Dental crowns are caps that fully cover and protect single teeth. Crowns can cover chipped, cracked, decayed, and worn teeth. We use dental crowns made of porcelain that blend in with natural teeth to ensure patients have a seamless smile. Dr. Ariosto Rosado provides same-day dental crown treatment in Port Charlotte, FL. Unlike traditional restorative dental treatments, same-day crowns have no downtime or follow-up appointments.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Crowns?
Tooth crowns offer many advantages for patients who need to restore one or more teeth. Dental crowns can:
- Prevent further tooth damage
- Look like natural teeth
- Improve bite function
- Feel like natural teeth
There are many uses for crowns. Tooth crowns can:
- Cover a dental implant
- Secure a traditional dental bridge
- Protect worn and weakened teeth
If you have tooth damage or wear and need to protect one or more teeth, contact us for a consultation. We can create a custom and durable dental crown for you.
Same-Day Crowns with Planmeca
Sun Smile Dentistry uses the most up-to-date tools and technology to complete our dental services. For our crowns, we use the Planmeca CAD/CAM, or computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing. We can design, create, and place custom dental crowns during a single visit using CAD/CAM and Planmeca software.
First, we prepare the tooth receiving the crown by removing enough tooth structure to allow for a stable placement. Preparing teeth removes infection or decay and enables a comfortable fit between adjacent teeth. We will also color-match the tooth to ensure it matches the porcelain materials.
Then, we use a digital scanner to get a complete image of your smile. We do not need to use messy and uncomfortable putty to take impressions of your teeth. Our digital scanner is connected to a computer, which generates a 3-dimensional image of your teeth and gums. Using Planmeca software, we can add a crown to the 3-D image, planning the crown’s size, shape, and appearance.
Once we have the 3-D image of the crown, we use our in-house milling unit to create it. When the crowns are complete, we ensure they fit properly and adjust as needed. Finally, we cement the crown in place. We use Planmeca CAD/CAM for single dental crowns, crown-capped dental implants that replace single missing teeth, and dental bridges that use crown-capped natural teeth for support.
What are Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays, also known as partial crowns, are restorations that cover a smaller portion of teeth than traditional dental crowns. While inlays cover the tooth’s surface within the cusps or sides of the tooth, onlays cover the top of the tooth, including the tooth’s sides.
Like dental crowns, inlays and onlays are separate pieces we cement onto prepared teeth. We will recommend inlays and onlays for patients with tooth damage on their chewing surfaces but who do not require a full crown to protect their teeth.
Protect Your Smile
Call Sun Smile Dentistry today at 941-629-4311. You can also request a dental appointment with Dr. Rosado on our website. Please let us know at your next visit if you have any questions about the dental crown process or if full or partial crowns are right.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do crowns last on teeth?
Dental crowns are a popular solution for restoring the strength, functionality, and appearance of damaged teeth. But how long can you expect these crowns to last? While the lifespan of a dental crown can vary depending on several factors, on average, they can last between 5 and 15 years. Some crowns can even last up to 25 years or more with proper care and maintenance.
The longevity of a dental crown depends on the material used, the wear and tear it is exposed to, and your oral hygiene practices. For instance, crowns made from porcelain fused to metal or all-ceramic can be more prone to chipping than metal crowns. However, they are often preferred for their natural appearance.
Remember, while crowns are durable, they are not invincible. Just like natural teeth, they can be damaged by habits such as teeth grinding, nail-biting, or chewing on hard objects. Good oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and a healthy lifestyle can help extend the lifespan of your dental crowns.
What is the downside of crowns on teeth?
While dental crowns come with numerous benefits, like any medical procedure, they also have potential downsides. It’s important to weigh these against the benefits when considering this treatment.
One potential downside is that the preparation process for a crown often requires a significant amount of the tooth structure to be removed. This can weaken the remaining tooth and make it more susceptible to decay if not properly cared for.
Another potential downside is sensitivity or discomfort following the procedure. Some patients may experience sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures after getting a crown. This is usually temporary and subsides within a few weeks.
Finally, while dental crowns are designed to be durable, they are not indestructible. They can chip, break, or come loose, particularly if you have habits such as grinding your teeth or chewing on hard foods.
What are the three types of dental crowns?
There are primarily three types of dental crowns available: metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), and all-ceramic or all-porcelain.
Metal crowns, made of gold, nickel, chromium, or other alloys, are known for their durability and long life. They are highly resistant to wear and tear and rarely chip or break. However, their metallic color makes them more noticeable, and they are typically used for out-of-sight molars.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns offer a more natural look as they can be color-matched to your adjacent teeth. However, they are not as durable as metal crowns and can wear down the opposing teeth over time. Sometimes, the metal under the crown’s porcelain cap can show through as a dark line, especially at the gum line.
All-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns provide the best natural color match compared to any other crown type and are more suitable for people with metal allergies. However, they are not as strong as metal crowns and may wear down opposing teeth a little more than metal or resin crowns.
Is it painful to get a crown?
The process of getting a crown should not be painful as it is performed under local anesthesia. This means that your dentist will numb the tooth and surrounding tissues before starting the procedure, so you should not feel anything.
However, once the anesthesia wears off, it’s common to experience some sensitivity, discomfort, or mild pain. This is typically due to the inflammation of the tooth’s pulp (the innermost part of the tooth), and it usually subsides within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage this post-procedure discomfort.
If the pain persists or becomes severe, it’s important to contact your dentist, as this could be a sign of complications. Remember, each person’s experience can vary, and it’s crucial to discuss any concerns or questions with your dentist at Sun Smile Dentistry.