Dental Crowns in Roseville, CA
A dental crown can bring a damaged tooth back to life, whether it’s suffering from severe decay, a fracture, wear and tear, or loss of its natural structure. Eureka Ridge Dentistry provides dental crowns in Roseville, CA, with treatment planned according to the condition of the tooth, remaining tooth structure, bite, and oral health.
Crowns may also be used to restore selected root-canal-treated teeth or as the visible restoration supported by a dental implant. A dental evaluation can determine whether a crown or another restorative option is appropriate. Contact the office to schedule an evaluation.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a personalized restoration that encases the majority or the entirety of the visible part of a prepared natural tooth. It can replace lost tooth structure, provide coverage for a weakened tooth, and rebuild its shape and chewing surface.
A custom dental crown is designed according to the tooth being restored and its relationship with the surrounding teeth and bite.
When Is a Dental Crown Recommended?
A crown may be considered when a tooth requires more extensive restoration than a filling or another limited treatment can provide. The recommendation depends on the amount and condition of the remaining tooth structure.
Large Areas of Tooth Decay
When decay affects a substantial portion of a tooth, there may not be enough healthy structure to support a filling. After the decay is treated, a crown may be considered to restore the affected tooth.
Cracked or Fractured Teeth
When considering a crown for broken tooth damage, the dentist first evaluates the extent of the fracture and the amount of healthy tooth structure that remains. Some severely fractured teeth may require a different treatment.
Teeth With Large Fillings
A large filling can leave relatively little natural tooth structure around the restoration. If the tooth becomes weakened or the filling fails, a crown may be considered after evaluation.
Worn or Damaged Teeth
Significant wear or damage can alter a tooth’s shape and chewing surface. Depending on the extent and cause of the problem, a crown may be used to rebuild the affected tooth.
Teeth Treated With Root Canal Therapy
In some cases, a crown after root canal treatment may be recommended based on the amount of remaining tooth structure. Not every root-canal-treated tooth requires a crown; the decision depends on factors such as tooth location and remaining structure.
Damaged or Failing Crowns
A crown that becomes loose, fractured, worn, or affected by decay around its margin should be examined. Replacement may be considered after the underlying tooth and surrounding tissues have been assessed.
Dental Implants
After appropriate implant treatment and planning, an implant crown can provide the visible replacement for a missing tooth.
Significant Changes in Tooth Shape
A crown may sometimes be considered when a tooth requires substantial changes in shape or coverage. More conservative treatment may be appropriate when sufficient healthy tooth structure remains.
Types of Dental Crowns
Different materials can be selected for dental crowns. The choice of material is influenced by factors such as the tooth’s location, bite pressure, available space, aesthetic preferences, and specific clinical needs.
Porcelain or Ceramic Crowns
Porcelain and ceramic crowns are tooth-colored restorations that may be selected when appearance is an important consideration, particularly for visible teeth.
Metal and Other Crown Materials
Metal and resin-based crowns may also be considered in appropriate clinical situations. Materials differ in their physical and aesthetic properties, so the choice should be based on the requirements of the individual restoration rather than assuming one material is suitable for every tooth.
What Happens During the Crown Procedure?
The crown process varies according to the condition of the tooth and the fabrication method being used. For patients researching dental crowns near them, the general steps may include:
1. Dental Examination and Imaging
The dentist examines the affected tooth, surrounding tissues, existing restorations, and bite. Dental X-rays may be taken when needed to evaluate the tooth and supporting structures.
2. Removal of Decay or Damaged Material
Decay, failing restorative material, or damaged tooth structure is addressed before the tooth is prepared for its crown.
3. Core Buildup When Required
If substantial tooth structure has been lost, a core buildup may be needed to create an appropriate foundation for the restoration. This step is not necessary in every case.
4. Tooth Preparation
The tooth is shaped to provide the space and form required for the planned crown. Preparation varies according to the tooth, restoration design, and material.
5. Impression or Digital Scan
An impression or digital scan records the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth according to the crown fabrication process.
6. Temporary Crown When Needed
A temporary crown can be put in place to cover the prepared tooth while the final restoration is being crafted. The necessity of this step depends on the specific treatment process being followed.
7. Crown Fabrication
The final crown is fabricated according to the treatment plan and records obtained during tooth preparation.
8. Fit and Bite Evaluation
The crown is evaluated for fit, contact with neighboring teeth, appearance when relevant, and its relationship with the opposing teeth. Adjustments may be made as needed.
9. Crown Placement
After the restoration has been evaluated, it is secured to the prepared tooth using an appropriate dental cement or bonding process.
Crown treatment may involve different appointment schedules depending on the individual case and fabrication process. The expected process can be discussed after the tooth has been evaluated.
Dental Crown vs Filling, Onlay, and Veneer
The amount of tooth structure affected, and the purpose of treatment help determine which type of restoration may be appropriate.
| Treatment | How It Differs From a Dental Crown | May Be Considered For |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Filling | Repairs a limited area while preserving the surrounding natural tooth structure. A crown provides more extensive coverage. | Localized decay or damage when sufficient healthy tooth structure remains. |
| Inlay or Onlay | Restores part of the tooth while preserving more natural tooth structure. | Damage that requires more restoration than a filling but does not necessarily require full crown coverage. |
| Veneer | Primarily covers the front surface of a tooth, while a crown covers substantially more of the visible tooth. | Cosmetic changes to selected teeth when extensive structural coverage is not required. |
| Dental Bridges | Replaces one or several missing teeth, while a crown restores an existing individual tooth. A bridge may be supported by neighboring teeth or dental implants. | Replacement of one or more missing teeth. |
Caring for a Dental Crown
To care for a crown:
- Brush around the crown and along the gumline twice daily.
- Floss around the crowned tooth each day.
- Avoid chewing ice and other hard objects.
- Do not use the teeth to tear or open packages.
- Wear a night guard if recommended for grinding or clenching.
- Attend routine dental exams and professional cleanings.
- Report pain, movement, chips, unusual odor, or changes in the bite.
A crown may need to be professionally assessed, fixed, or replaced if it gets damaged or no longer fits correctly.
Schedule a Dental Crown Evaluation in Roseville
If you are considering tooth crown services for a damaged, weakened, or previously restored tooth, an examination can help determine whether a crown or another restorative treatment is suitable.
The office is located at 1490 Eureka Rd, Suite 130, Roseville, CA 95661. Reach out to the office or request an appointment online to have the affected tooth evaluated and discuss appropriate treatment options.
