Cosmetic Dentist Las Vegas | Dr. Tony Tomaro

Dental Crowns

If you need to restore broken, worn or decayed teeth, fix a misshapen tooth or even cover a severely discolored tooth, a dental crown can offer an attractive, long-lasting solution.

A tooth crown fits over a person's natural tooth in order to restore the appearance, strength, shape or size of the tooth. Once it has been bonded into place, the crown completely "caps," or covers the visible part of the natural tooth.

All-Ceramic (Porcelain) Crowns
At Exceptional Dentistry, we only offer the highest quality, aesthetically-pleasing dental restorative options, and are proud to be a "metal free" practice.

All-ceramic or porcelain crowns offer you the most natural-looking appearance. The porcelain material is translucent (much like the enamel of your natural teeth), and the size, shape and shade can be perfectly matched to your other teeth to complete your perfect smile.

The Dental Crowns Procedure
Two visits are required to place a tooth crown. The first visit involves an examination and the preparation of your tooth. A few x-rays may be taken to determine any decay or damage to the roots. The tooth is then prepared for the crown. Next, an impression will be made of the tooth and the surrounding teeth and sent to our dental lab, where our master ceramist will create your crown based on the dimensions of the impression. The color will be designed to match your natural tooth color. A temporary crown is placed over your tooth to protect it until your permanent crown is ready.

During your second visit, the crown will be tested and proper fit. Also, we closely examine it to ensure it doesn't interfere with your bite and functions effectively. Provided everything is correct, the new crown is permanently cemented into place.

Reasons for Placing a Dental Crown
The following are some of the reasons a teeth crown may be the right solution for you:

• To cover a dental implant
• To cover a severely discolored tooth
• To cover a misshapen tooth
• To hold a dental bridge in place
• To restore a broken or worn tooth
• To prevent a weakened tooth from further damage or breaking
• To hold a cracked tooth together
• To cover and support a significantly decayed tooth or one that is mostly filling

Questions about Dental Crowns

What is a dental crown?
A dental crown restores a tooth that is damaged, cracked, or decayed. The crown covers the entire tooth and strengthens all sides of the tooth. Dental crowns are most commonly used after a root canal because the tooth is considerably weaker and needs the extra strength and durability that a crown provides. Teeth crowns are also used with dental implants. The implant is placed in the jawbone and acts as a tooth's root. The crown is attached to the implant and replaces the missing tooth.

What can a dental crown do for me?
Tooth crowns help to return the beautiful aesthetic appearance of your tooth and add strength and durability. A crown is used when a tooth is weak with cracks or decay and may be lost if it is not restored. A missing tooth can also be replaced with a crown to prevent the rest of your teeth from shifting and causing damage to other teeth. A cracked or decaying tooth may make speaking and eating painful or difficult. A missing tooth can gradually add to bone and gum damage. Replacing teeth with dental crowns restores your beautiful smile and overall functionality of your teeth.

How long does a dental crown procedure take?
A dental crown takes two office visits to complete. Cosmetic dentist Dr. Tomaro will prepare your damaged tooth for the crown, create the mold for the crown, and attach a temporary crown to your tooth in the first visit. The crown will be permanently affixed to the tooth in the second visit.

What are dental crowns made of?
Dental crowns are made of dental porcelain. The porcelain is strong and looks and acts like your natural teeth. The crown will match your tooth's enamel in texture, shape, color, and translucency.

What is the difference between a filling and a dental crown?
Typically a filling covers only a portion of the tooth.  A dental crown completely encases the visible area of the tooth, creating a brand new outer surface for your tooth. In addition, tooth-colored fillings are commonly made of a composite resin material that require only one office visit. Dental crowns are custom-made porcelain restorations that require two visits to make and apply.

Does the dentist or lab make a difference?
Choosing an experienced dentist who uses a high-end dental lab with a master ceramist can make a tremendous difference in the look of your crown and long-term results.  Be sure to ask if your dentist has advanced training in functional aesthetic dentistry to make sure your restoration not only looks good, but functions in harmony with the rest of your teeth and mouth. Also, ask about the lab and ceramist, including how long they have worked with the practice and how much work they do them.

How long will my crown last and look natural?
Porcelain crowns are long lasting restorations when they are well designed by an experienced dentist, made by a high quality lab/ceramist, and properly cared for.  As for appearance, porcelain crowns will maintain their color shade and are resistant to stains.

Does a crowned tooth require any special repair?
Generally, your new teeth crown will feel and function just like your natural teeth and does not require any special dental care.  However, even though a tooth may be crowned, that does not mean the underlying tooth is completely protected from decay or gum disease. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene practices, including brushing your teeth as you normally do and keeping regular appointments with a dental hygienist.

Find out if an aesthetically attractive and long-lasting tooth crown is right for you.  Contact our Henderson Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Tomaro and schedule a personal dental crown consultation at Exceptional Dentistry in Las Vegas, Nevada today.