What Exactly Are Dental Crowns?
Here’s the thing about crowns—they’re pretty straightforward once you understand what they do. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped covering that fits over your natural tooth structure. Dentists cement it in place, and it becomes the new outer surface of your tooth.
Crowns serve several purposes:
- They protect teeth that have large fillings and not much natural structure left
- They restore teeth that is cracked or broken
- They cover teeth after root canal treatment
- They improve the appearance of severely discolored or misshapen teeth
- They anchor dental bridges in place
Dr. Kim takes precise measurements at Caldwell Dental Care to ensure your crown fits perfectly. The goal isn’t just to make it work—it’s to make it feel like your own tooth.
Why You Might Need a Crown
Most people don’t wake up thinking about crowns until their dentist mentions one. Maybe you bit down on something hard and felt a crack. Or perhaps an old filling finally gave out after years of service. Sometimes a tooth just wears down from grinding or develops too extensive decay for a simple filling.
Root canals often require crowns, too. The remaining structure needs reinforcement after removing the infected pulp from inside your tooth. Without that protection, the tooth becomes brittle and could break during normal chewing.
Dr. Charles Kim evaluates each situation individually. He’ll explain why a crown makes sense for your case and what to expect. There are no cookie-cutter approaches here—just honest recommendations based on what your tooth needs.
The Crown Process at Caldwell Dental Care
Getting a dental crown typically takes two visits, though the exact timeline can vary. During your first appointment, Dr. Kim prepares your tooth by removing decay and shaping it to accommodate the crown. He takes detailed impressions that capture every contour and angle. These impressions go to a dental lab where skilled technicians craft your custom crown.
You won’t leave with an exposed tooth, though. A temporary crown protects your tooth while the permanent one is made. It won’t be as strong as the final version, so you’ll want to avoid sticky or hard foods on that side.
You return for the second visit once your permanent crown arrives—usually within a couple of weeks. Dr. Kim removes the temporary, checks the fit and color of your new crown, and cements it securely in place. He ensures your bite feels right and the crown blends seamlessly with your surrounding teeth.
Materials That Make a Difference
Dental crowns are made of different materials, each with its own advantages. Porcelain crowns look incredibly natural and work beautifully for front teeth where appearance matters most. They reflect light similarly to natural enamel, making them nearly impossible to distinguish from real teeth.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns combine strength with aesthetics. The metal base provides durability while the porcelain coating maintains a tooth-colored appearance. These work well for back teeth that need extra reinforcement.
All-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns offer the best natural color match and suit people with metal sensitivities. Gold alloy crowns, while less common today, provide exceptional durability and require less tooth removal during preparation.
Dr. Kim discusses material options with you based on the tooth’s location, your bite forces, aesthetic preferences, and budget considerations.
Caring for Your New Crown
Once you have your crown, caring for it resembles caring for your natural teeth. Brush twice daily, floss regularly, and don’t use your teeth as tools for opening packages or cracking nuts. Crowns don’t decay, but the tooth underneath the crown margin can still develop cavities if you neglect oral hygiene.
Regular dental checkups let Dr. Charles Kim monitor your crown and catch any potential issues early. Most crowns last 10 to 15 years or even longer with proper care. Some patients get decades of service from a well-maintained crown.
Avoid habits that could damage your crown, like chewing ice or grinding your teeth. If you grind at night, Dr. Kim might recommend a nightguard to protect your crown and natural teeth.
Why Choose Caldwell Dental Care?
Experience matters when it comes to restorative dentistry. Dr. Kim brings both skill and genuine care to every crown procedure. The team at Caldwell Dental Care in Cypress, CA, creates a comfortable environment where you can ask questions and fully understand your treatment options.
You receive attentive care focused on achieving the best possible outcome from the initial consultation through the final placement. The practice combines modern techniques with a personal touch that makes dental visits feel less clinical and more like visiting people who care about your well-being.
