Dental Crowns Whittier CA | Dental Crown

Why Do I Need a Dental Crown?

Here are some of the reasons you might need a dental crown:

Deep dental decay: While composite filling material is strong, it’s not as strong as enamel. If most of the tooth structure is gone after removing all the decay, the remaining natural tooth will not be strong enough to support a filling. It won’t take long before the pressure from biting, chewing, and grinding your teeth (if you do that) will weaken the tooth and cause it to completely fracture.
Root canal: If you’ve had root canal treatment, your dentist needs to open the tooth to access the nerve. Again, in this situation, there is typically not enough tooth structure left to support a filling. Additionally, without the supply of blood and other nourishing fluids to the nerve of the tooth, the tooth can become brittle. A crown can help support a tooth that’s had a root canal.
Cracked tooth: You might not think a tooth that has a crack needs treatment, especially if the tooth is asymptomatic. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. As your tooth experiences everyday wear and tear, the crack will get deeper. Eventually, you will have symptoms of cracked tooth syndrome. A crown will support the crack to prevent it from progressing and causing more damage. Also, a crack is like a gateway for bacteria to get into your tooth (even into the nerve) and cause decay or infection. A crown can prevent the need for a root canal or extraction.
Fractured tooth: A broken tooth is the result of a deep crack and/or trauma. It’s more severe than a chipped tooth, which we typically treat with a filling or dental bonding. However, a fracture results in the loss of a large section of the tooth – at least one cusp of a back tooth, for example. The only way to properly restore the tooth and provide the necessary structure is with a dental crown.

What Is Cracked Tooth Syndrome?

Cracked tooth syndrome is a name for the symptoms you get when you have a cracked tooth. If you have a minor crack, you might not experience these symptoms immediately. As time progresses, though, they might develop.

Sensitivity to bite pressure
Sensitivity to cold foods and beverages
Pain that comes and goes

HOW LONG DO DENTAL CROWNS LAST?

Most crowns last between five and fifteen years, sometimes longer. Insurance companies will not cover the replacement of a crown if it is less than five years old.

Why would a crown need to be replaced?

The crown breaks down (chips or fractures)
Recurrent decay
Gum recession and exposed crown margins

What Are Dental Crowns Made Out of?

Dental crowns are made of:

Porcelain
Acrylic resin
Mixed materials
Gold
Porcelain fused to gold (or another metal)

Most people want crowns that look as natural as possible. Using porcelain or resin allows us to match the crown with the shade of your natural teeth. Yet, the material is durable, so it still serves as an effective way to strengthen and protect the tooth.

What happens during a Dental Crown Procedure?

Dr. Omid will start by numbing the tooth. Then, using a dental handpiece (drill), he’ll reduce the height and circumference of the tooth, making it shorter and skinnier.

Once the tooth has been adequately prepped, he’ll place a retraction cord in the gum pocket around the tooth, which looks like thick floss. After that, Dr. Omid will take an impression of the tooth. This impression helps us fabricate your custom crown.

After impressions are complete, we’ll place a temporary crown, which you’ll wear until your permanent crown is ready.

Are Dental Crowns Covered by Insurance?

Dental crowns are often covered by insurance but how much is covered depends on your plan. Since crowns are sometimes considered a “major” restorative dental procedure, your insurance company may require a pre-authorization before we perform the procedure. Our team will take the time to discuss your insurance coverage and payment options with you well before your appointment.

Dental Crowns in Whittier: Function and Esthetics

At Dentists of Whittier, we want to create long-lasting crowns that support your teeth and allow your teeth to function normally. But we want more than that, too. We want you to have a crown that looks like your natural teeth. When you look in the mirror, you can’t tell your crown from your other teeth. At your appointment, we’ll take the time to get the shade and the anatomy of your dental crown right!

Are you experiencing symptoms of cracked tooth syndrome? Contact us right away to schedule an examination.