Dental crowns from Downey Park Family Dentistry in Modesto may be right for you if you have a damaged or decayed tooth. If you suspect that you have a cavity or an infected tooth, or your tooth has recently been damaged by dental trauma, a crown may be the best option for restoring your smile.
Crowns are also sometimes used to replace large, old fillings that are wearing out, and to cover up teeth after root canal therapy. More rarely, they can be used for purely cosmetic purposes if an alternative cosmetic treatment is not appropriate. If you have a damaged tooth, call our Modesto dental office today to book a consultation to see if a crown is right for you.
Preparation – To begin the process, you’ll need to have your tooth prepared for your dental crown. At this appointment, Dr. Acree will clean and numb your mouth, then remove any damaged or decayed enamel from your tooth. Finally, your tooth will be trimmed into a stable platform onto which your crown can be permanently attached.
Imaging & Temporary Crown – After your tooth is prepared, our Modesto team will take a digital scan of your smile to create your permanent crown from our in-house dental lab. It will take a few days to create this work of art, so we will make you a well-fitting temporary crown to protect your tooth until your next appointment.
Permanent Crown Placement – Once your permanent crown has been made, Dr. Acree will remove your temporary crown, check the fit of your permanent crown, then bond it into place with dental cement, completing the procedure.
We make our crowns in our highly specialized dental lab. We use the highest quality dental materials and well trained lab technicians to create an aesthetically-pleasing, perfect-fitting dental crown that will last many years, usually 15 years or more. You can be sure that your crown from our Modesto dentist will provide you with long-lasting smile restoration.
To maximize the lifespan of your crown, simply care for it like you would care for a normal tooth. Make sure you brush at least twice a day for two minutes, and floss once a day. In addition, make sure you see Dr. Acree and the team at Downey Park Family Dentistry in Modesto for a professional cleaning every six months. And don't forget to ask out our dental membership plan that helps you save money on dental care!
We offer advanced, modern dental care in Modesto for our patients. One of these advanced services is that we have our own in-house, highly-specialized crown and bridge lab. This means that we do not need to work with outside labs that may use inadequate dental materials or workmanship. This provides you with a number of benefits, including:
Our highly-trained dental team works hard to make sure your crown fit, shape, and color is perfect the first time. This way, you do not have to make extra trips to the dental office for try-ins or have your crown remade when it doesn't fit properly. It is really like a work of art! It may take a few weeks to receive your beautiful crown, but the wait is worth it.
Our Modesto team of highly-trained technicians provides the best results when building crowns and bridges, ensuring your satisfaction and a long lifespan for your dental prostheses. We will ensure that your crown meets your expectations and looks natural in your mouth.
Taking care of your new dental crown is not vastly different from caring for your natural teeth. Regular brushing and flossing remain essential. However, there are a few additional considerations to keep in mind.
Firstly, while your dental crown is designed to withstand normal use, it can be damaged by hard foods or non-food items. Therefore, avoid chewing ice, hard candies, or other hard substances with your crowned tooth.
Secondly, it's crucial to maintain regular dental check-ups with your Modesto dentist at Downey Park Family Dentistry. These visits allow for early detection of any potential issues with your crown, ensuring it lasts as long as possible
Finally, if you grind or clench your teeth at night, a condition known as bruxism, it's important to discuss this with Dr. Acree. He may recommend a night guard to protect both your natural teeth and your dental crown.
After the anesthesia wears off, you may experience some sensitivity or mild discomfort, especially when consuming hot or cold foods and drinks. However, this should subside within a few days. Over-the-counter pain medication can help manage any discomfort during this period
If you continue to experience pain or discomfort after a few days, it's important to contact Downey Park Family Dentistry at (209) 529-0674. This could indicate an issue with the crown that needs to be addressed.The process of getting a dental crown should not cause significant pain. Dr. Acree will use local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth, so you won't feel anything during the procedure. If you're feeling nervous checkout our sedation dentistry services to help you stay comfortable and relaxed during your visit.
While dental crowns are often used to restore function to a damaged or decayed tooth, they can also serve cosmetic purposes. A crown can dramatically improve the appearance of a tooth that is discolored, misshapen, or significantly worn down.
Crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain or ceramic, which can be matched to the natural color of your teeth, making them a popular choice for front teeth restorations.
Dr. Acree at Downey Park Family Dentistry is skilled in both the functional and cosmetic dentistry aspect of dental crowns, ensuring that your crown not only restores your tooth's function but also enhances your smile.
The process of getting a dental crown typically requires two visits to Downey Park Family Dentistry.
During the first visit, Dr. Acree will prepare the tooth, take impressions with our digital scanner, and place a temporary crown. This visit usually lasts about an hour or two.
The impressions are sent to our very own dental lab where our skilled lab technician will custom make your crown. This process typically takes about two weeks.
Once your crown is ready, you'll return for a second visit. Dr. Acree will remove the temporary crown and cement the permanent one in place. This visit is usually shorter, often lasting less than an hour.
It's important to note that while the crown itself is completed in two visits, the total time from start to finish can vary depending on the time it takes for the lab to create your crown. Dr. Acree will give you a more precise timeline during your initial consultation.
