Dental Crowns in Riverbank, CA

Dental Crowns Can Give You a Beautiful Smile

Dental crowns restore damaged or decayed teeth, helping countless patients achieve beautiful, healthy smiles. Crowns dental can be made from various materials, including all-resin and metal, and are custom-made to fit each patient’s unique needs.

At our Riverbank, CA dental office, our dentists offer dental crowns to meet your oral health needs. Learn more about dental crowns and discover if this solution suits your smile by calling (209) 869-4505!

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns, also known as caps or tooth crowns, are prosthetic devices placed over damaged or decayed teeth to restore their function, shape, and appearance. They’re custom-made to fit over the entire tooth, from the gum line to the chewing surface, and are made of porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of these materials.

Certain crown materials can impact the health of opposing teeth; for example, zirconia in all-ceramic crowns is gentle on them, while porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns can cause wear on the enamel of these adjacent teeth over time.

A dental crown can also be used on top of a dental implant, to support a dental bridge, or act as a cosmetic solution to improve the appearance of teeth.

When Is a Dental Crown Necessary?

There are multiple dental issues that a crown can fix. Our Riverbank, CA, dentist may recommend a dental crown for various reasons, including:

• Protecting a Weak Tooth: If a tooth has been weakened by decay, a large filling, or a root canal, a dental crown can provide additional support and prevent the tooth from breaking.
• Restoring a Broken or Damaged Tooth: A dental crown can be used to restore a tooth that has been broken, cracked, or severely worn down.
• Covering a Dental Implant: After a dental implant is placed, a dental crown is often used to cover the implant and create a natural-looking tooth replacement.
• Supporting a Dental Bridge: A crown can support a dental bridge, which replaces missing teeth.
• Improving the Appearance of a Tooth: Dental crowns can be used as a cosmetic solution to improve the appearance of misshapen, discolored, or poorly spaced teeth.
• Restoring Root-Filled Teeth: Crowns are essential for root-filled teeth, often requiring post crowns and core builds to restore structure and provide stability.

Signs You Need Dental Crowns

Some signs that you may need a dental crown include:

• Tooth pain or sensitivity
• A cracked or chipped tooth
• A large filling that needs to be replaced
• A tooth that has had a root canal
• A tooth that’s misshapen or discolored

Benefits of Dental Crowns

Some of the benefits of dental crowns include:

• Protection: Dental crowns can help protect weak or damaged teeth from further damage or decay.
• Restoration: Dental crowns can restore the function and appearance of damaged teeth.
• Durability: Dental crowns are strong and durable, and can last many years with proper care.
• Versatility: Dental crowns can be used for various dental problems, from restoring a broken tooth to covering a dental implant.
• Aesthetics: Dental crowns can match the color and shape of your natural teeth, creating a natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing result.

If you’re wondering how dental crowns may benefit you, contact our Riverbank, CA dentist today to schedule your next appointment!

Types of Dental Crowns

There are several types of dental crowns available, each designed to address specific dental needs and preferences. Understanding the different types can help you make an informed decision about your dental care.

• Full Crown: A full crown covers the entire tooth, from the gum line to the chewing surface. This type of crown is ideal for teeth that are extensively damaged or decayed, providing complete protection and restoration.
• Onlay: An onlay is a partial crown that covers only a portion of the tooth, typically the chewing surface. Onlays are used when the damage is not extensive enough to require a full crown but still needs more coverage than a filling can provide.
• 3/4 Crown: A 3/4 crown covers three-quarters of the tooth, leaving a small portion of the natural tooth structure exposed. This type of crown is a good option when preserving as much of the natural tooth as possible is a priority.
• Temporary Crown: A temporary crown is a provisional crown made of acrylic or composite resin. It protects the prepared tooth while the permanent crown is being fabricated. Temporary crowns are essential for maintaining the tooth’s function and appearance during the interim period.
• Stainless Steel Crown: A stainless steel crown is a prefabricated crown made of stainless steel. These crowns are often used for children’s teeth or as a temporary solution for adults. Stainless steel crowns are durable and cost-effective, making them a practical choice in certain situations.

Types of Dental Crowns*

There are various dental crown types, ensuring each patient receives the solution they need to restore their smile. Our Riverbank, CA dentist will review your options and recommend the best choice for your dental health.

Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns are made of a tooth-colored material that can be matched to the shade of your natural teeth, making them a popular choice for front teeth. They’re biocompatible and produce a natural, lifelike appearance.

Metal Crowns

Metal crowns are made of gold, nickel, or other metal alloys. They’re extremely durable, can withstand heavy biting forces, and last a long time. Metal crowns rarely chip or break, emphasizing longevity and minimal enamel removal. However, their metallic color makes them less popular for front teeth.

