Dental Crowns | Pearland, TX, Cosmetic Dentists

Dental Crowns in Pearland, TX

Seamless Smile Restoration With Dental Crowns

Your teeth are one of the strongest parts of your body, but that doesn’t make them invulnerable. When a tooth is damaged or lost, it’s vital to your self-confidence and your oral health to repair or replace it as soon as possible. At Pearland Dental Group, our Pearland, TX, cosmetic dentists can help repair damaged teeth with dental crowns. Learn more by calling our Sugar Land dental practice at (281) 993-9900.

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns serve as protective caps fitted over natural teeth, covering the visible natural tooth structure up to the gum line. They safeguard teeth from damage while restoring their shape and function. These versatile cosmetic restorations come in various materials, like gold, porcelain, and composite. Crowns are used not only for cosmetic enhancement but also to replace missing teeth with dental implants, reinforce teeth post-root canal therapy, and stabilize dental bridges.

Benefits of Dental Crowns

Some of the many benefits of dental crowns include the following:

Protection: Dental crowns shield natural teeth from damage, preserving their structural integrity.
Versatility: Crowns can be crafted from various materials, providing options for aesthetics and durability.
Restoration: Crowns restore the shape, size, and function of damaged or decayed teeth.
Cosmetic Enhancement: Crowns improve the appearance of teeth by covering imperfections such as discoloration or misalignment.
Replacement: Crowns serve as replacement teeth for dental implants, seamlessly integrating with the natural smile.
Post-Root Canal Support: Crowns reinforce teeth weakened by root canal therapy, preventing further damage or fracture.

Types of Dental Crowns

There are numerous types of dental crowns that may be utilized to restore your smile:

Porcelain Crowns: Porcelain crowns mimic the appearance of natural teeth and are suitable for front teeth due to their aesthetic appeal.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: PFM dental crowns combine the strength of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain, suitable for both front and back teeth.
All-Ceramic Crowns: All-ceramic crowns offer excellent aesthetics and biocompatibility, making them suitable for patients with metal allergies.
Gold Crowns: Known for their durability and longevity, gold crowns are often used for back teeth due to their strength.
Zirconia Crowns: Highly durable and aesthetic, zirconia crowns are made from a tooth-colored material that blends seamlessly with natural teeth.

Candidacy for Dental Crowns

Damaged or Weakened Teeth

Individuals with teeth that are significantly damaged, weakened, or compromised due to factors such as decay, fractures, or extensive fillings may be candidates for dental crowns. Crowns can provide protection and strength for these teeth.

Good Oral Health

Candidates for permanent crowns should have a generally healthy oral cavity, including healthy gums and the absence of active gum disease. Any underlying dental issues should be addressed before receiving these restorations.

Sufficient Tooth Structure

To support dental crowns, there should be enough healthy tooth structure remaining after any necessary preparations. If tooth structure is insufficient, alternative treatments like dental implants may be considered.

Desire for Aesthetic Improvement

Individuals seeking to enhance the appearance of their smile, whether to conceal imperfections, fill gaps, or replace missing teeth, can be candidates for crowns.

Commitment to Oral Hygiene

Proper oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, are essential for the success and longevity of crowns. Candidates should be committed to maintaining good oral health.

The Dental Crown Process

Initial Visit

Before proceeding with a custom-made dental crown procedure, your Pearland cosmetic dentist will conduct an initial visit. This includes a comprehensive examination of your mouth, digital X-rays, and a discussion of your smile goals to determine the suitability of dental crowns. Any questions you have can be addressed during this visit.

Preparation

Once you and your dentist decide on the treatment, a local anesthetic is applied to numb the area. For both procedures, the affected teeth are shaped to create a base for the restoration. For implant-retained restorations, small incisions are made in the gums.

Design and Fabrication

Images and impressions of your teeth, including any shaped ones, are taken to an offsite dental laboratory as blueprints for your custom-made crown. You may receive a temporary restoration until your permanent one is ready.

Installation

Upon returning to Pearland Dental Group, your new crown will be shown to you for approval. If satisfied, the restoration is securely adhered to adjacent teeth using a special dental adhesive or secured to the dental implants.

Aftercare for Dental Crowns

To keep your crowns working well, our dentists recommend the following:

Regular Brushing: Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Pay extra attention to the gumline, ensuring thorough cleaning around the crown.
Flossing: Daily flossing is crucial to remove food particles and plaque buildup around your crown, protecting against gum issues and decay.
Antimicrobial Rinse: Incorporate an antimicrobial mouthwash in your oral hygiene routine, as recommended by your dentist, to control bacteria and enhance oral hygiene.
Avoid Hard Foods: Refrain from biting on hard objects or foods such as ice, nuts, or hard candies that could potentially damage your crown.
Limit Sugary Foods: Reducing your consumption of sugary foods and beverages can help prevent tooth decay around the restoration.
Regular Dental Visits: Schedule routine dental check-ups and cleanings to monitor the condition of your crown and maintain overall oral health.
Nightguards: If you have a tendency to grind or clench your teeth, your dentist may recommend a nightguard to protect your crown from excessive force.
Immediate Attention: If your crown becomes loose, dislodged, or damaged, contact your dentist for an emergency visit immediately to assess the situation and provide necessary repairs or replacements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dental crowns covered by insurance?

Yes, dental crowns are often covered by dental insurance, but coverage varies depending on your specific plan and the reason for the procedure. Some plans may cover a portion of the cost, while others may cover the entire expense. It’s important to check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage and any potential out-of-pocket expenses.

How long does it take to get a dental crown?

Having a dental crown made usually takes about two to three weeks, while the process of having it installed usually takes place over one to two appointments. During your initial visit, your dentist will give you a more accurate breakdown of the length of time.

How long do dental crowns last?

The longevity of dental crowns can vary depending on several factors, including the type of material used, oral hygiene, and daily wear and tear. On average, dental crowns can last anywhere from five to 15 years or more.

High-quality materials like porcelain or zirconia tend to be more durable and long-lasting. However, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene, avoid habits like teeth grinding, and follow your dentist’s aftercare recommendations to maximize the lifespan of your crowns.

Are dental crowns painful?

The placement of dental crowns is typically not painful during the procedure. Dentists typically use local anesthesia to numb the area, ensuring you don’t feel pain.

However, you may experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity after the procedure, which is generally manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. Any severe pain or persistent discomfort should be discussed with your dentist, as it may indicate an issue that needs attention.

Choose Pearland Dental Group For Lasting, Natural Looking Dental Crowns!

At our Pearland dental office, our cosmetic dentists can boost your oral health and restore your smile with lasting dental crowns. If you’re looking for restorations that effectively repair your teeth while offering cosmetic smile enhancement, contact Pearland Dental Group by dialing (281) 993-9900. You can also schedule an appointment by clicking the button below, and one of our friendly team members will get back to you shortly. We serve new and returning patients from Pearland and surrounding areas such as Fresno, Houston, Alvin, and League City, TX.