Dental Crowns in Irving, TX
A dental crown is a custom cap that covers a damaged, cracked or heavily filled tooth to restore its strength, shape and appearance. At DFW Dental & Orthodontics in Irving, Dr. Kwon and Dr. Davis place crowns in ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal, gold and metal alloys, and treatment usually takes two visits.
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is cemented onto your natural tooth, resulting in a long-lasting and fully functional tooth restoration! They are an excellent choice of restoration for many types of dental issues, such as:
-To strengthen and protect a decayed tooth, e.g. one with decay too large to be repaired by a filling
-To restore a badly worn down, chipped, or cracked tooth
-To change or restore the shape, size, or color of a tooth
-To complete a larger dental restoration, such as a dental implant or bridge
Dental Crown Materials​
Crowns can be made of ceramic (porcelain-based), porcelain fused to metal, gold alloys, and base metal alloys. There are strengths and disadvantages to each type of material.
Base Metal Alloys are very strong and highly resistant to corrosion and wear, as well as gentle to opposing teeth. A base metal alloy crown typically requires the least amount of tooth structure to be removed.
Gold Alloys adhere strongly to the tooth structure and are highly biocompatible with gum tissue. It is resistant to wear and fracture and does not wear away opposing teeth.
Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) crowns provide good strength and seal to the teeth, preventing leakage and decreasing recurring tooth decay. A moderate amount of tooth structure must be removed, but PFM crowns offer a stronger restoration than porcelain alone and are quite durable and strong. However, over time, dark grey or black lines can begin to appear at the gum line as the metal base begins to show through.
Ceramic is especially recommended for restoring front teeth due to its high natural appearance. Porcelain crowns can be shade-matched exactly to the shade of your other teeth, and unless damaged, are highly resistant to staining. More tooth structure often must be removed for porcelain crown restorations, and because the material is not as durable as the other options, it is not recommended for teeth that sustain heavy biting and chewing.​​
The Procedure​
After it’s been confirmed that your tooth and surrounding structure are in good health, getting a dental crown typically requires two visits.
During the first, Dr. Kwon & Dr. Davis will numb the area and shape the tooth so that a crown can fit over it. They will take an impression, which will be sent to a dental lab where the crown is created to beautifully match your other teeth. Your dentist will fit you with a temporary crown to protect your tooth while the crown is being made, which generally takes about two weeks.
On the second visit, Dr. Kwon & Dr. Davis will thoroughly inspect the permanent crown to ensure the correct size, shape, and color. Your dentist will then remove the temporary crown and cement the permanent crown into place, again checking to be sure that fit, bite, and aesthetics are correct. You will be given care instructions to ensure that your crown lasts a very long time. With proper care, dental crowns can last 10 to 20 years or longer with good care.
DFW Dental & Orthodontics
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When do I need a dental crown?
A crown may be needed for a tooth with large decay, a crack, heavy wear, a very large filling, or after a root canal. Crowns are also used to cover dental implants and support bridges.
Q. How long does it take to get a crown?
A crown usually takes two visits. At the first visit, your dentist numbs and shapes the tooth, takes an impression, and places a temporary crown. The permanent crown is ready in about two weeks.
Q. What are crowns made of?
Crowns can be made of ceramic, porcelain fused to metal, gold or other metal alloys. Ceramic is popular for front teeth because it looks natural, while metal crowns are very strong for back teeth.
Q. How long do dental crowns last?
Crowns typically last 10 to 20 years or longer with good brushing, flossing and regular checkups.