Porcelain-fused-to-Metal Crowns (PFM)

PFM crowns are made by fusing a metal base with a porcelain coating, providing the strength of the metal and the aesthetics of the porcelain. They can be used for both front and back teeth.

Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia crowns are made of a durable, biocompatible material resistant to chipping and cracking. They can be matched to the color of your natural teeth and are an ideal option for back teeth.

Same-Day Crowns

Same-day crowns, also known as CEREC crowns, are a type of dental crown that can be fabricated and placed in a single dental visit. This is in contrast to traditional dental crowns, which typically require multiple appointments and temporary crowns while waiting for the permanent crown to be fabricated in a dental lab.

*Bell Family Dentistry may not offer all crown options. Contact our Riverbank office at (209) 869-4505 to confirm your dental crown options.

Dental Crown Materials

Dental crowns can be crafted from various materials, each offering distinct advantages. The choice of material can affect the crown’s appearance, durability, and suitability for different dental needs.

• Porcelain: Porcelain crowns are made from ceramic materials and are renowned for their natural appearance and durability. They can be color-matched to your natural teeth, making them an excellent choice for front teeth.
• Metal: Metal crowns, made from gold, silver, or other metal alloys, are known for their strength and durability. They are often used for back teeth where the metallic color is less noticeable, and their ability to withstand heavy biting forces is crucial.
• Resin: Resin crowns are made from composite resin and are typically used for temporary crowns or teeth not subject to heavy chewing forces. While they are less durable than other materials, they are a cost-effective option for short-term use.
• Ceramic: Ceramic crowns are similar to porcelain crowns in that they offer a natural appearance and durability. They’re popular for front and back teeth due to their aesthetic appeal and strength.
• Gold-Alloy: Gold-alloy crowns are made from a combination of gold and other metal alloys. These crowns are highly durable and are often used for back teeth where their strength can be most beneficial.

Dental Implant Crowns

A dental implant crown is a specialized type of crown attached to a dental implant rather than a natural tooth. Dental implant crowns replace missing teeth, providing a permanent and natural-looking solution.

Dental implant crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain, metal, and ceramic. The choice of material will depend on factors such as the location of the implant, the patient’s aesthetic preferences, and the need for durability. Porcelain and ceramic crowns are often chosen for their natural appearance, while metal crowns are selected for their strength and longevity.

Getting a dental implant crown involves placing a dental implant into the jawbone, allowing it to integrate with the bone, and then attaching the crown to the implant. This creates a stable and secure replacement that functions like a natural tooth.

The Dental Crown Procedure

Consultation and Planning

• The dentist will examine the tooth to determine if it needs a crown or if there are other treatment options.
• X-rays might be taken to check the roots of the tooth and surrounding bone.

First Visit

• Preparation: The dentist will numb the tooth and surrounding gum tissue using a local anesthetic. The tooth is then reshaped along the chewing surface and sides to make room for the crown. The amount of tooth that needs to be removed will depend on the type of crown material.
• Impression: After reshaping, an impression of the tooth is created to ensure a proper fit and bite for the crown. This may be done traditionally using a mold or digitally with intraoral scanners.
• Temporary Crown: A temporary crown is placed to protect the prepared tooth while the permanent crown is created. It’s generally made from acrylic and is temporarily cemented in place.

Second Visit

• Permanent Crown Fitting: The temporary crown is removed. The dentist will place the new crown on the tooth to check its fit and color. If everything is acceptable, the tooth is cleaned and the new crown is permanently cemented in place.
• Adjustments: Bite adjustments might be made to ensure a proper fit. The dentist may ask you to bite down several times to verify the fit and adjust as necessary.

Aftercare and Follow-up

• It's not uncommon to experience some sensitivity or mild discomfort after the procedure, especially after the anesthesia wears off. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be helpful.
• Oral hygiene is crucial. Proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups will ensure the longevity of your new crown.
• Avoiding hard foods and not using the crowned tooth as a tool (e.g., to open packages) will help prolong the life of the crown.

Cost and Insurance

The cost of a dental crown can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of crown, the material used, and the location of the dentist. On average, the cost of a dental crown can range from $500 to $2,000 or more per crown.

Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of a dental crown, but the amount of coverage can vary depending on the plan. It’s important to check with your insurance provider to determine the extent of your coverage. Some plans may cover a higher percentage of the cost for certain crowns or materials, while others may have specific limitations or exclusions.

To get an accurate estimate of the cost of your dental crown and understand your insurance coverage, it’s best to consult your dentist and insurance provider. They can provide detailed information about the costs and help you navigate the insurance process to maximize your benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Discover if Dental Crowns Are Right for You

Dental crowns are a popular and effective way to restore damaged or decayed teeth. Contact our Riverbank, CA dental office at (209) 869-4505 today to schedule a consultation with our dentists. They’ll evaluate your oral health and recommend the best treatment for you.