to have your temporary stay in place to ensure the fit of your permanent crown; therefore, it’s best to avoid sticky or hard foods.
Is Pain After Crown Placement Normal?
Minor discomfort and slight sensitivity are normal right after a crown has been placed. The tooth typically needs a little time to adapt. However, if the symptoms persist for more than a week, contact our office.