Cosmetic Dental Crowns
A crown (or cap) is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size. Crowns protect and strengthen tooth structures that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations. Martinez Dental Solutions can repair a broken or decayed tooth with our dental crowns. Call one of our offices today to request an appointment.
Dental Tooth Crowns for Beautiful Smiles
Although there are several types of crowns, porcelain (tooth-colored) crowns are the most popular. They are highly durable and will last many years, but like most dental restorations, they may eventually need to be replaced. Porcelain dental crowns are made to match the shape, size, and color of your teeth giving you a natural, long-lasting, beautiful smile.
You may need a crown when you have:
- Broken or fractured teeth
- Cosmetic impairment
- Decayed teeth
- Fractured fillings
- Large fillings
- Tooth with a root canal
What Does Getting a Crown Involve?
A crown procedure usually requires two appointments:
During your first appointment, while the tooth is numb, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the surface to properly fit the crown. One or several highly accurate molds (or impressions) will be taken to create your custom crown. A mold will also be used to create a temporary tooth cap, which will stay on your tooth for approximately two weeks until your new crown is fabricated by a dental laboratory. Once these details are accomplished, your temporary crown will be placed with temporary cement and your bite will be checked to ensure you are biting properly.
In some situations, we may use the CEREC CAD/CAM technology to fabricate your custom dental crown.
At your second appointment, approximately two weeks later, your temporary crown will be removed. Your tooth will be cleaned, and your new crown will be carefully placed to ensure the spacing and bite are accurate.
Please note that it is imperative for the permanent restoration to be placed in a timely manner. Temporary tooth caps are not designed to be in for extended periods and can break down over time. If they are, this may lead to multiple issues, including:
- Recurrent tooth decay
- The need for a root canal
- Existing root canals failing and requiring re-treatment
- Damaged gum tissue and gum recession
- Newly fabricated crown no longer fitting resulting in new impressions, a new tooth crown restoration, and an additional expense
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CONTACT US NOWWhat to Expect After Each Appointment
You may experience some hot, cold, and pressure sensitivity. Your gums may also be sore for several days. If an anesthetic was used during your appointment, your lips, teeth, and tongue may be numb for several hours. Avoid chewing until the numbness has completely worn off.
Request AppointmentGeneral Instructions for the Temporary Crown
- DO eat only regular soft foods such as rice or small pieces of meat
- AVOID eating sticky foods, especially gum, and hard or crunchy foods like nuts, chips, popcorn, and ice
- IF POSSIBLE, chew only on the opposite side of your mouth
- DO brush normally
- DO floss very carefully, removing the floss from the side to prevent the removal of the temporary crown
- KEEP the temporary tooth cap in place to ensure the proper fit of your final restoration. If the temporary comes off for some reason, keep it and call the office as soon as possible so we can re-cement it. If you cannot come into the office right away, you may use a small amount of Fixodent or Vaseline to hold the crown/bridge in place temporarily
When Should You Notify the Doctor?
Notify your dentist if you have persistent pain, if the temporary crown comes off, or if your bite is uneven. Be sure to call if you have an allergic reaction to medications such as skin rash, hives, elevated temperature, increased and/or erratic heart rate, nausea/vomiting, dizziness/fainting, and blurred vision.
Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
Our dental office provides several cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as:
Request AppointmentMartinez Dental Solutions: Your Choice for Dentistry in Jacksonville
Call one of our offices today to request an appointment. We serve Jacksonville, Atlantic Beach, Southside, Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, and Orange Park with our dental exams, cleanings and preventative services, cosmetic dentistry, and dental restorations like composite fillings, fixed bridges, and partial dentures.