Dental Crowns in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Several archetypes of dental crowns are available, each with unique characteristics and benefits. These options give patients various choices based on their specific needs and preferences.

• Porcelain crowns: These crowns are crafted from a strong ceramic material that closely resembles the color and texture of natural teeth. They offer excellent aesthetics and are popular for individuals seeking a natural-looking restoration.
• Metal crowns: Comprised of gold or other metal alloys, they are known for their exceptional durability and resistance to wear. They are ideal for patients requiring a long-lasting and reliable solution.
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns (PFM): This type of crown combines the natural appearance of porcelain and the strength of metal. It perfectly balances aesthetics and functionality, making it suitable for various dental restorations.
• All-ceramic crowns: Constructed entirely from ceramic material, these crowns provide excellent aesthetics and eliminate the risk of metal allergies. They are an ideal choice for individuals with sensitivities or allergies to metal.
• Zirconia crowns: Made from a durable and biocompatible material, zirconia crowns offer both strength and esthetics. They are suitable for use on anterior (front) or posterior (back) teeth, providing a reliable and aesthetically pleasing solution.

By offering a wide range of options, dental crowns can be customized to meet each patient’s unique needs and preferences, ensuring optimal oral health and a natural-looking smile.

There are several important reasons why a dentist may suggest the placement of a dental crown. These reasons include:

• Protect a damaged or weakened tooth: A dental crown provides added support and acts as a protective barrier for a tooth that has been weakened due to dental decay, trauma, or root canal therapy. By encapsulating the tooth, the crown helps to prevent further damage and deterioration.
• Restore a chipped or broken tooth: A dental crown can be an ideal solution when a significant portion of a tooth is missing or damaged. The crown is custom-made to fit over the remaining tooth structure, restoring its shape, size, and function. This ensures that the tooth can continue performing its natural chewing and biting functions without compromise.
• Prevent the appearance of a discolored tooth or a misshapen one: Dental crowns offer an excellent opportunity to enhance the aesthetics of a tooth that is misaligned, oddly shaped, or severely discolored. By placing a crown on such a tooth, its appearance can be greatly improved, resulting in a more harmonious and pleasing smile.
• Cover a dental implant: They are commonly used to replace missing teeth. After a dental implant is surgically placed in the jawbone, a dental crown is typically attached to it. This crown is a natural-looking restoration, covering the implant and seamlessly blending in with the surrounding teeth.
• Strengthen a tooth after root canal treatment: Following a root canal treatment, it is essential to be aware that your tooth’s strength may be compromised, making it more prone to fractures. To ensure its long-term durability and safeguard against potential damage, dental professionals often advise the use of a dental crown. This protective measure provides added strength and protection to the treated tooth, allowing you to confidently carry on with your daily activities without worry. The crown helps to ensure the long-term success of the root canal treatment by safeguarding the tooth from any potential damage.

By considering these factors, dentists can determine when a dental crown is the most suitable treatment option, providing patients with the necessary support, functionality, and aesthetics to maintain optimal oral health.

Usually, when you get a dental crown, you’ll need to make two trips to the dentist. During your rudimentary visit, the dentist will prepare the affected tooth for the placement of a crown. In this procedure, we reshape the tooth by gently filing down its enamel to ensure that the crown fits perfectly. 

If your tooth is severely broken, your dentist might need to fill it in so that it can properly accommodate the crown.

Once the tooth has been layed, your dentist will proceed to take an impression of both the tooth and the adjacent teeth. Once you’ve given your approval, we’ll send this impression over to the dental lab. They’ll use it to create your custom crown. During this time, your dentist will go ahead and place a temporary crown on the prepared tooth to keep it protected.

When you come in for your second visit, the temporary crown will be taken off and make sure the permanent crown fits well and matches the color properly. Once everything is deemed acceptable, we will proceed to cement the new crown in place.

While the procedure is generally painless due to local anesthesia, you may experience some discomfort or sensitivity after the process, especially once the anesthesia wears off. However, this should subside within a few days.

Your dentist may also provide you with pain medication to make do any discomfort during the recovery period.

One of the main advantages of getting a dental crown is that it can protect and strengthen a weakened or damaged tooth. It can also improve the appearance of a tooth by covering up discoloration, misshapenness, or gaps.

In addition, dental crowns can last several years with proper care and maintenance. They are also relatively easy to maintain and don’t require any special cleaning methods.

However, one of the main disadvantages of dental crowns is that they can be quite expensive. The cost may vary depending on the material used for the crown, with porcelain being the most costly option. In addition, the procedure may require multiple visits to the dentist and can be time-consuming.

Another disadvantage is that dental crowns are not a permanent solution and may need to be replaced in the future due to wear and tear or damage. Additionally, some people may experience discomfort or sensitivity after getting a crown, especially if it is improperly fitted.

If a dental crown is not the right option for you, there are alternatives that your dentist may recommend. These include:

• Veneers: Similar to dental crowns, veneers can make your tooth appear a lot better by covering up imperfections. However, they are less invasive as they only cover the tooth’s front surface.
• Dental bonding is a sophisticated procedure that employs a tooth-colored resin to meticulously enhance the aesthetic appeal and address any damage or discoloration present in a tooth.
• Dental implants: If a tooth is too damaged or decayed to support a crown, your dentist may recommend a dental implant. This involves surgically placing an artificial tooth root in the jawbone and attaching a crown.