An Essential Restoration for Decayed or Damaged Teeth

Your tooth enamel is the hardest material in your body. Even so, this doesn't mean your smile is indestructible. Not only can your teeth still be vulnerable to damage or decay, but they also won't be able to grow back on their own like your bone tissue. If left untreated, a compromised smile can worsen over time and cause further complications like tooth loss and infection. Fortunately, our team can effectively restore decayed or damaged teeth with dental crowns in Tustin! With these durable and long-lasting caps, you'll be able to enjoy the look and function of your pearly whites again. Read along or give us a call today if you wish to learn more.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is used to extend the lifespan and function of a damaged tooth. You will also hear them referred to as tooth caps because they cover and conceal the entire tooth.

Some cases where Dr. Zhang might recommend a crown are:

• Protect teeth that are broken or those with large fillings from fracturing.
• Restore the appearance and function of a dental implant.
• Support a tooth weakened by root canal therapy.
• Improve a tooth's appearance by concealing aesthetic flaws.

The Dental Crown Process

Dental crowns typically take a couple of appointments to complete. You'll first undergo an initial consultation where our team will assess your situation to determine if this is the best treatment option for you. Once we've concluded that it is, we'll begin preparing your tooth. We'll be sure to numb your mouth before we proceed to remove a small layer of the enamel to create room for your dental crown. Impressions of your teeth and gums will be taken and sent to a dental laboratory for fabrication.

Since the construction can take about two weeks, we'll fit you with a temporary crown to protect your exposed tooth. After your permanent restoration arrives, you'll be called back into our practice. Our team will take off your temporary one and replace it with your final crown. Before you leave, we'll verify that your restoration feels comfortable and that you're satisfied with the results. Then, you'll be free to show off your beautifully renewed smile!

The Benefits of Getting a Dental Crown

With dental crowns, you can expect to enjoy a wide range of benefits, including:

• Protection against future decay and possible infection
• Preserve damaged teeth from serious issues and eventual extraction
• Regained capacity to eat, bite, and speak confidently and comfortably
• High-quality and long-lasting materials to ensure a natural bite for many years
• Enhance the look and function of a compromised tooth

Dental Crown FAQs

Even after your dentist has explained the benefits of a dental crown, you might find that you still have some questions or concerns. Our team will gladly walk you through the entire process during your initial consultation so that you know what to expect, and you can always reach out to us if there's anything you want to ask. Below are the answers to a few of the most common questions that patients have asked us about dental crowns in the past.

How Long Will My Dental Crown Last?

The materials used to make dental crowns are very durable and can easily withstand years of the same biting and chewing that your natural teeth have to endure every day. The average lifespan of a dental crown is estimated to be around 10 years. That said, many patients are able to keep their crowns for decades at a time simply by giving them proper maintenance.

If you want your dental crown to last, be sure to:

• Brush and floss twice a day at home.
• Visit our office two times a year for routine cleanings.
• Limit your consumption of sticky or hard foods.
• Drop bad habits that can damage crowns, such as using your teeth as tools.

What Should I Do If My Crown Falls Off?

It's normal for older crowns to fall off eventually, so don't be alarmed if it happens. Your tooth won't be in immediate danger, but you should make an appointment with us as soon as possible; waiting too long could lead to an infection or further damage. Keep the crown in a safe place so that you can bring it with you to your appointment. Make sure the area around the exposed tooth stays clean, and don't chew with it until it has been treated.

Do Dental Crowns Get Cavities?

Dental crowns are not made out of enamel, so they don't get cavities the way your natural teeth can. However, teeth covered by crowns can still suffer from decay. Bacteria can form around the gumline where the crown meets the tooth. If they slip underneath the crown, they can eventually cause a cavity. Luckily, you can continue to protect your smile from cavities by brushing and flossing like you normally would. When brushing, be sure not to overlook the gum line, and remember to clean every side of the crown.

Are Dental Crowns Covered by Insurance?

Most dental insurance plans will at least partially cover dental crowns. Most of the time they're considered a major procedure, which means coverage is usually at 50% once you've met your deductible (and before you've met your annual maximum). Bear in mind, though, that insurance will only pay for crowns that are considered necessary for maintaining your oral health. If you get a crown for purely cosmetic reasons, your insurance company might not be willing to pay for it. Review your coverage beforehand so that you have a firm idea of how much you'll need to pay out of pocket for your crown.