When You Might Need a Crown
After Root Canal Treatment
Root canals remove the infected pulp from inside your tooth, which eliminates pain but also makes the tooth more brittle. A crown protects the treated tooth from fracturing when you bite down on hard foods.
Large Fillings That Keep Failing
When a filling takes up more than half of your tooth’s surface, the remaining structure becomes vulnerable to cracks. Dental crowns in Yuma surround the entire tooth, distributing biting forces evenly and preventing those frustrating breaks that keep bringing you back to the dentist.
Severe Tooth Decay
Sometimes decay damages so much of a tooth that a filling won’t hold. A crown allows us to preserve your natural tooth root while rebuilding everything above the gum line.
Cracked or Broken Teeth
Whether you bit down on something hard or suffered an accident, a crown can repair a damaged tooth and prevent the crack from spreading deeper. Acting quickly saves you from potentially needing an extraction later.
Types of Crown Materials
Porcelain crowns match your natural tooth color perfectly and work beautifully for front teeth, where appearance matters most. The ceramic material reflects light just like real enamel, making it nearly impossible to spot the restoration.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns combine the strength of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain. The metal substructure provides durability while the porcelain outer layer maintains a natural look. These work well for back teeth that need extra strength but still show when you smile.
Gold and metal alloy crowns offer exceptional durability and require less tooth removal during preparation. While they don’t match your tooth color, many patients choose them for rear molars where strength outweighs cosmetic concerns. These crowns can last decades with proper care.
Zirconia crowns represent a newer option that delivers both strength and aesthetics. This material resists chipping and works well throughout your mouth, though it costs more than traditional porcelain.
The Crown Procedure
Your first appointment involves preparing the tooth and taking impressions. Dr. Ryan Kent will remove any decay and shape your tooth so the crown fits properly. This shaping creates room for the crown while leaving enough healthy tooth structure to support it.
We take detailed impressions or digital scans that capture the exact dimensions of your prepared tooth and its relationship to surrounding teeth. These measurements go to a dental lab where skilled technicians craft your custom crown. You’ll wear a temporary crown while the lab completes your permanent restoration, usually within 2-3 weeks.
During your second visit, we remove the temporary crown and check how the permanent one fits. We’ll make sure it doesn’t interfere with your bite and that you can floss normally around it. Once everything looks perfect, we cement the crown permanently onto your tooth.
Caring for Your Crown
Crowns need the same daily attention as your natural teeth. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss around the crown every day. Pay special attention to where the crown meets your gum line, since plaque can still cause decay in the remaining natural tooth structure underneath.
Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or other extremely hard objects that could crack the porcelain. If you grind your teeth at night, ask us about a nightguard to protect both your crowns and natural teeth from excessive wear.
Your crown should last 10-15 years or longer with proper care. Regular dental visits allow us to check for any issues like loose cement or gum recession around the crown. Catching small problems early prevents bigger ones from developing.
Making Your Crown Investment Count
The cost of a crown reflects the custom fabrication, quality materials, and expertise required to create a restoration that functions properly and looks natural. While the upfront expense seems significant, a well-made crown prevents extraction and more costly treatments like implants or bridges.
Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of crown costs when the procedure is medically necessary rather than purely cosmetic. Our team can review your benefits and explain what you’ll owe out of pocket.
Dental Crowns in Yuma
Don’t let a damaged tooth continue deteriorating until it breaks beyond repair. Dental crowns restore your tooth’s strength and function while protecting what remains of your natural structure. Contact Avenue B Dentistry today to discuss whether a crown is the right solution for your dental concerns. We’ll examine your tooth, explain your options, and help you make an informed decision about your oral health.