Dental crowns are also known as “caps” because they fit over natural tooth structure like a cap or hat fits over your head. While a hat can protect your head from the rain or the chill, Gentle Care Dentistry compares our durable porcelain crowns to armor. Patients’ experience with crowns depends on factors such as materials. And Dr. Brianne Luu selects only the best materials for your dental crowns procedure at her office in Azusa, CA. 

Why you need a crown 

As with all treatments at our office, they start with a thorough examination. You may be an excellent candidate for our long-lasting, attractive porcelain crowns if you:

• Have a large or worn filling 
• Decay or damage to the tooth can’t be restored with a filling or inlay
• Require a crown to protect weakened tooth structure or to restore a badly broken or fractured tooth
• Tooth that has root canal treatment

Additionally, crowns have been used for tooth replacement, as part of a dental bridge or implant-supported bridges and dentures. In some instances, crowns may even be used for cosmetic purposes; to address a poorly shaped tooth. However, as a cosmetic dentist, Dr. Luu knows there may be alternatives such as porcelain veneers in instances where the appearance rather than the function or health of the tooth is the primary concern. 

The process of fabricating crowns

If a crown is recommended, Dr. Luu will both prepare the natural tooth and plan for the permanent crown. Existing damage or decayed tissue must be removed. The underlying tooth structure is further shaped to “accept” its new protective covering. To fabricate the crown, a scan of the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth are made. This scan is an imprint and serves as a guide for the lab ceramicist to follow to make your crown. A temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth structure to protect it while the permanent crown is being made. In around two weeks, we’ll contact you to return to our office. During that appointment, the temporary crown will be removed. We’ll place the beautiful and resilient permanent crown and make refinements or minor adjustments before bonding it securely in place. With the usual good oral hygiene and periodic visits to our office, you’ll enjoy your rebuilt tooth for many years to come without complications! Call us at +1 626-466-9596 to schedule your appointment today. 

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