Dentists commonly use dental crowns to address a wide range of restorative and cosmetic dental concerns. Dr. Dennis Garpetti and Dr. Brock Hyder use state-of-the-art technology to place dental crowns in Boise, ID. A new dental crown from LIFESMiles Laser & Cosmetic Dentistry will look and feel like a natural tooth.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown, or cap, is a dental restoration that will encase a broken or diseased tooth. We will closely match the dental crown to your natural tooth structure for a perfect look. The dentist will custom design one from dental impressions of your teeth. This will ensure that it will fit precisely.
We offer crowns in various materials. However, porcelain is a common material. Porcelain offers a natural appearance because it closely matches the color and sheen of teeth. Porcelain crowns look just like surrounding teeth and will blend in naturally with your smile.
As one of the most versatile dental restorations available, we use dental crowns for many purposes. In most cases, we use it for restorative purposes. For instance, dental bridges use crowns as anchors on adjacent teeth to hold a replacement tooth securely in the gap. We also use tooth crowns with dental implants to replace missing teeth effectively. However, we can also use a permanent crown as a cosmetic dentistry treatment. Your dentist may suggest a dental crown for any of the following reasons:
- Repair a chipped or cracked teeth
- Damaged or fractured teeth
- Stabilize a tooth after a root canal treatment
- Support a dental implant
- Correct misshapen teeth
- Whiten discolored or stained teeth
- Replace a larger dental filling
- Close the gaps between teeth
- Lengthen teeth that are too short
Receiving a Dental Crown in Boise, ID
To begin the dental crown process, your dentist will need to prepare the tooth receiving the dental crown. They will numb the area around the tooth for your comfort. Then, they will remove the old dental restoration or any decay with a drill. Although this sounds painful, you will be completely numb and will not feel any pain.
To create room for the new crown, your dentist will need to make your tooth physically smaller. They do this by removing a portion of the top and sides of the tooth.
If you qualify, you can receive a dental crown at the same visit. However, if you have extensive tooth decay, we will need to place a traditional dental crown. Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth and send them to a dental lab, where they will fabricate a custom restoration.
Until we receive your tooth crown, which typically takes two weeks, we will fit you for a temporary cap. This will protect your tooth until we can place the permanent crown. Once your permanent crown is ready, we’ll schedule a fitting to ensure it perfectly matches your natural teeth.
Same-Day Dental Crowns
Creating a dental crown typically takes a few weeks and several visits to complete. Our office uses CERAC® technology to design, create, and place dental crowns in Boise, ID for patients that qualify. The greatest benefit of this type of crown is that we can do it in a single visit.
Your dentist will thoroughly examine whether a same-day dental crown is the best treatment for you. If you qualify, we can create a high-quality porcelain crown in the same visit that we prepare your tooth. Using CAD/CAM technology, your dentist will design and create your tooth crown in less time than ever before.
Creating the Dental Crown with CERAC® Technology
Using a 3-D scan, your dentist will take digital impressions of the teeth to create a custom-designed dental crown. Your dentist can create a custom dental crown that can be color-matched, shaped, and designed to blend seamlessly with your natural smile.
Once your dentist designs the tooth crown, we use CERAC® technology to fabricate the porcelain restoration. He will send the images of your new crown to our onsite milling system. We will fabricate it onsite from a block of durable ceramic immediately. We complete this process while you wait you wait patiently.
Once the crown is ready, we will try it to ensure proper fit, feel, and appearance. Once you are happy, your dentist will permanently bond it to the tooth. After gently polishing the crown, you can leave our office with a fully functioning tooth and a durable tooth crown.
The Benefits of a CERAC® Dental Crown
The benefits of dental crowns include restored tooth function and improved appearance. Our CERAC® technology allows the following:
- No need for a temporary crown
- Process is complete in a single visit
- Saves you time
- Stronger tooth in just one visit
- Crown will look natural
- Digital technology ensures proper fit of crown
- Process is less invasive
Dental Crown Frequently Asked Questions
A dental crown is a versatile restoration that dentists can also use for cosmetic purposes. Review our frequently asked questions section to learn more about dental crowns. Please contact our dental practice if you have more questions.
Is a dental crown painful?
The process of having a dental crown procedure may seem painful; however, it should not cause you any pain. We will thoroughly numb you to make sure you are comfortable.
However, you will feel pressure simply from the dentist working in your mouth. The process is similar to getting a tooth filling. After we place the crown, the tooth may feel sensitive for a few days.
How long will my dental crown last?
The better you take care of the dental crown, the longer it will last. Most crowns last between 15 and 30 years before a dentist needs to replace them.
If you stick to a proper oral hygiene routine, it may last longer than 30 years. This includes brushing your teeth multiple times a day. You will need to floss at least once a day thoroughly around the crown. This will remove all the stuck food particles that can cause the tooth to decay.
How do I take care of my dental crown?
A dental crown does not need extra care. If you already practice good oral hygiene, then you will have no problems caring for your crown.
Brushing twice a day and flossing at least once are important to remove any food particles from around the crown. This will prevent decay and gum disease. Also, visit your dentist twice a year for routine checkups. Here, they will check on the crown to make sure it is in good shape and make sure you have good dental health.
What should I do if my dental crown falls out?
Please call us right away if your tooth crown falls out or sustains any damage. Our staff will work you into our schedule quickly.
If possible, save the crown, as there is a good chance we can simply re-cement it back onto the tooth. You will need to protect the tooth until we can see you. Protecting the tooth is vital to preventing infection and further damage. Contact us if you have further questions about what to do in this dental emergency.
Can a dental crown stain over time like natural teeth?
Porcelain or ceramic crowns are highly stain-resistant compared to natural enamel. However, the margin where the crown meets the natural tooth might become discolored over time if gum recession occurs. Regular cleanings and good oral hygiene help maintain the crown’s appearance. While crowns generally hold their color well, they require consistent care to preserve their natural look.
Can crowns help fix bite alignment issues?
Crowns can help address minor bite issues, especially when used to restore teeth that are damaged or worn. In some cases, crowns may slightly adjust the bite by reshaping the teeth, but for more significant bite alignment problems, orthodontic treatments like braces or clear aligners are typically needed.
Schedule An Appointment
To learn more about custom-designed dental crowns, visit our team at LIFESMiles Laser & Cosmetic Dentistry in Boise, ID. We also offer a full range of restorative dentistry services to West Boise, Idaho. To schedule an appointment, call (208) 254-6365 or request an appointment online.