Please note: When requesting an appointment online, this is only a REQUEST. A member of our staff will contact you. 

Dental Crowns Q & A

What’s a dental crown?

A dental crown is an artificial, tooth-shaped cap used to restore function, strengthen, or improve the appearance of a damaged or decayed tooth. They can also be placed on top of a dental implant to replace a missing tooth.

Dental crowns can be made from a wide range of materials, depending on your unique needs and preferences, such as cosmetic concerns and where in your mouth the crown is going to be placed. Some of the more common materials used today for dental crowns include:

• Porcelain-based ceramic
• Porcelain fused to metal
• Zirconia
• Gold alloys

Having a dental crown is just like having a natural tooth. They function the same way, and, depending on what material your crown is made from, can look exactly like a natural tooth to blend right with the rest of your smile.

Why should I get a dental crown?

Dental crowns improve the health of your smile in many different ways, such as:

• Replacing a tooth that’s significantly decayed
• Protecting a weakened tooth from further harm
• Restoring function to a tooth that’s been badly worn or damaged
• Improving your ability to properly chew and speak

Dental crowns also serve to cosmetically enhance your smile by filling in any gaps left by severely damaged teeth or replacing an unsightly tooth.

How do I get a dental crown?

Dr. Chirla can install your high-quality dental crown in two office visits. During your first visit, Dr. Chirla gently uses a local anesthetic to numb the tooth-to-be-crowned and its surrounding tissues. Once the anesthetic has taken effect, he carefully shaves off some enamel from your tooth, leaving an abutment on top where he will place the crown.

He then takes an impression of your mouth that he sends off to a lab where your crown will be designed to fit perfectly in your smile. Before you leave, he fits you with a temporary crown while you wait for the permanent restoration.

Once your permanent crown is back from the lab, you’ll come back for your second visit. Dr. Chirla removes your temporary crown, cleans the area, and places your permanent crown. After he checks to make sure that the fit is right and that your bite feels comfortable, he permanently seals it with dental cement. You’ll be able to chew, speak, and smile with confidence as soon as you step out of the office doors.

Don’t wait to improve your smile. Schedule a dental crown appointment with Dr. Chirla today by calling the Danny Chirla, DDS, offices or booking online.