Crowns Specialist

What are dental crowns?

Dental crowns are custom-crafted restorations that sit on top of a broken, decaying, or weak tooth. Once bonded in place, a crown repairs the enamel structure, making it easier to bite and chew. 

Crowns are made from a variety of materials, including gold, metal amalgam, and ceramic. The type of crown that most benefits you depends on your dental health history, budget, and goals. Following an oral exam and a series of digital X-rays, Dr. Afkham can make recommendations that align with your needs.

What types of issues do crowns address?

Dr. Afkham uses crowns to:

• Protect weak or damaged teeth
• Repair deep decay
• Hold dental bridges in place
• Cover dental implants
• Make cosmetic modifications
• Complete root canal therapy

You might also benefit from a crown if you need to undergo a series of complex dental procedures on the same tooth. 

What does getting a dental crown involve?

Getting a dental crown takes two appointments at Davis Smile Center, a week or more apart.

First appointment

Before recommending a crown, Dr. Afkham conducts an oral exam to assess your affected tooth. If the damage or decay is minor, you might only need a filling. Next, he takes digital X-rays to assess your tooth roots, jaw, and the portion of the tooth beneath the gum line. If there’s noticeable damage, Dr. Afkham administers a local anesthetic.  

Once the anesthesia sets in, Dr. Afkham carefully removes the damaged or decaying portion of the tooth. Then, he takes digital impressions with an intraoral scanner and sends your impressions to a dental laboratory. The laboratory uses your impressions to design and manufacture a custom dental crown.

Second appointment

When the laboratory finishes your crown, you return to the office. Dr. Afkham again administers a local anesthetic, lines up the crown with your tooth, and bonds it in place. He trims off any excess material, polishes your teeth, and provides aftercare instructions.

How long do dental crowns last?

Dental crowns last an average of 5-15 years, but it’s possible to extend their lifespan. To prevent general wear-and-tear, avoid bad habits like nail-biting, using your teeth to open packaging, or chewing on ice. Practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily, and visit Dr. Afkham two times a year for an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning.

To learn more about the benefits of crowns, make an appointment at Davis Smile Center by calling the office or using the online booking tool today.