Crowns

A dental crown is a custom-made restoration that completely covers a damaged or weakened tooth to restore form and function. Crowns are recommended when a filling would be insufficient, such as after large decay, deep fractures, or when a tooth has had root canal therapy. They are also used to support bridgework and to restore implants when long-term, predictable performance is required.

Crowns redistribute chewing forces across the remaining tooth structure and protect vulnerable dentin from further damage. By recreating the original contour and contact points, a well-made crown helps preserve bite balance and prevents neighboring teeth from shifting. The decision to place a crown is based on structural need, occlusal dynamics, and aesthetic goals evaluated during a clinical exam.

A filling repairs a limited area of decay or a small fracture and preserves as much natural tooth as possible, while a crown provides full coverage of the prepared tooth. Fillings are appropriate for minor defects; crowns are chosen when the remaining tooth structure is too compromised to resist normal chewing forces. Crowns encase and strengthen the tooth, reducing the risk of future fractures and providing a stable platform for function.

The preparation for a crown involves reducing the tooth to create space for the restoration, while fillings require minimal removal of healthy tissue. Because crowns cover the entire visible portion of the tooth, they also offer greater control over contour, contact points, and occlusion. This makes crowns the preferred option for teeth that serve as bridge abutments or that have undergone endodontic therapy.

Crown materials include metal alloys, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), and a range of all-ceramic options such as lithium disilicate and zirconia. Metal and PFM crowns offer high strength and are often used on posterior teeth where chewing forces are greatest, while all-ceramic crowns provide superior translucency and an esthetic match for front teeth. Each material has trade-offs in terms of appearance, strength, wear compatibility with opposing teeth, and suitability for the clinical situation.

Your dentist selects a material based on the tooth's location, the amount of remaining structure, bite dynamics, and aesthetic priorities. For patients with limited restorative space or heavy bite forces, monolithic zirconia may be recommended for its resilience. When appearance is paramount, layered ceramic systems and careful shade matching recreate the way light interacts with natural enamel and dentin.

The crown process begins with a comprehensive evaluation, including visual and radiographic assessment, to determine whether a crown is the best option and whether preparatory work is needed. Treatment may include replacing old restorations, performing a root canal, or building up the core of the tooth to create a stable foundation. Once the tooth is prepared, impressions or digital scans capture the tooth and opposing dentition to guide fabrication of the final restoration.

A temporary crown protects the prepared tooth while the permanent crown is made in a laboratory or milled in-office using CAD/CAM technology. At the final appointment, the temporary is removed, fit and shade are verified, and the crown is cemented after any occlusal adjustments. Your clinician will review home care instructions and schedule routine follow-up to monitor the restoration and surrounding tissues.

Proper home care is essential to maximize the lifespan of a crown and protect the underlying tooth from recurrent decay. Brush twice daily with a fluoridated toothpaste and floss carefully at the crown margin to remove plaque and prevent gum inflammation. Interdental cleaners or floss-threaders are helpful when crowns are adjacent to other restorations or bridgework.

Avoid using teeth as tools and minimize biting on very hard objects that can fracture ceramic or chip margins. If you grind or clench, discuss a nightguard with your dentist to reduce parafunctional wear on restorations. Report persistent sensitivity, loosening, or changes at the gum line promptly so the restoration can be evaluated and treated as needed.

Crowns can last many years when properly designed, placed, and maintained, but their longevity varies with material choice, oral hygiene, and functional habits. Factors that influence lifespan include the amount of remaining tooth structure, bite forces, presence of bruxism, periodontal health, and how well margins seal against bacterial leakage. Regular professional exams and cleanings allow your dentist to identify early signs of wear, marginal breakdown, or gum disease that can compromise a crown.

Good home care, occlusal guards for patients who grind, and prompt attention to minor issues can extend the service life of a crown. When a crown fails due to recurrent decay, fracture, or compromised fit, your dentist will recommend repair or replacement based on the condition of the underlying tooth. Routine monitoring helps ensure crowns continue to function effectively and protect adjacent teeth and tissues.

Yes. Teeth that have undergone root canal therapy are often recommended for crowns because the internal tooth structure can be more brittle and susceptible to fracture. A crown provides external support and protects the remaining tooth walls during normal function, reducing the chance of splintering or catastrophic breakage. In some cases a post and core is used to rebuild much of the lost tooth structure before the crown is placed.

Your dentist will assess the tooth's root integrity, remaining structure, and occlusal forces to determine whether a post is necessary and which crown material is most appropriate. Proper sealing at the margin and good occlusal design help prevent future complications. With appropriate preparation and follow-up care, crowned endodontically treated teeth can be stable and functional for many years.

Modern crown systems offer advanced shading, translucency, and surface characterization to closely replicate natural enamel and dentin. All-ceramic materials like lithium disilicate and layered porcelain can be customized for hue, chroma, and surface texture so the restoration blends with adjacent teeth. Digital shade matching, photographs, and communication with the dental laboratory are used to achieve a predictable color and luster.

For highly visible areas, the dentist and ceramist evaluate translucency, edge characterization, and how light transmits through the restoration to produce natural results. In some situations slight adjustments to adjacent teeth or conservative whitening prior to shade selection may improve the final match. The treatment plan prioritizes both function and esthetics to create a restoration that complements your smile.

A properly designed crown restores the tooth's original shape and contact relationships so it integrates into the existing bite without causing new problems. During the final fitting your dentist will check occlusion carefully and make adjustments to ensure even contact during chewing and comfortable closure. Correct contour and contact points also prevent food trapping and protect adjacent teeth from drifting or abnormal wear.

Inadequate margins or poor occlusal design can lead to sensitivity, gum irritation, or accelerated wear on opposing teeth, so precision in preparation and cementation is important. Regular follow-up allows your clinician to monitor how the crown functions within the bite and address minor adjustments if necessary. When crowns are planned with attention to occlusion and periodontal health, they preserve overall oral balance and function.

At Arevalo Dental Studio crown treatment begins with a thorough diagnostic evaluation to assess structural needs, occlusion, and periodontal health before recommending materials and a treatment sequence. The practice emphasizes conservative preparation, precise impressions or digital scans, and communication with the dental laboratory or in-office milling system to achieve accurate fit and lifelike aesthetics. Your individualized plan may include core build-up, endodontic therapy, or periodontal care as needed to create a stable foundation for the restoration.

The final appointment focuses on verifying fit, shade, and bite comfort, followed by patient education on home care and preventive measures to protect the restoration. Routine clinical monitoring ensures the crown and surrounding tissues remain healthy and functional over time. This comprehensive, patient-centered approach balances long-term durability with natural appearance to help preserve your smile.