Dental Crowns in Wesley Chapel

Crowns are custom restorations that improve the shape, size, or color of a tooth or replace missing teeth by attaching to dental implants. You might need a crown to fortify a tooth after it breaks or gets an infection. Otherwise, you might simply want a crown for cosmetic purposes.

At Luz Hernandez, DDS, Dr. Hernandez custom designs your crowns using digital smile design. She can make your crown with porcelain, metal, or both. If the tooth is visible in your smile, you might opt for a color-matched porcelain crown because it looks nearly identical to your tooth enamel.

When you need a crown, Dr. Hernandez starts the process by viewing your natural tooth’s shape, size, and color. She takes digital images of the tooth before preparing it for a crown.

A crown essentially replaces the outer surface layer of your tooth. To make room for it, Dr. Hernandez cuts down the tooth’s size. She also removes any decay before making the crown.

Next, Dr. Hernandez takes digital impressions of the prepared tooth to make sure the crown has a perfect fit. She gives you a temporary crown to protect the tooth until your next appointment.

At your final appointment, Dr. Hernandez checks to make sure the crown fits before bonding it to the prepared tooth or attaching it to the implant.

Your tooth must be altered to hold a crown, so you’ll need to wear one for the life of the tooth. If you take great care of your tooth, maintain your oral hygiene, and come in for regular dental exams and cleanings, you can expect your crown to last 15 years or longer.

You can also be sure that your crown doesn’t break or get damaged by avoiding chewing on solid objects like ice cubes, pencils, and popcorn seeds. Never use your teeth instead of scissors to tear plastic or fabric, either.

To find out if you could use a crown for a tooth that isn’t as strong as it once was, call Luz Hernandez, DDS or contact us to request an appointment online today.