Dental Crowns: Restoring Function and Beauty to Your Smile

When a tooth becomes damaged or weakened, it’s important to restore both its function and appearance to maintain a healthy smile. Dental crowns offer a versatile solution for restoring teeth that are cracked, decayed, or misshapen. At Peninsula Dental Associates in Foster City, our expert team provides high-quality crowns that are durable, natural-looking, and customized to fit your smile perfectly.

In this blog, we’ll explain what dental crowns are, the situations where they’re needed, and how they can restore both the functionality and beauty of your teeth.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is essentially a “cap” that is placed over a damaged tooth. Crowns are custom-made to match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth, ensuring they blend seamlessly with your smile. They fully encase the visible portion of the tooth above the gumline, restoring its strength and protecting it from further damage.

Dental crowns can be made from various materials, including:

• Porcelain: Known for its natural appearance, porcelain crowns are often used on front teeth to provide a cosmetic solution.
• Ceramic: A strong, tooth-colored material that works well for both front and back teeth.
• Metal: These crowns are extremely durable and often used on molars that endure heavy chewing forces.
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM): Combines the strength of metal with the natural look of porcelain, offering both durability and aesthetics.

When Do You Need a Dental Crown?

Dental crowns are a common restorative procedure that can address several dental issues. You may need a crown if you have:

• A cracked or broken tooth: Crowns protect and restore teeth that have suffered from fractures or severe cracks.
• Severe tooth decay: If a cavity is too large for a traditional filling, a crown can cover and protect the remaining tooth structure.
• A root canal-treated tooth: After a root canal, the tooth can become brittle. A crown is often placed to reinforce and protect it from future damage.
• A misshapen or discolored tooth: Crowns can also be used for cosmetic reasons, such as covering an oddly shaped or severely discolored tooth.
• Tooth wear or erosion: Crowns are a great option for restoring teeth that have been worn down due to grinding or acid erosion.
• Dental implants: If you’ve received a dental implant to replace a missing tooth, the crown will act as the visible tooth on top of the implant.

The Dental Crown Process at Peninsula Dental Associates

At Peninsula Dental Associates, we make the crown process as comfortable and efficient as possible. Here’s what you can expect during your treatment:

1. Consultation and Exam: During your initial visit, our dentist will examine your tooth to determine if a crown is the best solution. We may take X-rays to assess the health of the tooth and surrounding bone.
2. Tooth Preparation: If a crown is needed, the tooth is prepared by removing any decay and reshaping it to fit the crown. We’ll then take impressions of your tooth, which will be used to create a custom crown that matches your natural teeth.
3. Temporary Crown: While your permanent crown is being fabricated, we’ll place a temporary crown to protect your tooth in the meantime.
4. Permanent Crown Placement: Once your custom crown is ready, you’ll return for the final appointment where the temporary crown is removed and the permanent one is securely bonded in place.
5. Final Adjustments: After placing the crown, we’ll make sure it fits perfectly, allowing you to bite and chew comfortably. Once the adjustments are made, your new crown will be polished for a natural, beautiful finish.

Benefits of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns offer several advantages, making them a popular and effective treatment for a wide range of dental issues:

• Restore Functionality: Crowns restore the strength of damaged teeth, allowing you to chew and speak properly.
• Protect Vulnerable Teeth: By covering the entire tooth, crowns protect it from further damage, decay, or infection.
• Improve Aesthetics: Crowns are custom-designed to look like natural teeth, enhancing your smile’s appearance.
• Durability: With proper care, dental crowns can last 10-15 years or even longer, making them a long-term investment in your dental health.
• Versatility: Whether for restorative or cosmetic reasons, crowns can be used in a variety of dental situations, making them one of the most versatile treatments available.

Caring for Your Dental Crowns

Caring for a dental crown is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Here are some tips to help extend the life of your crown:

• Practice good oral hygiene: Brush and floss daily to keep the surrounding teeth and gums healthy, preventing plaque buildup around the crown.
• Avoid biting hard objects: Be mindful of chewing on hard items like ice, hard candy, or pens, which could damage the crown.
• Visit your dentist regularly: Routine dental checkups and cleanings at Peninsula Dental Associates will help us monitor the health of your crown and the surrounding teeth.
• Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth: If you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding), a mouthguard can protect your crown from excessive wear and potential damage.

Why Choose Peninsula Dental Associates for Your Dental Crowns?

At Peninsula Dental Associates in Foster City, we are committed to providing personalized, high-quality dental care for every patient. Our team has extensive experience in crafting and placing custom dental crowns, ensuring a comfortable fit and natural look. Whether you need a crown to restore a damaged tooth or to enhance your smile cosmetically, we use the latest technology and materials to deliver exceptional results.

Ready to Restore Your Smile?

If you have a damaged or weakened tooth, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. A dental crown can provide the protection and aesthetic improvement you need. Contact Peninsula Dental Associates today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can restore both the function and beauty of your smile with custom dental crowns.