A dental crown can serve many purposes, and is one of the most common dental restorations. Our dental crowns can fix restorative and cosmetic concerns with lasting and stable results. Dr. Ken Schweifler offers beautiful ceramic crowns in our Los Altos, CA, dental 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, CA
We offer metal-free crowns because we believe in supporting your overall health, not just your oral health. Metal-free dental crowns offer many benefits to patients with damaged teeth. If you’re thinking about getting a dental crown but are hesitant, think about these 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.
The Dental Crown Procedure
Getting a dental crown is a two-part procedure and will need a couple of visits to complete. As your Los Altos dentist, Dr. Schweifler starts by using advanced digital scanning to get a clear picture of your tooth and carefully plan your crown. We always aim to preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible to keep your smile strong and healthy.
Next, we gently clean away any damaged or decayed part of the tooth. Then, we take a detailed impression, or digital scan, and fit you with a temporary crown so you can eat and smile normally while your permanent crown is being made.
Once your final crown is ready, we’ll have you back in to place it. Dr. Schweifler will make sure it fits perfectly, looks natural, and feels comfortable when you bite. Taking care of your crown is easy. Brush and floss like you normally would, and keep up with your regular check-ups. Visiting with us on a regular basis can help make sure your crown stays in great shape over time.
Patient Review
Dental Crown FAQs
Is the dental crown process painful?
No, the process is no more painful than getting a dental filling. We’ll ensure that you’re completely comfortable during your procedure. We’ll also use local anesthesia to numb your mouth so that you don’t 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’s 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.