A porcelain crown is a custom-made cap that fits over a tooth to protect and strengthen it. Crowns can help restore teeth weakened by an injury, enamel wear, grinding and clenching, or decay. They’re also often placed after root canal therapy to give the tooth a strong, lasting surface. Porcelain offers the most natural look, and for back teeth that handle heavy chewing, gold or another metal may be recommended for extra durability.
What to Expect When You Get a Crown
The crown procedure is relatively simple and usually completed in two appointments. During the first step, the dentist will drill out decay and make an impression of the tooth. The mold is then sent to a dental lab where a technician will create the crown. The patient will be fitted with a temporary crown until the permanent one is ready. If there is a large amount of decay in the pulp of the tooth, the patient may need root canal therapy and possibly take antibiotics before receiving a permanent crown.
The second appointment will involve removing the temporary crown and bonding the permanent one into place. The patient’s bite will be evaluated with carbon paper to see if any adjustments are needed. A crown will look and function like a natural tooth. It should be noted that a crown can wear out or even loosen and fall off, requiring it to be cemented again or replaced. Those who grind their teeth are at risk for damaged crowns and should consider being fitted with a night guard to preserve dental work.
Porcelain crowns provide a natural-looking solution to damaged or unsightly teeth. Long term durability, protection from further decay and improved chewing and talking are some of the other benefits realized by patients who receive dental crowns. The Oso Marguerite Dental Team in Mission Viejo uses the latest technology to ensure crowns are attractive, durable and properly fitted for comfort. If you are interested in porcelain crowns in Mission Viejo, CA, schedule a consultation with our dental team.
Crowns and Bridges Make Your Smile Whole Again
If you’re experiencing functional problems with your tooth, or you’ve lost one or had it extracted, it may be uncomfortable to complete everyday activities like eating or even speaking. Damaged or decayed teeth often cause sensitivity and pain. Chips or cracks can make even the most confident person feel self-conscious. When a tooth is damaged, that doesn’t mean it needs to be extracted. If the tooth’s roots and interior are still healthy then the tooth is worth saving. We just may need to give it a new exterior. If you’ve got chipped teeth, cracked teeth, or broken teeth, we can make your smile whole and fully functional again with dental bridges and dental crowns in Mission Viejo, CA.
At Oso Marguerite Dental, our dentists and dental team are skilled in these restorative treatments and have the artistic eye to provide aesthetically attractive outcomes, as well as returning function to your tooth. Your new restoration, made from porcelain or ceramic materials, will blend seamlessly with your existing teeth and be strong enough to bite and chew foods comfortably once again.
Dental Crowns: Repair a Damaged Tooth
Dental crowns are fixed “caps” that cover your teeth to restore strength and beauty. We generally recommend crowns when a tooth is too damaged or decayed to be treated with bonding or composite fillings. Similarly, we can use a dental crown to preserve a tooth after root canal therapy or to restore a permanent dental implant. We’ll take impressions of your tooth, which are used by a specialized dental lab technician to design your new restoration. Then, we’ll be sure your new dental crown fits securely over your tooth and the color blends in with your surrounding teeth. The advantages of dental crowns include:
Dental Bridges: Replace a Missing Tooth
If you’ve lost a tooth, but aren’t ready to commit to a dental implant, then a dental bridge is your next best option. Dental bridges are a series of dental crowns that span the gap left after a tooth is lost or extracted. To ensure a comfortable and seamless fit, we first take impressions of the area. These will be used by experienced technicians at our partner dental lab who will hand-craft your restoration. Your dental bridge will be made from high-quality materials and color-matched to look natural alongside your existing teeth. The benefits of dental bridges include:
At Oso Marguerite Dental, our team of dentists in Mission Viejo is happy to offer same-day crown services. Our dental crowns look and feel like real teeth. They’re just as strong and durable as other dental crowns, but they’re much faster and more convenient.
What is a Dental Crown?
Everyone knows that crowns are what kings and queens wear, but what are dental crowns? Dental crowns are caps that go on top of teeth that are cracked, worn down, or damaged to improve their appearance. They restore the size, shape, and color of teeth. Crowns can be made of porcelain, ceramic, metal alloy, composite resin, or a combination of these materials.
How Do Dental Crowns Work?
At Oso Marguerite Dental, you can get your crowns done in just one visit! A 3-D image is taken of your tooth and with CAD/CAM technology, a beautiful, durable ceramic crown is created in our office so you won’t have to wait or make any return visits. It’s clean, fast, and efficient, and the crown will last for many years with proper care. We can create beautiful, long-lasting ceramic (porcelain) crowns or veneers that look and perform like a natural tooth. It’s the perfect way to restore any tooth and to have a perfect smile again.
Do Dental Crowns Hurt?
Dental crowns do not hurt. Though the procedure to place the crowns on the teeth may not be easy, the dentist will usually use an anesthetic to eliminate any pain. Afterward, there is a possibility of mild soreness or sensitivity around the site of surgery, but it should be temporary.
Dental Care for Crowns
Like real teeth, remember that dental crowns also need to be cared for daily. This includes basic oral hygiene such as brushing, flossing, and getting dental checkups. Regular teeth cleaning is important for maintaining your beautiful new smile!
If you are dealing with a chipped or broken tooth, or one that is causing you pain, don’t put off the inevitable. Schedule an appointment at Oso Marguerite Dental. Patients from around Orange County, CA, can book an appointment online to meet our team of dentists in Mission Viejo for a consultation for same-day crowns. If you have any questions, feel free to call us at (949) 682-3535.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why might I need a crown?
A crown can help in several situations. It can protect a weak tooth from breaking, restore a tooth that’s already broken, cover a tooth after a large filling, or hold a dental bridge in place. During your visit, we’ll talk through whether a crown is the right fit for you.
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What is the best way to care for my temporary dental crown?
Since a temporary crown isn’t permanently fixed in place, a little extra care goes a long way. Try to avoid very sticky or hard foods, chew on the other side of your mouth when you can, and slide floss out to the side instead of lifting it up, so the crown stays put. If your temporary crown comes loose, give Oso Marguerite Dental a call and we’ll take care of it quickly.
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Will my permanent crown require special care?
Not at all. You can care for your permanent crown just like your natural teeth. Keep brushing twice a day, floss daily, and visit Oso Marguerite Dental for regular cleanings and checkups.
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I have questions about a crown that have not been answered here. What should I do?
We’re always happy to talk more about porcelain crowns and help you choose what’s right for your oral health. If you’re looking for a porcelain crown dentist near Laguna Hills or Ladera Ranch, our Mission Viejo office is close by. Call Oso Marguerite Dental at (949) 682-3535 to schedule a consultation with one of our dentists.
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Will my crown match my natural teeth?
Yes. Porcelain crowns are color-matched to your surrounding teeth, so your new crown blends in naturally. We’ll check the shade and fit before it’s placed to make sure it looks and feels right.
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What should I do if my crown comes loose or falls off?
Call our office as soon as you can. Keep the crown in a safe place and bring it with you, since it can often be cemented back on. Until your visit, chew on the other side and avoid sticky or hard foods. If the crown is damaged or worn, we’ll talk with you about a dental crown replacement that fits comfortably and protects your tooth.
