Dental Crowns

Dental Crowns in San Antonio, TX

For many, dental crowns are a necessary restorative and cosmetic dentistry treatment needed to restore a discolored, weak, or fractured tooth. At Local Dental San Antonio, Dr. Joung Lee and Dr. Minkyung Lee advise patients to get dental crowns for extensive damage and decay.

What is a dental crown?

Sometimes called a “tooth cap” or “tooth crown,” dental crowns are restorative appliances used to cover an entire tooth and restore its strength, size, shape, and function.

Is a dental crown right for me?

Generally, dental crowns are needed in the following situations:

Strengthening a weakened tooth
Holding together parts of a cracked tooth
Securing a dental bridge in place
Hiding teeth that are misshapen, discolored, or have other aesthetic issues
Covering a dental implant
Protecting baby teeth that are at risk for tooth decay
Saving a tooth that is on the verge of needing extraction

Types of Crowns

Zirconia

Zirconia crowns are crafted from zirconium oxide—a white powdered ceramic material that boasts great strength and beauty.

Pros: Zirconia crowns are biocompatible, suitable for those with metal allergies, aesthetically pleasing, and durable.
Cons: While the disadvantages are few and far between, some dental community members are worried about the hard zirconia material eroding opposing natural tooth enamel. Drs. Joung and Minkyung Lee combat this potential issue by ensuring proper spacing and alignment in crown placement

Porcelain

Porcelain is the most common dental ceramic material

Pros: Porcelain closely mimics the physical properties of tooth enamel and is biocompatible.
Cons: Comparatively, porcelain crowns are more delicate than other types of dental crowns.

Gold

An alloy dental crown made of gold and another metal

Pros: Gold is durable and long-lasting.
Cons: Gold is noticeable and not suitable for those with metal allergies.

Porcelain Fused to Metal

PFM crowns are fabricated with a metal-alloy center and are covered with a porcelain shell.

Pros: PFM crowns are the best of both worlds: they are strong and aesthetically pleasing.
Cons: PFM can look unappealing for those who suffer from gum recession or have thin gums.

Treatment Expectations

For new patients, we strongly suggest filling out new patient forms and submitting insurance information for a more efficient first visit.

How long do dental crowns take? Typically, we spread inlay and onlay installation over two appointments. The first appointment is for preparation, while the second is for installation.

Furthermore, we’ve outlined what to expect before, during, and after each tooth crown procedure.

Before

First, our dentists employ visual and physical exams as well as dental x-rays to check for signs of decay and damage. If our dentists determine that a dental crown is the best choice, they will prepare the tooth and take impressions. Then, they will send these impressions to our dental laboratory and place a temporary crown.

During

When the dental crown returns from the laboratory, Dr. Lee cements the crown to the tooth after ensuring a perfect fit.

After

Typically, the recovery period after a dental crown procedure is a few days. One might experience some sensitivity, inflammation, irritation, and tooth crown pain for a week or two. Soon, these post-procedure effects will wear off, and dental crown patients can return to their everyday routines with excellent oral hygiene.

Find Dental Crowns that Look, Feel, and Function Well

The best way to decide how to repair your smile is to schedule a consultation with a local dentist. Drs. Joung and Minkyung Lee can review your options and help you decide which restorative and cosmetic dentistry option is ideal.

Take advantage of our online booking or conveniently call (210) 686-1486. The San Antonio community can trust the Local Dental team to keep individuals and families healthy, happy, and feeling at home.