We understand the importance of maintaining a radiant and healthy smile. Dental crowns are one of the essential services we offer to help you achieve and maintain oral health. A dental crown encases a damaged, decayed, or otherwise unsightly tooth. It improves its strength, functionality, and appearance. Crown treatments are pivotal in cosmetic and restorative dentistry. They provide solutions for various dental issues. We at Thousand Oaks Dental are ready to help you get your Dental Crowns in San Antonio.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are prosthetic devices custom-made to fit over existing teeth. They restore teeth to their original size and shape. We recommend them for broken, worn down, or decayed teeth. Crowns enhance the appearance of a tooth and safeguard the underlying structure. These durable restorations include various materials, ensuring they can withstand daily use pressures. They also blend with your natural teeth.
How Dental Crowns Can Help
Dental crowns are versatile and we can use them to address many dental concerns. They are ideal for:
- Restoring severely decayed or damaged teeth when fillings or bonding don’t suffice.
- Reinforcing teeth following root canal therapy.
- Covering dental implants.
- Anchoring a dental bridge.
- Correcting aesthetic imperfections like discoloration or misshapen teeth.
By opting for a dental crown, patients can improve the appearance of their smile. They can restore the functionality necessary for eating and speaking with confidence.
Comparing Dental Crowns to Other Procedures
It helps to weigh the benefits of dental crowns against alternative procedures. For example, we can use dental fillings for minor decay or cavities but do not offer the same strength or durability as crowns.
Veneers, another popular option, can cover only the tooth’s front surface. In contrast, crowns encase the entire tooth, offering comprehensive protection and restoration. Dental implants provide a complete tooth replacement option. They involve a more extensive procedure than crowns, which are less invasive and quicker to complete.
Options for Dental Crowns
There are several options for dental crown materials, each with its own advantages. Some of the most common types include:
- Porcelain or Ceramic Crowns: These are popular for their natural look and are especially suitable for front teeth. They are less durable than some other materials, but their aesthetic appeal makes them a favored choice.
- Metal Crowns: Made from gold or other metal alloys, these crowns are durable. We often use them for back molars, which require more strength for chewing.
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns: These crowns combine the strength of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain. They offer a balance of durability and appearance.
- Zirconia Crowns: Known for their strength and natural appearance, zirconia crowns are a modern choice that offers excellent stability with the appearance of porcelain.
Not every option will be a good match for you or your situation. Be sure to talk to Dr. Precious Thompson about your options for dental crowns.
Getting Dental Crowns in San Antonio
Getting a dental crown involves two visits to our office in most cases. During the first visit, Dr. Precious Thompson will prepare the tooth by removing decay and reshaping it to fit the crown. We take an impression of the tooth to create a custom crown that accurately matches your bite and dental anatomy. A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while the permanent one is crafted.
At your second appointment, we will remove the temporary crown and cement the new custom crown into place. Dr. Thompson ensures the crown fits comfortably and looks natural alongside your other teeth, making any necessary adjustments for an optimal outcome.
Recommended Care Tips
It is vital to follow these care tips to keep your crown in top condition:
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth twice daily and floss regularly to avoid decay at the crown margins.
- Avoid Chewing Hard Objects: Refrain from using your crowned teeth to bite on hard objects like ice or non-food items to prevent chipping.
- Regular Dental Check-Ups: Routine visits to Thousand Oaks Dental will ensure your crown remains in excellent condition and address any issues early.
- Wear a Night Guard: If you grind your teeth at night, a night guard can protect your crown from excessive wear.
Why Choose Thousand Oaks Dental?
Thousand Oaks Dental is dedicated to providing high-quality dental care in a friendly and welcoming environment. With years of experience and a commitment to patient satisfaction, Dr. Precious Thompson and her team utilize the latest advancements in dental technology to deliver exceptional results. Whether you need a dental crown or are exploring other dental services, Dr. Thompson’s personalized approach ensures that every patient’s unique needs and preferences are met with care and precision. If you are looking to get dental crowns in San Antonio, Thousand Oaks Dental is the way to go for you and your family’s care. Contact us today to discover how we can help you keep your smile strong.