Restorative Dentistry
Dental Crowns & Caps in Stockton, CA
Crowns, or caps, go over a tooth that is so compromised that a filling, inlay or onlay will not repair it, and they come in a variety of natural-looking materials.
A crown covers the entire visible portion of a tooth. That total coverage is the point: where a filling replaces missing structure and relies on the remaining tooth to hold everything together, a crown takes over the job of holding the tooth together itself.
When a crown is the right answer
That distinction explains the common situations where one is recommended, extensive decay beyond what a filling can reliably restore, a tooth weakened after root canal therapy, a cracked or broken tooth that needs binding together, severe wear from grinding, or as the visible tooth on a dental implant.
When more preparation is needed first
Where a tooth has broken beneath the gum line, or there is not enough space between the jawbone and the planned crown, crown lengthening may be needed before the crown can be made properly.
Materials
Crowns are made in a range of natural-looking materials. Porcelain is chosen for visible teeth because it reflects light in a way that resembles enamel; stronger materials are often preferred for molars, where chewing forces are highest and appearance matters less.
Which material suits a given tooth depends on its position, the forces it carries, and how much of the natural tooth remains.
What to expect
Treatment usually takes more than one appointment. The tooth is prepared by reducing it enough to accommodate the crown, an impression is taken, and a temporary crown protects the tooth while the permanent one is fabricated. At the second visit the permanent crown is fitted, adjusted to your bite and cemented in place.
Caring for a crowned tooth
The crown itself cannot decay, but the natural tooth beneath it can, particularly at the margin where crown meets tooth. That margin is one of the things checked at every routine examination.
If a crown comes loose or falls out, keep it and call the office. See lost filling or crown. Otherwise, request an appointment or call (209) 951-3436.
Living with a crowned tooth
A crowned tooth is cleaned like any other, and the margin at the gumline is the part that matters most. Flossing around it is not optional, decay starting at that junction is the most common reason a crown eventually needs replacing.
If a crown comes loose or falls out, keep it and call the office; it can often be re-cemented rather than remade. See lost filling or crown.
To discuss whether a crown is the right treatment, request an appointment or call (209) 951-3436. Coverage for crowns varies between plans. See patient information, and we will check yours before treatment begins.
Questions patients ask
- How many appointments does a crown take?
- Usually more than one. The tooth is prepared and an impression taken at the first visit, with a temporary crown protecting it while the permanent one is made. At the second visit the permanent crown is fitted, adjusted to your bite and cemented.
- Why do I need a crown after a root canal?
- A tooth that has had root canal therapy becomes more brittle, because the pulp that nourished it from within has been removed. Full coverage protects it from fracture, which is why a crown usually follows endodontic treatment.
- Can the tooth under a crown still decay?
- The crown cannot decay, but the natural tooth beneath it can, particularly at the margin where crown meets tooth. That margin is one of the things checked at every routine examination.
- What are crowns made from?
- Crowns come in a variety of natural-looking materials. Porcelain is usually chosen for visible teeth because it reflects light in a way that resembles enamel, while stronger materials are often preferred for molars where chewing forces are highest.
Ready to get started?
Much of your first visit is spent explaining your individual treatment and getting to know you, so you can make a decision you feel good about.