Crowns And Bridges Specialist
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Toothscaler Dental
Kevin Vu, DDS
Cosmetic, Implant, and General Dentistry & Orthodontics located in San Jose, CA
Your teeth are incredibly durable, but accidents and injuries happen. If you crack or chip a tooth, a dental crown can restore your chewing ability and prevent further damage. Kevin Vu, DDS, at Toothscaler Dental in San Jose, California, regularly uses dental prosthetics, including crowns, to help his patients look and feel their best. To make your appointment, call the office or use the online booking tool today.
Crowns and Bridges Q & A
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped covering used to restore a tooth’s strength, shape, size, or aesthetic appearance. When cemented in place, a crown covers the entire visible portion of your tooth that sits above your gumline.
Who can benefit from a dental crown?
Dental crowns are incredibly versatile and can correct a number of problems. Dr. Vu might recommend a dental crown to:
- Protect a weak tooth
- Restore a damaged tooth
- Support a tooth
- Hold a bridge in place
- Cover a dental implant
Dr. Vu might also recommend a dental crown to treat a cosmetic issue such as a discolored or chipped tooth.
What types of dental crowns do you offer?
At Toothscaler Dental, Dr. Vu offers different types of permanent crowns including:
Metal
Metal crowns typically feature a high concentration of gold or platinum. They’re incredibly durable and designed to withstand forces like chewing and biting. In addition, metal crowns rarely chip or break.
Resin
Resin crowns look similar to your natural teeth, but they’re the least durable type of crown. Resin crowns wear down over time and tend to develop cracks and chips.
Ceramic and porcelain
Dr. Vu might recommend a ceramic or porcelain crown if you suffer from metal allergies. Ceramic and porcelain crowns also mimic the color and light-reflecting properties of your teeth, so they're less noticeable.
Zirconia
Zirconia crowns are the strongest and most durable crowns available today. They’re made of a very hard ceramic that’s almost as tough as your permanent teeth. Plus, they look completely natural.
Actual Patients
Other crowns have a black margin.
Our crowns do not have black margin.
Before the teeth were tilted. After the crown was done and minor cosmetic adjustment.
How many appointments does getting a dental crown take?
Getting a dental crown requires two separate appointments.
At your first appointment, Dr. Vu performs an oral exam, reviews your medical history, and takes a series of X-rays. If you have a tooth with extensive decay or there’s a risk of infection, a root canal may be necessary.
Before making your crown, Dr. Vu administers a local anesthetic to numb your teeth and gums. Next, he carefully files down the tooth that’s receiving the crown. After reshaping your tooth, Dr. Vu uses putty to take a series of impressions. Lastly, he covers your tooth with a temporary crown. At the end of your appointment, Dr. Vu sends your impressions to a dental laboratory that manufactures your permanent crown.
A week or two later, you return for your second appointment. At your second appointment, Dr. Vu administers a local anesthetic and cements your permanent crown in place. The entire process typically takes between 45-60 minutes.
If you’re interested in learning more about dental crowns, make an appointment at Toothscaler Dental by calling the office or clicking the online booking tool today.
