Dental Crowns in Richmond, TX

A dental crown is essentially a “cap” that is placed over a damaged tooth. It fully encases the tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of these. Each material has its own advantages, and Dr. Okafor will work with you to determine the best option based on your specific dental needs and aesthetic preferences.

Dental crowns are used in a variety of situations, such as:

• Protecting a tooth weakened by decay or damage
• Restoring a broken or severely worn tooth
• Covering and supporting a tooth with a large filling
• Holding a dental bridge in place
• Covering a dental implant
• Enhancing the appearance of misshapen or discolored teeth

Types of Dental Crowns in Richmond, TX

At Pampered Smiles Dentistry, we offer several types of dental crowns, each tailored to meet different needs. The materials used in creating crowns can vary based on durability, appearance, and cost.

Porcelain or Ceramic Crowns

Porcelain and ceramic crowns are an excellent choice for patients who want a crown that looks as natural as possible. These crowns are made to match the color of your natural teeth, making them ideal for visible front teeth. Additionally, porcelain crowns are biocompatible, meaning they don’t cause any allergic reactions.

Advantages:

• Natural appearance
• Biocompatible, making them suitable for people with metal allergies
• Ideal for front teeth and highly visible areas of the mouth

Metal Crowns

Metal crowns, including gold and other metal alloys, are known for their strength and durability. They are typically used on back molars, where the pressure from chewing and biting is greatest. Metal crowns last the longest in terms of wear and are highly resistant to chipping or breaking.

Advantages:

• Highly durable and long-lasting
• Requires less removal of the natural tooth structure
• Ideal for out-of-sight molars

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns

Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns combine the strength of metal with the natural appearance of porcelain. The metal provides strength and durability, while the porcelain coating ensures that the crown looks like a natural tooth. These crowns are a popular choice for both front and back teeth.

Advantages:

• Durable due to the metal base
• Natural appearance due to the porcelain exterior
• Suitable for both front and back teeth

Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia is a relatively new material in dental crowns and has gained popularity due to its strength and aesthetics. Zirconia crowns are highly durable and, like porcelain crowns, can be made to closely match the color of natural teeth.

Advantages:

• Strong and durable
• Biocompatible
• Can be color-matched to natural teeth
• Ideal for patients with metal sensitivities

Temporary Crowns

Temporary crowns are used as a short-term solution while your permanent crown is being made. These crowns are usually made of acrylic or composite materials and are placed to protect the tooth while the final crown is being fabricated in a dental laboratory. Temporary crowns are not as strong as permanent crowns, so it’s important to take care when chewing until your permanent crown is placed. Contact us to learn more.

When Are Dental Crowns in Richmond, TX Needed?

Dental crowns can address a variety of dental issues. Here are some common scenarios in which Dr. Okafor may recommend a dental crown:

To Restore a Broken or Cracked Tooth

If you’ve experienced trauma to your mouth or have a cracked or broken tooth due to grinding or injury, a dental crown can restore the tooth’s structure and prevent further damage. Without treatment, a cracked tooth can lead to more severe problems, including infection or tooth loss.

To Protect a Weak or Decayed Tooth

When a tooth is weakened due to extensive decay or after a root canal, a crown can protect the remaining tooth structure. In cases where a tooth cannot be saved with a filling or onlay, a crown is often the best solution to maintain the function of the tooth.

To Cover a Dental Implant

Dental implants are a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth. After the implant post has fused with your jawbone, a dental crown is placed on top of the implant to restore the look and function of a natural tooth.

To Enhance the Appearance of a Tooth

Crowns can also be used for cosmetic purposes, improving the appearance of a misshapen or severely discolored tooth. Whether you want to correct the shape, size, or color of a tooth, crowns offer a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution.

To Support a Dental Bridge

If you are missing one or more teeth, a dental bridge may be recommended to close the gap. Crowns are used to anchor the bridge to the adjacent teeth, providing stability and restoring the appearance and function of your smile.

The Dental Crown Procedure at Pampered Smiles Dentistry

At Pampered Smiles Dentistry, Dr. Okafor and her team use advanced techniques and high-quality materials to ensure the best results for your dental crown. Here’s a step-by-step overview of what you can expect during the dental crown procedure:

Consultation and Examination

The first step is a thorough examination of your mouth. Dr. Okafor will evaluate the condition of the tooth in question and discuss your goals and options. If a crown is determined to be the best solution, you will work together to choose the type of crown that best suits your needs, whether it’s a porcelain, metal, or zirconia crown.

Tooth Preparation

Once the treatment plan is established, the next step involves preparing the tooth for the crown. This typically requires removing a small amount of the tooth’s outer layer (enamel) to create enough space for the crown to fit properly. If the tooth is severely decayed or damaged, a buildup or post may be placed to provide additional support for the crown.

Impressions and Temporary Crown

After the tooth is prepared, impressions of your teeth are taken. These impressions are sent to a dental lab, where your custom crown will be created. In the meantime, our dentist in Richmond, TX will place a temporary crown over the prepared tooth to protect it until the permanent crown is ready.

Placing the Permanent Crown

Once your permanent crown is ready (usually in about 1-2 weeks), you’ll return to Pampered Smiles Dentistry for your final appointment. Dr. Okafor will remove the temporary crown and carefully place the permanent crown, making any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit. The crown is then bonded securely to your tooth using dental cement.

Follow-Up and Care

After the crown is placed, Dr. Okafor will check your bite to ensure everything feels comfortable. Proper care of your crown involves maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly, and attending regular check-ups at Pampered Smiles Dentistry.

Conclusion

At Pampered Smiles Dentistry in Richmond, TX, Dr. Kelechi Okafor and her team are dedicated to restoring and enhancing your smile with high-quality dental crowns. Whether you need a crown to repair a damaged tooth, cover an implant, or enhance the appearance of your smile, our team is here to provide personalized, compassionate care.

Ready to achieve your best smile? Schedule your appointment today at Pampered Smiles Dentistry with Dr. Kelechi Okafor. We're conveniently located at 7919 Grand Mission Blvd, #A300, Richmond, TX 77407. Call us now at (832) 271-5404 and let us help you with personalized, compassionate care!