Achieve a Healthier, More Beautiful Smile with Our Dentist!
Living with weak or damaged teeth can affect your health. At AZ Implant and Denture Center, our Sun City West dental team offers customized solutions to help you get your oral health back on track.
At our local dental office, our dentist offers dental crowns to meet your oral health needs. Learn more about dental crowns and discover if this solution is the right fit for your smile by calling (623) 214-7898!
Choosing Dr. Cooper for Your Dental Care
As an experienced board-certified dentist who continually educates himself in the field, Dr. Cooper has helped countless patients achieve beautiful smiles. He was fortunate enough to start his career at the beginning of implant dentistry in the U.S. and train with Dr. Per-Ingvar Brånemark, who is regarded as the “father of modern dental implantology.”
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns, also known as caps or tooth crowns, are prosthetics placed over damaged or decayed teeth, restoring their function, shape, and appearance. A dental crown is custom-made to fit over the entire tooth, from the gum line to the chewing surface, and is made of porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of the materials.
A dental crown can also be used on top of a dental implant, to support a dental bridge, or as a cosmetic solution to improve the appearance of teeth.
Why Do I Need a Dental Crown?
Our Sun City West 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.
- Topping a Dental Implant: A dental crown is often used to cover the implant, creating a natural-looking tooth replacement.
- Supporting a Dental Bridge: A crown can support a dental bridge, which is used to replace missing teeth.
- Improving Tooth Appearance: Dental crowns can be used as a cosmetic solution to improve the appearance of misshapen, discolored, or poorly spaced teeth.
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
Dental Crown Benefits
Some of the benefits of dental crowns include:
- Tooth Protection: A dental crown can help protect a weak or damaged tooth from further damage or decay.
- Restoration of Damaged Teeth: Dental crowns can restore the function and appearance of damaged teeth.
- Durable: Dental crowns are strong and durable, and they can last for many years with proper crown care.
- Versatility: A dental crown can be used for many dental problems, from restoring a broken tooth to covering a dental implant.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: Dental crowns can be made to 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 Sun City West dentist today to schedule your consultation!
Types of Dental Crowns
There are various types of dental crowns, ensuring that each patient receives the solution they need to restore their smile. Our board-certified dentist in Sun City West will go over 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, as metal crowns rarely chip. 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 that is 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 the use of temporary crowns while waiting for the permanent crown to be fabricated in a dental lab.
The Dental Crown Procedure
Your Initial Consultation
Our board-certified dentist will examine the tooth to determine if it needs a crown or if other treatment options are better suited. X-rays might be taken to check the roots of the tooth and surrounding bone.
First Visit
- Preparation: You’ll return to our dentist’s office, where we’ll begin by numbing 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.
- 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. Dr. Cooper 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. We 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.
You’ll want to avoid hard foods and not using the crowned tooth as a tool (e.g., to open packages) will help prolong the life of the crown.
Dental Crown Costs
The cost of your dental crown can vary between $500 and $3,500. Factors that affect your treatment costs include:
- Material used
- Location of the tooth
- Complexity of the dental crown procedure
- Dental office location
- Experience of your dentist
Dental insurance often provides coverage for dental crowns when they’re necessary for your oral health. If you have any questions about insurance coverage or financing options, contact our dental office today at (623) 214-7898.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, dental crowns can last anywhere from five to 15 years or even longer with proper care. The lifespan of your dental crown will depend on various factors, such as the material used, your oral hygiene routine, and the amount of wear and tear the crown is subjected to.
Getting a dental crown should not be painful, as the procedure is usually performed with a local anesthetic. Some patients may experience some discomfort or sensitivity during or after the procedure.
Generally, it takes two dental visits to complete the dental crown placement process. The total time it takes to place a dental crown on a tooth can vary depending on the specific case and the dentist’s technique. Your dentist will provide a treatment timeline at your initial consultation.
Discover if Dental Crowns Are Right for You
Dental crowns are a popular and effective way to restore damaged or decayed teeth. Contact our Sun City West dental office at (623) 214-7898 today to schedule a consultation with our dentist. We’ll get your oral health back on track and help you achieve a beautiful smile in no time.
At AZ Implant and Denture Center, we strive to ensure everyone can get dental care. If you’re unable to travel, let us come to you. We can arrange for your transportation or send a professional to your house or nursing home for a free consultation. We’re also a handicap-accessible dental office
