Most dentistry looks like dentistry. Our goal is to provide dentistry that is undetectable. We replace existing dental crowns and fillings with restorations that look and feel like natural teeth. Where damage to a person’s teeth is extreme and apparently beyond repair, we can use porcelain or porcelain gold crowns to make the tooth appear “as new.” A dental crown is an extremely reliable technique for repairing the most severely damaged teeth in our Plano, TX office.
Crowns are tooth caps that fully cover single teeth. These restorations can mimic the look and strength of natural teeth. In addition to crowns, we provide additional restorative dental services to patients in Plano, Texas.
Dental Crown in Plano, TX
We are renowned for the quality of our work and the fantastic changes we make for people using this technology. These treatments can correct major dental problems. They usually last 20 to 30 years, which is as close to permanent as dental treatment can get.
Before we place a crown, our office uses digital technology, including X-rays, to find dental problems. We also use this technology to determine if crowns are right for your restorative needs.
How long does it take to fit a dental crown?
Fitting a crown requires at least two visits to our office. Initially, we will remove decay, shape the tooth, and fit it with a temporary crown of either plastic or metal. We will ensure that you feel comfortable during crown treatment by numbing your treated tooth or teeth.
On your next visit, we will remove the temporary crown. Then, we will fit and adjust the final crown. Finally, we will cement the crown, and you have a new, beautiful-looking tooth.
Key benefits of dental crowns:
- Replaces missing teeth
- Offers support to misshapen teeth or badly broken teeth
- Looks completely natural
- Fixes “smile” and functional chewing problems
What can dental crowns treat?
Crown and bridgework are reliable solutions for major dental problems caused by accidents, diseases, or wear and tear. These techniques can usually correct major problems.
The material used in these repairs is either high-grade porcelain or porcelain bonded to gold. We recommend a higher grade of porcelain and gold to treat the most serious dental problems.
Dental crowns and/or dental bridges can be a long-term solution for:
- Accidental damage resulting in lost teeth
- Where teeth have broken away through excessive wear
- Old fillings breaking
- Large dental fillings
Many people have unexplained pain from filled back teeth, usually due to hairline cracks in the chewing part of the tooth. Placing crowns on these teeth relieves the pain and allows them to return to full dental function. Crowns also prevent tooth breakage.
Older fillings in front teeth can weaken the teeth and cause “appearance” problems due to staining or chipping. Porcelain crowns and bridges are suitable in cases where porcelain veneers are not.
Crowns can also prevent breakage in teeth with root canal fillings. Large dental fillings increase the risk of tooth fracture. Crowns help protect vulnerable teeth.
What type of dental crown do I need?
Types of dental crowns can include:
- Gold: Traditional crowns use gold or metal materials. These materials are highly durable. Because metal crowns are more noticeable, they are best for the molars. Still, these crowns are noticeable when you open your mouth.
- Zirconia: These crowns use zirconium dioxide, a hard and durable material. However, these crowns are costly.
- Ceramic: This material is common for same-day crowns. While you can sometimes get a crown in one day, the ceramic materials may not last as long as other options, like porcelain.
- Porcelain: This preferred material mimics your natural tooth color. Porcelain is translucent like a natural tooth, yet strong. These crowns do not cost as much as zirconia crowns.
- Porcelain Fused to Metal: PFM crowns consist of metal covered in a layer of porcelain. These crowns offer superior durability.
The cost of your dental crown treatment in our Plano, TX office depends on your crown type. Dental crown cost will also depend on your dental problems and the number of dental crowns. Many dental insurance companies will cover part of the cost of dental crown treatment.
Inlays and Onlays
When more than half of the tooth’s biting surface is damaged, our dentist often uses an inlay or onlay. These restorations are also known as partial crowns.
What are dental inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays are restorations made of porcelain, gold, or composite resin. We bond these pieces to the damaged area of the tooth. An inlay similar to a dental filling is used inside the cusp tips of the tooth. An onlay is a more substantial reconstruction, similar to the inlay. However, it extends out over one or more of the tooth’s cusps.
Traditionally, gold has been the material of choice for inlays and onlays. In recent years, however, porcelain has become increasingly popular due to its strength and color, which can match your teeth’ natural color.
How are inlays and onlays applied?
Inlays and onlays require one or two appointments to complete the procedure. During the first visit, our dentist replaces the filling or removes the damaged or decaying area of the tooth. Then, our dentist prepares the tooth for the inlay or onlay.
To ensure proper fit and bite, our dentist makes an impression of the tooth and sends it to a lab for fabrication. Our dentist will then apply a temporary sealant on the tooth and schedule the next appointment.
At the second appointment, we remove the temporary sealant. We will then make sure that the inlay or onlay fits correctly. If the fit is satisfactory, the inlay or onlay will be bonded to the tooth with a strong resin and polished to a smooth finish.
Considerations for Inlays and Onlays
Traditional fillings can reduce the strength of a natural tooth by up to 50 percent. As an alternative, inlays and onlays, can increase the strength of a tooth by up to 75 percent. We bond these restorations directly onto the tooth using special high-strength resins.
As a result, they can last from 10 to 30 years. In some cases, where the damage to the tooth is not extensive enough to merit an entire dental crown, onlays can provide a good alternative.
At-Home Instructions: How to Care for Dental Crowns
Dental crowns usually take two or three appointments to complete. In the first visit, we prepare the teeth and take molds of the mouth.
Then, we place temporary crowns to protect the teeth while the dental lab makes the custom restoration. Since the teeth will be anesthetized, the tongue, lips, and roof of the mouth may be numb. Please refrain from eating and drinking hot beverages until the numbness disappears.
Some temperature and pressure sensitivity is normal after each appointment. The sensitivity should subside a few weeks after the placement of the final restoration. You can also use pain medications as directed by our office.
How to Care for Temporary Crowns
Occasionally, a temporary crown may come off. Call us if this happens and bring the temporary dental crown to our Cedar Park, TX office so we can re-cement it. The temporary needs to stay in place, as it will prevent other teeth from moving. A loose or lost temporary can compromise the fit of your final restoration.
To keep your temporaries in place, avoid eating sticky foods (gum) and hard foods. If possible, chew on the opposite side of your mouth. Brush normally, but floss carefully. Don’t pull up on the floss, which may dislodge the temporary. Instead, pull the floss out from the side of the temporary crown.
Once you recieve your permanent crown, you can brush and floss as you would your natural teeth. We will also recommend regular dental visits so we can keep track of your new crown.
Receive a Dental Crown Today
Do you need to address tooth damage? Get an affordable dental crown in Plano, TX. Contact Texas Dental for crown treatment at 972-636-4522 or schedule a dental appointment online.