Dental Crowns in Las Vegas

According to the National Institutes of Health, almost 90% of adults between 24 and 60 have some form of tooth decay. Although there are numerous treatments for tooth decay, many moderate cases can be effectively treated with dental crowns. 

At Vegas Dental Experts, Dr. Harvey Chin offers dental crowns for those who have tooth decay and other dental damage. Learn more about dental crowns and how we can help. 

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that fit over the tooth, restoring the tooth’s shape, size, appearance, and strength. 

With time, your teeth can start wearing down or suffer from damage. If you develop a cavity or chip a tooth, a dental crown will help prevent further issues while protecting the healthy part of the tooth. 

Dental crowns can serve many purposes. We often recommend a dental crown to:

• Protect a tooth
• Keep a cracked tooth together
• Restore a worn-down tooth
• Hold a dental bridge in place
• Cover a dental implant
• Cover a tooth that received a root canal
• Cover misshapen teeth
• Cover discolored teeth
• Support a tooth filling

There are crowns of many different types of materials as well. Patients might receive crowns that are made of:

• Ceramic
• Porcelain
• Metal 
• Composite resin
• Zirconia
• A combination of materials

The dental crown material that is best for you will depend on factors that include where the crown is located and whether the tooth will show when you smile. Your gum tissue position and even the color of the surrounding teeth will also affect the type of crown you will receive.

Traditional dental crowns will cover your whole tooth, while three-quarter crowns and inlays cover only a portion of the tooth. An inlay can be the right option if you still have a strong tooth structure. 

To hold the dental crown in place, Dr. Chin applies a special cement that covers the visible portion of the tooth. Depending on the type of crown and your oral hygiene habits, a dental crown might last between 5 and 15 years. 

Benefits of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns relieve discomfort that can come from tooth decay. Damage to your tooth enamel can make your tooth more sensitive, leading to pain when you drink hot or cold drinks. 

When you receive treatment for tooth decay, whether a filling, root canal, or anything else, you want to protect it from further damage. That is what dental crowns offer. 

Dental crowns are specially made to fit each tooth. Dr. Chin creates customized crowns, taking into consideration your tooth’s shape, size, and location. With a well-fitting tooth, you do not have to worry about having bite issues or feeling the crown loosening. 

Although they might eventually need replacing, dental crowns can last a substantial amount of time. If you care for them correctly, you can expect them to last for about 15 years. 

Receiving a dental crown is also a simple procedure. It is minimally invasive and does not take a long time. 

Crowns also offer aesthetic benefits. A dental crown made of ceramic or other natural-looking materials will blend well with the rest of your teeth. If you have a severely discolored tooth, you can turn to a dental crown to improve your smile. 

Dental crowns do not slip or move when installed correctly, allowing you to chew and speak without problems. 

Preparing for Your Crown Procedure

Your first step will be scheduling a free consultation with us at Vegas Dental Experts. 

During this consultation, Dr. Chin will examine the damaged tooth or teeth and ask you questions about your dental hygiene and oral health. We will take X-rays of the tooth and the bone around it, which will help us decide the type of crown you should receive. 

Dr. Chin may recommend a root canal before a dental crown if there are signs of the following:

• Infection
• Tooth decay
• Injury to tooth’s pulp

To prepare your tooth, we will file it down along the sides and on the top so that there is room for the crown. The type of crown you get will determine how much of the tooth requires filing down. Keep in mind that ceramic and porcelain dental crowns require more space than metal ones. 

If a lot of your tooth is missing, we will add a filling to help support the crown. 

Once the tooth is the right shape and size, Dr. Chin will make an impression of it with a  special putty. He will also make an impression of the teeth below or above the one that will receive the crown to make sure that the crown does not negatively affect your bite. 

We then send the impressions to the lab that creates the crowns. It can take about two weeks for this step. If necessary, we may add a temporary crown to protect your tooth while we wait for the permanent dental crowns to arrive. 

At this first consultation, we will also answer all of the questions you may have about cost and payment options. We know that paying for dental crowns can be stressful, so we will do what we can to help you get the treatment you need. 

During your second visit, we will place the permanent crown on your tooth. If the color and size are correct, we will apply a local anesthetic to the area so that we can cement the crown into place. 

There is a short recovery time after getting dental crowns. Warm salt rinses a few times a day can help. We can offer tips on what to do while you are getting used to your new crown, such as avoiding hard or sticky foods that can dislodge it. 

Maintaining Dental Crowns

To ensure that your dental crowns last a long time, you want to take special care of them. 

You should always brush your teeth at least twice a day. This can prevent damage to the crown as well as to your other teeth. It might be a good idea to choose a toothpaste for sensitive teeth if you find that the area is more sensitive to heat and cold. 

Flossing daily can also prevent food particles from lodging in the crown or between it and your other teeth. 

Avoid eating hard foods. Hard foods can chip porcelain and ceramic and can warp metal. You’ll want to stay away from ice chips and hard candies. 

If you clench your teeth at night, you may need to wear a night guard. The night guard can also help protect the rest of your teeth from the pressure that your jaws put on them when you grind or clench your teeth. 

Get Healthier Teeth at Vegas Dental Experts

If you have tooth decay, one of the best options is to turn to dental crowns. Dental crowns offer the look and feel you need to avoid discomfort and allow you to have a radiant smile once more. 

At Vegas Dental Experts in Las Vegas, NV, Dr. Harvey Chin has over 40 years of experience offering dental crowns and many other dental services. With state-of-the-art facilities, he provides the reliable and quality services you need. Schedule your free consultation with Vegas Dental Experts today to learn more about our options.