Dental crowns restore the function and appearance of teeth in Petaluma, CA
At North Bay Smiles, it is our goal to help patients avoid the need for dental restorations and treatments to the extent possible, but sometimes decay occurs, or accidents happen that jeopardize the health or appearance of a tooth. In these cases, dental crowns or bridges may be recommended. Dental crowns are one of the most used restorations in dentistry because they are incredibly versatile, and dental bridges are a great way to replace one or more missing teeth. Dr. Yvonne Szyperski provides patients in the Petaluma, CA area with dental crowns and bridges that not only repair, protect, and restore the function of teeth, but also revitalize their appearance for a natural and healthy-looking smile.
Dental crowns explained
Dental crowns, also called “tooth caps,” are a piece of customized porcelain, zirconia, or other material that is placed over your tooth, where it protects it from further damage and restores its function and appearance. A dental crown may be recommended in a wide variety of circumstances:
- To restore decayed teeth that have an area of damage that is too large for a filling
- When a tooth has broken or fractured
- When a tooth has sustained significant wear and tear that has affected its shape or biting surface
- After root canal therapy
- To finish a dental implant
- For cosmetic teeth enhancement
Dental crowns can be made from several different types of materials. Dr. Szyperski typically recommends zirconia or porcelain crowns, such as E-Max all-porcelain crowns, when you want your new restoration to blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile. These modern dental materials can be matched to your existing tooth color and have the same luster as natural tooth enamel. In addition, they are durable and biocompatible. Several options of materials are available. Dr Szyperski will discuss what option of material is best for to restore your tooth.
Before and After
Dental bridges to replace missing teeth
For patients who have lost one or more teeth in a row, a dental bridge can be a terrific option for replacing the lost teeth and restoring the function and beauty of your smile. A traditional bridge consists of two main components: false teeth that “bridge” the gap created by the lost teeth, and dental crowns that are placed on the adjacent teeth to anchor the bridge securely in place. Implant-supported bridges work similarly to traditional bridges, but rather than using dental crowns to affix the bridge, dental implants are surgically placed in the jawbone and provide a sturdy foundation for the missing teeth without altering the neighboring tooth structure.
Like dental crowns, bridges can be made from a variety of materials and Dr. Szyperski will help you determine which is best for your specific needs.
Call us today!
At North Bay Smiles, natural-looking dental restorations such as porcelain dental crowns and bridges are just a few of the many options available for restoring both the function and appearance of your smile. To schedule your appointment, call our Petaluma, CA office at (707) 306-8001. Our office is conveniently located in Petaluma, CA and serves patients in the Rohnert Park, Cotati, Santa Rosa, Novato, and surrounding areas.
Porcelain Crowns (Caps) FAQs
Why do I need a dental crown?
Dental crowns or tooth caps are customized restorations that cover the entire surface of your tooth. Although tiny, they do a lot of heavy lifting in dentistry and can be used to address several issues.
Some include:
- Repairing significantly damaged or decayed teeth
- Holding pieces of a cracked tooth
- Replacing missing teeth with a crown and bridge
- Protecting your tooth after a root canal
- Improving the appearance of a misshapen or discolored tooth
What is the procedure for dental crowns?
Our dentist is dedicated to ensuring that getting a dental crown is comfortable and seamless. Most dental crowns are placed within two appointments. The first visit involves examining your tooth before preparing it by reshaping the enamel. Then, we take precise scans of your tooth and send the images to our partner lab for fabrication. During your second visit (after a few weeks), we’ll inspect your restoration and cement it securely to your tooth if satisfied with its fitness and appearance.
Why are porcelain dental crowns popular?
Dental crowns can be created from several materials, including composites, gold, or porcelain. Porcelain crowns are highly sought after because they closely mimic the look and translucency of natural teeth.
They are:
- Highly aesthetic: Porcelain veneers can be matched to your natural teeth for a realistic appearance. Porcelain veneers are virtually indistinguishable, even when used to repair front teeth.
- Safe: Porcelain is biocompatible and metal-free, reducing the risk of allergic reactions.
- Stain resistant: Unlike natural teeth, porcelain is impervious. This property makes porcelain restorations more stain-resistant than natural teeth.
- Durable: Don’t be fooled by their non-metal design. Porcelain crowns can last several years with proper upkeep.
Porcelain crowns are the best choice for dental crowns. They offer a natural-looking solution for patients who want both strength and beauty.
What should I do if my dental crown has fallen off?
Dental crowns are designed to last several years. However, they can become dislodged in rare cases due to trauma and other reasons:
If your crown comes loose or falls off:
- Keep the crown if you still have it, and avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.
- Rinse your mouth with warm, saline water and take over-the-counter painkillers to manage pain.
- Call your dentist immediately to schedule an appointment. The dentist will recement or replace the crown if necessary.
- Don’t try to reattach it yourself with glue or over-the-counter adhesives, as this can cause damage.
A dislodged crown is a dental emergency, so you need to act quickly. Delayed treatment can lead to infection or further damage to the underlying tooth.
How much does a dental crown cost?
Your dental crown cost varies. It depends on the material used, the complexity of the procedure, and whether additional treatments like a root canal are needed. Our dental team will guide you on the cost after an in-person consultation. Rest assured, we won’t proceed until you feel well-informed about your treatment cost.
Who offers porcelain dental crowns near me in Petaluma, CA?
Need a dental crown? North Bay Smiles proudly offers high-quality restorative care using premium materials and advanced techniques. Contact us at (707) 306-8001 to schedule your consultation. We are committed to preserving your smile’s health, comfort, and appearance with top-tier dental crowns.
