Landmark Dental | Dental Crowns in Kearny Mesa, San Diego CA
When it comes to preserving the health, function, and esthetics of your teeth, few dental treatments are as versatile and reliable as dental crowns. At Landmark Dental, we frequently recommend crowns to patients in Kearny Mesa and throughout San Diego who are dealing with a variety of dental issues. Whether you have a severely decayed tooth, a cracked molar, or you’re seeking a cosmetic enhancement, understanding how dental crowns work can help you make informed decisions about your oral health.
Understanding Dental Crowns: Definition and Purpose
A dental crown is essentially a protective cap that is placed over a damaged, weakened, or cosmetically flawed tooth. Crowns are custom-designed to mimic the natural shape and color of your existing teeth, restoring strength, function, and appearance.
Think of a crown as armor for your tooth. When a tooth has been compromised by decay, trauma, root canal treatment, or even natural wear and tear, it can lose its ability to function properly. A crown helps reinforce that tooth, protecting it from further damage while allowing you to bite and chew normally.
Dental crowns are not just functional—they also serve an esthetic purpose. For patients with discolored, misshapen, or worn teeth, a well-designed crown can dramatically improve the appearance of a smile. At Landmark Dental in Kearny Mesa, we prioritize both function and natural beauty when crafting crowns for our patients.
The Different Types of Dental Crowns: Choosing the Right One for You
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to dental crowns. The best material for your crown depends on several factors, including the location of the tooth, your bite, your personal preferences, and your budget.
Porcelain crowns are among the most popular options, especially for front teeth. They offer the most natural-looking esthetics and can be closely matched to the color of surrounding teeth. These are an ideal option for patients who prioritize appearance.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns combine the strength of a metal base with the appearance of porcelain. These are typically recommended for back teeth where more pressure is applied during chewing, but where appearance still matters.
All-metal crowns, such as those made of gold or other alloys, are extremely durable and resistant to wear. They are often used on molars that are less visible and endure the most biting force. While not the most esthetic, metal crowns have the advantage of long-lasting performance.
Zirconia crowns have gained popularity in recent years because they offer a great combination of strength and esthetics. They’re strong enough for back teeth and can be shaded to closely resemble natural enamel.
At our dental office in Kearny Mesa, we work closely with each patient to select the crown material that best suits their needs and long-term goals. We’ll discuss the advantages of each type, helping you make a confident and informed decision.
The Dental Crown Procedure: What to Expect
Many patients are pleasantly surprised to learn how straightforward the dental crown process can be. While every case is unique, most crowns require two visits to our San Diego dental office.
During the first visit, we begin by examining the tooth to determine if a crown is the most appropriate solution. If the tooth is infected or decayed, we may need to perform a root canal or remove any decay before proceeding.
Once the tooth is clean and healthy, we gently reshape it to prepare it for the crown. This involves removing a thin layer of enamel so the crown can fit snugly over the tooth. After shaping the tooth, we take a digital or physical impression that is sent to a dental lab, where your custom crown is created.
To protect your tooth in the meantime, we place a temporary crown that you’ll wear for about two weeks. Once your final crown is ready, you’ll return to have it fitted and permanently bonded in place. Our team will ensure that the crown fits perfectly and blends seamlessly with your surrounding teeth.
For patients with time-sensitive needs, same-day crown technology is sometimes available. This allows us to design, mill, and place a crown in just one visit. Ask our Kearny Mesa dental team if this option is right for you.
Benefits of Dental Crowns: Why They Matter for Your Oral Health
Dental crowns offer a range of benefits that extend beyond simply restoring a damaged tooth. One of the primary advantages is protection. Once a tooth has been weakened—either by decay, trauma, or repeated dental work—it becomes more prone to breaking. A crown adds a layer of protection that prevents further damage.
Functionality is another major benefit. Teeth that are chipped or cracked can make it difficult to chew, speak, or maintain a proper bite. A well-placed crown restores full functionality, allowing you to eat comfortably and confidently.
Crowns also play an important role in preserving your overall oral health. By stabilizing a compromised tooth, a crown helps prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting out of alignment. This helps maintain your natural bite and reduces the risk of jaw pain or uneven tooth wear.
From an esthetic standpoint, crowns can dramatically improve your smile. A discolored, worn, or misshapen tooth can be completely transformed with a custom-designed crown. For many patients, this not only improves their appearance but also boosts their self-esteem.
Finally, dental crowns are incredibly durable. With proper care—including good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups—crowns can last 10 to 15 years or even longer. Many patients find that the investment in a crown pays off with years of comfortable, reliable function.
Common Reasons for Getting a Dental Crown: Are You a Candidate?
Crowns are one of the most commonly performed restorative procedures, and for good reason—they address a wide variety of dental problems. If you’re wondering whether you might need a dental crown, here are some of the most common reasons patients at our Kearny Mesa dental office receive them.
One of the most frequent indications is extensive tooth decay. When a cavity is too large for a filling, a crown may be necessary to restore the tooth’s strength and prevent future damage.
Cracked or fractured teeth are another common reason. Teeth can crack due to trauma, grinding, or even biting into something hard. Left untreated, these cracks can worsen over time. A crown can stabilize the tooth and prevent the crack from spreading.
Teeth that have undergone root canal therapy almost always require a crown. After a root canal, the tooth structure is more brittle and prone to fracture. A crown reinforces the tooth and seals it from bacteria.
Worn-down teeth caused by grinding (bruxism) or acid erosion often need crowns to restore their original shape and function. In cases of severe enamel loss, crowns may be part of a larger full-mouth rehabilitation plan.
Crowns are also used to support dental bridges and to cap dental implants. If you’re missing one or more teeth, a crown can anchor a bridge or serve as the visible part of an implant.
Cosmetic concerns can also be addressed with crowns. Teeth that are permanently discolored, uneven, or misshapen can be corrected with esthetic crowns that enhance the appearance of your smile.
During your consultation at Landmark Dental, we’ll assess your dental health, discuss your concerns, and determine whether a crown is the right solution for your needs. If a crown isn’t necessary, we’ll guide you through alternative treatment options that may be more appropriate.
Caring for Your Crown: Longevity and Maintenance
Once your crown is in place, it’s important to care for it just like your natural teeth. While crowns are resistant to decay, the underlying tooth structure is still vulnerable if not properly maintained. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist for regular cleanings and exams will help keep both the crown and your surrounding teeth in great shape.
Avoid using your teeth as tools or biting into extremely hard objects like ice or popcorn kernels, as these can potentially damage the crown. If you grind your teeth at night, wearing a custom nightguard can protect both your crown and your natural teeth from excessive wear.
At Landmark Dental, our team will monitor the condition of your crown during routine visits and offer advice on how to extend its lifespan. With proper care, your crown can remain strong, esthetic, and functional for many years.
Your Trusted Provider for Dental Crowns in Kearny Mesa
If you’re in San Diego and searching for a reliable provider of dental crowns in Kearny Mesa, Landmark Dental is here to help. Our experienced team combines advanced technology with personalized care to ensure your crown is comfortable, long-lasting, and esthetically beautiful.
Whether you’re dealing with tooth pain, cosmetic concerns, or restorative needs, a dental crown may be the perfect solution to restore your smile. Contact our dental office in Kearny Mesa to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward protecting and enhancing your oral health.