Dental Crowns

What Is a Dental Crown?

Advanced tooth decay, large fractures, and root canal treatment can weaken a tooth’s structure. At Monterey Peninsula Dental Group, we can restore even severely damaged teeth to full strength and beauty with custom dental crowns in Monterey.

A dental crown, sometimes called a tooth cap, is a restoration that completely encases a tooth using durable, high-quality materials. Crowns help protect and strengthen teeth that are weak, cracked, or broken and can restore worn-down teeth to their ideal shape and size.

What Can a Dental Crown Fix?

We proudly provide custom dental crowns in Monterey to address various dental concerns, including:

• Broken or weakened teeth
• Teeth with large, deteriorating fillings
• Teeth that have had root canal treatment
• Cracked or fractured teeth
• Severely decayed teeth
• Heavily discolored teeth

Crowns are also used to support dental bridges or as part of a dental implant to replace missing teeth. At Monterey Peninsula Dental Group, we design each custom crown with careful attention to your smile’s natural appearance, ensuring a seamless and beautiful result.

Types of Dental Crowns

Different materials and techniques are available for crafting dental crowns. The best material depends on the location of the tooth, your specific needs, and your lifestyle. Our team will review the options with you to ensure a durable and aesthetically pleasing outcome.

Modern ceramic crowns closely resemble natural enamel while providing excellent strength and longevity. With several ceramic options available, we will help you choose the best fit for your smile.

Traditional Impression Crowns

The conventional method for making a dental crown involves multiple steps since the restoration is created in a dental lab. Traditionally, impressions were taken using bulky trays, but modern 3D scanners now allow for a more comfortable and precise digital replica of your teeth and gums.

Once the impressions are ready, they are sent to the dental lab for fabrication. While waiting for your final crown, you will wear a temporary crown to protect your tooth. This process typically takes one to two weeks.

Same-Day CEREC Crowns

For those looking to restore their smile quickly, we offer same-day dental crowns in Monterey using advanced CAD/CAM technology and an in-house milling system.

After preparing your tooth, CEREC involves using a 3D dental scanner to create a precise digital model of your teeth. Then, our cutting-edge design software crafts a custom restoration to match the shape and shade of your natural teeth. Your crown is fabricated on-site and placed in the same visit, allowing you to leave with a fully restored smile in just one appointment.

What Is the Process of Getting a Crown?

Getting a dental crown typically involves two main steps. First, we prepare the tooth by removing decay, damage, or cracks and shaping it for the crown. If you are receiving a traditional crown, we will place a temporary restoration to protect your tooth while the lab creates your permanent crown. (With same-day crowns, this step is unnecessary!)

Once your custom crown is ready, we cement it in place and check your bite to ensure a perfect fit. It may take a few days to adjust to your new crown, and our team is here to support you throughout the process.

How to Care for a Tooth Crown

After getting a crown, we recommend avoiding sticky or hard foods for a few days to allow the bonding process to complete. Once fully secured, your crown should be cared for like your natural teeth. Daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups will keep your crown in top shape for years. With proper care, dental crowns typically last between 5 and 15 years.

Ready to Restore Your Smile with Dental Crowns in Monterey?

The Monterey Peninsula Dental Group team is ready to help you regain confidence and comfort with high-quality dental crowns. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation and take the next step toward a stronger, healthier smile.

We’re proud to offer CEREC crowns in Monterey, which are created in our office using the best technology and help patients receive a strong, permanent crown quickly.