dental crown or cap offer by dentist in Jacksonville, Tx

Dental crowns are a perfect blend of art and science, and they’re an essential solution for restoring damaged or decayed teeth. A dental crown, also known as a “cap,” is a covering that fits over a tooth to strengthen it, improve its appearance, and restore its function. In some cases, crowns are also used as part of bridgework to replace a missing tooth entirely. Unlike a dental veneer, which only covers the front surface of a tooth, a crown completely encases a tooth above the gum line, providing full coverage when there’s significant damage or decay.

Crowns are a great way to reinforce damaged teeth, allowing them to function as they should again. Due to advances in dental materials like porcelain and ceramic, crowns can blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, making them practically indistinguishable. They can even enhance the appearance of a tooth, giving you a smile that looks and feels natural.

What Materials Are Used for Crowns?

While porcelain is a popular choice for crowns because of its natural appearance, there are other materials to consider depending on what’s most important for your needs. For durability, cast gold is unmatched, though it’s not always the best choice for teeth in the front of your mouth. Another option is porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns, which combine a metal core for strength with a porcelain exterior for a more natural look. All-porcelain crowns with zirconia offer great strength and a highly aesthetic result. If you’re considering a crown, we’ll help you explore the pros and cons of each material to find what works best for you.

Getting a Crown: The Process

Getting a crown typically takes two to three visits. During the first visit, your tooth will be shaped to fit the crown. This involves removing some of the existing tooth structure to make room for the new cap. The area will be numbed to ensure you’re comfortable. If there’s very little tooth left, we may need to build it up with filling material to support the crown.

Once the tooth is prepared, we’ll take impressions of your teeth, which can be done digitally or with putty. These impressions are sent to a dental lab where skilled technicians will create your custom crown based on the impressions. In the meantime, we’ll place a temporary crown over your tooth to protect it while the permanent one is being made.

When you return for your second visit, the permanent crown will be placed and secured with either a special resin that hardens with light or permanent cement. The result will be a crown that feels natural and blends perfectly with your smile.

How Crowns Can Help Replace Missing Teeth with a Bridge

Crowns are not only for repairing damaged teeth, they’re also key in dental bridgework, which can replace missing teeth. A bridge spans the gap left by a missing tooth and typically requires at least three crowns. Two of those crowns are placed over healthy teeth on either side of the gap, called abutment teeth, and the third crown, known as the pontic, fills the space where the missing tooth was.

The number of abutment teeth needed depends on how many teeth are missing, the size of the remaining tooth roots, and the overall bone support available. For example, if three teeth are missing, you may need four abutment teeth, resulting in a seven-tooth bridge. Designing a bridge requires careful consideration of both the mechanical and biological factors to ensure it functions well and lasts.

Caring for Crowns & Bridgework

To keep your crowns and bridgework in great condition, it’s important to take the same care as you do with your natural teeth. Brush and floss daily, making sure to clean between all your teeth—both restored and natural. Regular professional cleanings are especially important for anyone with crowns, as plaque buildup can affect the longevity of your dental work.

Be mindful of using your teeth as tools (like opening packages), and if you grind your teeth at night, consider wearing a nightguard to protect both your natural teeth and your crowns. With proper care, your crowns and bridges can last for many years, keeping your smile beautiful and functional.