A dental crown can serve various purposes and is one of the most common dental restorations. Dental crowns in Los Altos, CA can resolve restorative and cosmetic concerns with lasting, stable results. Dr. Ken Schweifler places beautiful ceramic crowns in our dentist office for a natural-looking result.
Dental crowns can fix:
- Damaged teeth: For example, chipped teeth or cracked teeth.
- Decayed teeth: Larger cavities may need a dental crown to maintain tooth structure for the long term.
- Misshapen teeth: Your dentist can blend an oddly shaped tooth, not affecting the bite, with your smile.
- Discolored tooth: Your dentist can brighten a stained tooth that’s not responsive to teeth whitening with a crown.
- Post root canal: A dentist places a dental crown after a root canal to strengthen and support the tooth.
- Dental implant: A dental crown is one of the final restoration pieces for a single dental implant.
Dental Crowns in Los Altos
We place metal-free crowns with the goal of providing dental care solutions that are supportive of both oral and overall health and well-being. Metal-free dental crowns offer many benefits to patients with damaged teeth. If you are in need of a dental crown in the Los Altos, CA, area, you may want to consider these key benefits:
- Long-lasting solution: Composite dental crowns can last many years with proper maintenance and care.
- Cost: Generally, composite dental crowns cost less than traditional dental crowns.
- Natural-looking results: Composite crowns can match the color of your tooth and blend seamlessly with your existing teeth.
- Reduce tooth sensitivity: Patients have a lower risk of sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages.
About the dental crown procedure
The placement of a dental crown is a two-part procedure and will require a couple of visits to complete. As a Los Altos dentist, Dr. Schweifler will begin with digital diagnostics to assess your needs and plan the placement of the crown for a stable result. We strive to minimize the impact on the natural tooth structure to maintain the integrity of your smile.
The next step is to prepare the tooth by removing the decayed, damaged, or compromised portion of the tooth. Your dentist will take dental impressions and place a temporary for normal function between visits.
Once the new crown is ready we will schedule a visit for placement. Dr. Schweifler will carefully place and secure the new crown and make adjustments for a comfortable and functional bite. You can maintain a dental crown with daily tooth brushing and flossing. Visiting with us on a regular basis for routine dental care will enable our team to monitor the condition of the crown over time.
Dental Crown FAQs
Is the dental crown process painful?
No, the process is no more painful than getting a dental filling. We will ensure that you are completely comfortable during your procedure. We will also use local anesthesia to numb your mouth so that you do not feel the procedure.
How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns can last for about 15 years without the need for replacement. Your crown can last longer with an excellent oral health routine. There is no special care you need to do to ensure that your crown is in good shape. Make sure to visit your dentist at least twice a year.
Am I a candidate for dental crowns?
Most patients are candidates for dental crowns. It is rare that a dentist turns down a patient for this procedure. Sometimes we can recommend other treatments as an alternative to a dental crown for your specific needs.
How long does it take for a dental crown to settle in?
The new crown may feel bigger and out of place at first, but you should become accustomed to it in a little more than two weeks. If it still continues to feel strange, you might need to make another trip to our office to make sure everything fits and is healing properly.
How long after a crown is cemented can I eat?
After leaving our office, you need to wait 30 to 45 minutes before eating. This gives the crown time to set. Just keep in mind not to chew on the area where the crown was placed for a few days after treatment.
What do you need to avoid after receiving dental crowns?
Directly after you receive dental crowns, avoid eating hard, sticky, or crunchy foods. These foods can potentially dislodge or damage your new dental crown. After 24 hours, you can begin to eat normally.