Dental Crowns
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Dental Crowns in Bakersfield, CA
Dental crowns have long been a solution to restore the appearance and function of a damaged tooth. These tooth-shaped caps help restore your teeth and improve your smile. At Bella Risa Dental, we provide dental crowns to patients in Bakersfield, CA. Our dental office uses the most modern technology available and employs the highest standards to ensure exceptional results.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a tooth to cover it and restore its shape and size, strength and improve its appearance. Instead of smaller fillings that patch up a tooth, crowns encapsulate all remaining enamel and cover it up to the gumlines. They’re almost like a shell or helmet that goes over your tooth, sealing it completely inside. Crowns are designed to match the rest of the teeth and provide an attractive and functional solution.
A dental crown can be made from various materials, including metal, stainless steel, ceramic, composite resin, porcelain fused to metal, or porcelain. Several factors determine which type of crown is needed, including how damaged the tooth is and where it’s located inside the mouth. Our dentist, Dr. Iliana Hernandez Infante, DDS, will determine the type of crown that best fits your needs.
What Kinds of Dental Conditions are Treated with Crowns?
You may need a tooth cap for several reasons, including:
- Protect a weak tooth from decay, breaks, or cracks
- Restore a broken tooth or a severely worn-down tooth
- Cover and support a tooth with a large filling when little natural tooth structure remains
- Hold a dental bridge in place
- To make a cosmetic modification
- To cover misshapen or severely discolored teeth.
- To cover a dental implant
- To cover a tooth that has undergone a root canal (especially posterior teeth)
Does Dental Crown Treatment Hurt?
Getting a crown is not a painful experience, because we will anesthetize (numb) the tooth and the gum tissue around the tooth. Most patients usually feel mild discomfort and a bit of tenderness for 24-48 hours after treatment, but this can be controlled with over-the-counter pain medications.
How Long Does a Dental Crown Appointment Take?
The dental crown procedure requires two visits to the dentist. Here are the steps involved:
- Preparation: This step typically takes 50 to 90 minutes to complete. We will take a few X-rays to check the roots of the tooth receiving the crown and surrounding bone. Dr. Iliana Hernandez Infante, DDS, will then remove any decay if present and measure your tooth’s outer portion to ensure the crown will fit properly and precisely. We will take an impression of your tooth and send the mold to the lab for crown fabrication – the process usually takes less than two weeks. We’ll place a temporary crown to protect your tooth while the permanent crown is made.
- Receiving the permanent crown: Once the permanent crown is ready, you’ll come in for your second appointment. We’ll remove the temporary crown and check the fit and color of the permanent crown, making any necessary adjustments. If everything is okay, we’ll cement the crown into place. This step usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
How Long Do Tooth Caps Last?
On average, dental crowns can often last for up to 15 years or more with the right aftercare. You don’t actually need any special treatments to look after your crown unless it becomes damaged, and you can usually treat it just as you would a natural tooth. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily will help maintain the crown’s condition and your overall oral health. You should continue to attend regular dental check-up appointments with Dr. Iliana Hernandez Infante, DDS.
Dental Crown Cost
The cost of dental crowns varies depending on several factors, including the type of crown you choose, but dental insurance typically covers the cost.
Ready to Start the Dental Crown Process?
If you have a damaged tooth and feel that a crown would improve how confident you feel about your smile, the team here at Bella Risa Dental can help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.