The first modern dental crown was created by Dr. Charles Land in 1903. Today, crowns are one of the most common dental procedures, with millions of crowns built and placed by dentists every year.
First, you’ll come to Monarch Dental Arts for a consultation with Dr. Anna Paholiouk. She will perform a comprehensive oral exam, explore your options for restorative treatment, and determine if a crown is right for you.
Depending on the situation, this may be done at the same appointment or a follow-up. Dr. Anna will numb your mouth, then trim your tooth into a stable platform for your crown. She will take impressions and molds of your teeth, then place a temporary crown on your tooth to protect it.
You will be sent home, and Dr. Anna will work with a dental lab to design and build your permanent porcelain crown. Using your impressions, a crown will be built that will perfectly match your smile, protect your tooth, and restore your oral health.
It usually takes a few weeks for your crown to be designed, built, and sent back to your dentist in Rancho Mission Viejo, CA. Once it arrives, you’ll come back for your final appointment. Dr. Anna will remove your temporary crown, prepare your tooth, then check the fit of your permanent crown. If it looks perfect, she will attach it to your tooth using powerful dental cement. Then, you're done! You’ll be sent home to enjoy your new tooth.
Lab-made crowns are manufactured by experienced technicians at dental labs that specialize in building dental prostheses. Your dentist will take impressions, scans, and photos of your teeth, which will be sent directly to the lab.
Using an advanced manufacturing process, your crowns will be built out of durable ceramic and porcelain and sent back to your Rancho Mission Viejo dentist for the final fitting and placement. Lab-made crowns look and feel very natural, and are usually the most long-lasting and durable type of crown.
Yes. The process of getting a dental crown is irreversible, since a lot of your natural tooth material has to be removed to prepare for a dental crown. But this is not something you need to worry about. Crowns usually last 20-30 years with proper care, and are typically recommended to restore teeth that are already damaged. There’s no reason that you would want to or need to reverse dental crown treatment.
No. The process only involves the outer layers of your tooth, and Dr. Anna will use numbing spray and a numbing needle to completely anesthetize the treatment area. You won’t feel any pain or discomfort.
Stainless steel crowns are typically used to restore baby or primary teeth in children.
Most commonly, dental crowns are used to protect and restore teeth that have been damaged by a serious cavity, or that have been cracked or broken by dental trauma, like an accident or injury. Because crowns cover up and protect your entire tooth structure, they are ideal for preventing further complications and restoring the shape, appearance, and function of damaged teeth.
Dental crowns are also used to cover up and protect teeth after root canal treatment. In more rare cases, they may also be used for cosmetic dentistry if other treatments like veneers and dental bonding are not appropriate.
If you have a damaged or severely decayed tooth, you may need a dental crown. You should see your dentist if you are experiencing tooth pain and discomfort, or if your teeth are visibly damaged or discolored. Depending on the cause of your dental issues, they may recommend a dental crown or another restorative treatment.
A well-made and properly placed dental crown will typically last up to 15 years. It’s critical to maintain good oral health habits to enhance your crown’s longevity. These practices include brushing twice per day, flossing once per day, and seeing your dentist in Rancho Mission Viejo every 6 months for a professional cleaning and exam. Same-day crowns can be a little less durable, but they can still last several years with proper care.
You can treat your dental crown just like a natural tooth. Make sure you brush twice a day for at least two minutes, ensuring you scrub the full surface of every tooth. You should floss at least once per day, preferably at night. This should only take a few minutes, but be sure to floss against the tooth and below the gum line. You should also see your dentist every six months for a check-up to make sure that your dental work and teeth are healthy.
Dental crowns that are required for restorative purposes, such as severe cavities or a broken tooth, are typically covered by insurance. The exact amount of coverage you receive will depend on the deductible and yearly limits of your policy.
If you require a crown for cosmetic purposes, such as covering up a discolored tooth, the procedure may not be covered by insurance. To make sure your procedure is covered, we recommend consulting with your insurer. Please give us a call if you need help, we proudly serve the patients of Ladera Ranch, San Juan Capistrano, and Rancho Mission Viejo.
When properly placed and with good oral hygiene habits, dental crowns can last up to 15 years.