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A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed over a tooth to cover the tooth to restore both function and appearance. When cemented, the crown fully encases the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line.

At Osuna Dental Care, several crowns are available, including ceramic, porcelain fused to metal, and gold. Each material has pros and cons, so our dentist will help determine which type of crown is right for you based on the location of the tooth being treated and your overall oral health. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits are essential to maintain the health of the restoration and ensure that it lasts for as long as possible.

The Procedure for Dental Crown

Crowns are often needed when a large cavity threatens the ongoing health of a tooth, but they can also be used for cosmetic purposes to improve the appearance of teeth that are misshapen or have gaps between them. A crown procedure usually requires two appointments. During the first visit, we prepare the tooth by removing the decay, shaping the surface to fit the crown properly, and taking an impression of the area to send to our lab, where your custom crown will be fabricated. A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while the custom one is being made. The impression is sent to our laboratory for fabrication, which takes about two weeks. The temporary crown is removed at the second appointment, and the permanent one is bonded.

The Benefits of Dental Crowns

A crown functions as a tooth cover that is placed over a tooth that has been damaged from injury or decay. It helps to restore the appearance of the tooth, as well as its function. Many patients get a crown for cosmetic reasons in addition to restorative ones. For example, if you have a cracked or chipped tooth, getting a crown will help restore its appearance and protect it from further damage.

Several benefits are associated with getting a dental crown, including protecting your tooth from further damage and stabilizing your tooth structure. A crown helps strengthen a tooth's structure with a root canal or severe damage that can’t be fixed with fillings or other restorations. 

Crowns can also help to protect a tooth’s surface in the case of an injury that damages the tooth’s enamel. A crown can cover a severely stained or discolored tooth that cannot be whitened with traditional teeth whitening treatments. Sometimes, a crown can even attach a bridge to replace missing teeth.

There are many benefits to using crowns to strengthen and restore your smile. Visit Osuna Dental Care at 5900 Cubero Dr NE suite B, Albuquerque, NM 87109, or call (505) 884-1989 to learn more about dental crowns.