Restore Your Smile’s Strength and Beauty
Dental Crowns in San Diego
At Barbara Young, DDS, we understand the profound impact a healthy, confident smile can have on your life. When a tooth is severely damaged, decayed, or weakened, a dental crown can be the ideal solution to restore its function, appearance, and integrity. As a trusted San Diego dentist, Dr. Barbara Young offers high-quality dental crowns to help our patients regain strong, beautiful smiles.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that completely covers the entire visible portion of a damaged tooth, sitting on top of it like a hat. Often referred to simply as “caps,” these restorations are meticulously crafted to restore a tooth’s original shape, size, strength, and aesthetic appeal. Crowns are a versatile component of both restorative and cosmetic dentistry, designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
We use advanced materials such as porcelain and ceramic, which are chosen for their durability and their ability to mimic the natural translucency and texture of tooth enamel. This ensures your new crown looks and feels just like a natural tooth.
When Are Dental Crowns Needed?
Dental crowns are a highly effective solution for various dental concerns. You might be an ideal candidate for a crown if you have:
- Significant Tooth Decay: When a cavity is too large for a traditional filling, a crown can cover and protect the weakened tooth structure.
- Cracked or Broken Teeth: Crowns can hold together parts of a cracked tooth, preventing further damage and restoring chewing function.
- Severely Worn Teeth: Teeth that have been extensively worn down by grinding or other factors can be restored with crowns to their proper shape and size.
- Post-Root Canal Treatment: After a root canal, the tooth can become brittle and prone to fracture. A dental crown provides essential protection and strength to preserve the tooth.
- To Support a Dental Bridge: Crowns are used on the teeth adjacent to a gap to anchor a dental bridge, which replaces one or more missing teeth.
- To Complete a Dental Implant: A crown is the final, visible restoration placed on top of a dental implant, completing the tooth replacement process.
- Cosmetic Enhancement: Crowns can mask imperfections like severe discoloration, misshapen teeth, or minor misalignment, providing a uniform and appealing smile.
The Dental Crown Process at Barbara Young, DDS
Receiving a dental crown at our San Diego practice typically involves a few comfortable visits, ensuring precision and a natural-looking result.
- Initial Consultation and Examination: Dr. Young will begin with a thorough examination of your tooth, including digital X-rays, to assess its condition and determine if a dental crown is the best course of action. We will discuss your treatment goals and answer any questions you may have.
- Tooth Preparation: To prepare the tooth for the crown, a small amount of enamel will be gently removed from its outer surface. This creates space for the crown to fit over the tooth without appearing bulky and ensures a proper bite.
- Impressions: Accurate impressions of your prepared tooth and surrounding teeth are taken. These impressions are then sent to a trusted dental laboratory, where your custom dental crown will be meticulously crafted to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth.
- Temporary Crown Placement: While your permanent crown is being made, a temporary crown will be placed to protect your prepared tooth and maintain your smile’s aesthetics.
- Permanent Crown Placement: Once your custom dental crown is ready, you’ll return for your final appointment. Dr. Young will carefully fit the crown, ensuring it feels comfortable and your bite is aligned. Once everything is perfect, the crown will be permanently bonded to your tooth.
Our office utilizes Digital X-rays and Intraoral Camera Technology throughout this process, allowing for precise diagnostics and a clear view of your oral health, enhancing the efficiency and comfort of your treatment.
Benefits of Choosing Dental Crowns
Opting for dental crowns offers a multitude of benefits that extend beyond simply covering a damaged tooth:
- Restored Strength and Function: Crowns reinforce weakened teeth, allowing you to chew and speak comfortably and naturally.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: Custom-made to match your natural teeth, crowns seamlessly blend with your smile, improving your overall appearance. They are a core component of effective cosmetic dentistry.
- Protection Against Further Damage: A crown acts as a protective shield, preventing a compromised tooth from breaking down further due to decay or fracture.
- Durability and Longevity: With proper care and oral hygiene, dental crowns can last for many years, providing a long-term solution for your dental needs.
- Improved Oral Health: By restoring damaged teeth, crowns help maintain proper bite alignment and prevent other teeth from shifting, contributing to overall oral health.
Schedule Your Dental Crown Consultation Today!
If you have a damaged or weakened tooth, or are considering enhancing your smile, dental crowns might be the perfect solution for you. Contact Barbara Young, DDS, your trusted San Diego dentist, today to schedule a consultation. Let us help you take the first step toward restoring the strength and beauty of your smile.