Oct
Dental crowns, or “caps,” often called, serve many purposes. They can repair damaged teeth, strengthen fragile teeth, or cover flawed teeth to improve your smile’s appearance. At the office of Arnold Cutler DDS, we offer dental crowns for teeth to our patients in Lakeside, California, and nearby communities. By answering your questions about dental crown treatment, Dr. Arnold Culter can help you decide if it’s a viable option.
When a tooth needs to be upgraded or repaired, Dr. Cutler can crown it—a hollow, tooth-shaped cap. Crowns can be made of porcelain, ceramic, metal, or composite resin. Porcelain crowns are often favored for strength, stain-resistant properties, and natural tooth resemblance. Crowning a fractured tooth restores its original structure and usefulness, so it doesn’t have to be removed. In this way, crowns can help preserve your smile for the future.
Dental crown treatment can take several appointments to complete. On your first dental visit, Dr. Cutler will examine your tooth and determine if crown treatment suits you. If so, we’ll reshape your tooth to make room for a crown. Afterward, impressions of your tooth are taken and sent to a lab where crown restorations are made. The crown-making process can take a week or two. We’ll cover your tooth with a temporary crown during this interim period. When your porcelain crown is ready, we’ll call you back to the office to remove the temporary crown and cement the permanent one in place. Your renewed tooth is then prepared to be used.
Dr. Cutler may recommend crown treatment to repair fractured teeth, protect worn teeth, or fortify teeth with large fillings. We may crown your tooth after a root canal to strengthen its compromised structure. Crowns are used to support a fixed dental bridge and as replacement teeth for implants. Cosmetic crowns can be placed over stained, misshapen, or irregularly sized teeth to make your smile more uniform.
A porcelain crown can last 15 or more years with good oral care. You care for a crowned tooth like any tooth by brushing and flossing diligently and seeing your dentist for routine exams and cleanings. You should also avoid foods that aren’t good for your teeth (hard candies, caramel, sugary foods, etc.) as they can harm your crown.
No. Dr. Cutler will use local anesthetic for this treatment to keep you from feeling pain or discomfort. This minimally invasive procedure requires no downtime after treatment. You can continue with your normal activities after leaving our dental clinic.Â
Lakeside, California, residents can turn to Dr. Arnold Cutler for safe and effective dental crown treatment. To see if you’re a good candidate for a crown, contact us at (619) 815-3592.