DENTAL CROWNS AT SMILES4OC, COSTA MESA

Many people believe that they will lose most of their tooth by getting a crown, but, the root and bulk of the tooth structure remains. The crown is a means to save the tooth and protect it from further breakage. A crown may also relieve tooth sensitivity much more than a conventional composite filling. We encourage patients to consider crowns when we feel they are a good fit.

Our porcelain crowns are made of the newest, most durable zirconium-based materials available. The crowns are designed using CAD-CAM precision computer technology and fit perfectly for an esthetically-pleasing look with the best possible bite. Zirconia is biocompatible and integrates well with the human body. The result is a brand new tooth which nicely matches to the shade of your natural teeth.

Our crowns are made of porcelain or gold. Both are excellent choices.

Gold is very strong, long-lasting, and compatible with your natural teeth. The crown is fabricated by our lab for an ideal anatomical match to the adjacent and opposing teeth. At times, you may not prefer the color of gold which is why we have porcelain crowns to perfectly match the shade of your natural teeth.

Our porcelain crowns are made of the newest, most durable zirconium-based materials available. The crowns are designed using CAD-CAM precision computer technology and fit perfectly for an esthetically-pleasing look with the best possible bite. Zirconia is biocompatible and integrates well with the human body. The result is a brand-new tooth which nicely matches to the shade of your natural teeth.

Porcelain crowns can fracture if you have an unusually hard bite, or if you like to chomp ice or very hard foods. Either gold or porcelain will break down more quickly without proper home care; brushing and flossing, and regular dental cleanings and check-ups.

Drs. Thomas J. Rolfes, Christina T. Do, and Timothy J. Rolfes will describe the characteristics of each type to you when you are considering a crown. But ultimately, you will select which material you want.

Your new crown will last a minimum of five years. But, with diligent care, you may expect it to last a lifetime. It is important for patients to visit their dentist at least twice a year for an evaluation to monitor the restorations as well as the rest of the smile. If a dental crown breaks or becomes worn down, it may need to be replaced. We ensure dental crowns last as long as possible by using high quality materials and educating patients on quality care of their restorations and smile overall.

Crowns still leave the natural tooth susceptible to periodontal disease and cavities. Therefore, it is essential for patients to continue to visit with their dentist in Costa Mesa, CA for recall appointments during which an evaluation is performed. Evaluations monitor the health of the smile overall and check for signs of problems with restorations. Periodontal disease and cavities may affect the tooth underneath the crown, so x-rays are a great way for the dentist to check for these concerns. Maintaining the dental crown also means brushing and flossing to keep the smile as healthy as possible, avoiding bone loss, which can affect the alignment of the natural teeth. Patients who have conditions such as bruxism may want to speak to our team about the possibility of wearing a specialized mouth guard. Bruxism causes patients to clench and grind their teeth, which can wear down natural teeth as well as restorations and increase the risk of breakage. Mouth guards may be used at night while patients sleep to avoid damage and extend the life of a dental crown.

There are several situations in which patients may be told by their dentist they can benefit from the placement of a dental crown. A dental crown is versatile and may be used in the following situations:

• A dental crown may be fabricated to cover a dental implant to replace a missing tooth
• A dental crown may cover a tooth that has recently undergone root canal therapy, ensuring better strength and protection
• A dental crown may be created to fit over a tooth that has had an extremely large cavity which may affect the integrity of the natural tooth
• A dental crown may be bonded to false teeth to create a dental bridge

The team of Smiles4OC works with patients to help them achieve the smile they’ve always wanted. If you are ready to discuss the advantages of dental crowns and other restorations, we encourage you to contact our staff for a consultation appointment and evaluation. We are conveniently located at 1530 Baker Street, Suite J in the Costa Mesa, CA area, and can be reached to schedule a visit by calling (714) 557-0700. We welcome new patients who are interested in quality care by our dedicated staff of professionals, including Drs. Thomas J. Rolfes, Christina T. Do, and Timothy J. Rolfes.