Dental Crowns in Clovis, CA

A damaged or weakened tooth may need more protection than a traditional filling can provide. A dental crown covers the visible portion of a tooth and can help restore its strength, shape, function, and appearance.

At Clovis Country Dental, we evaluate the condition of your tooth and surrounding tissues before recommending a crown.

Dental crowns may be appropriate for teeth affected by extensive decay, fractures, large fillings, significant wear, or damage following root canal treatment.

If you are looking for dental crowns in Clovis, CA, our team can evaluate your tooth and discuss your restorative options.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a custom restoration that fits over the visible portion of a tooth.

The crown is designed to restore the tooth’s shape and function while protecting the remaining natural tooth structure.

Depending on your treatment needs, crowns may be made from different dental materials.

When Is a Dental Crown Needed?

A crown may be considered when a tooth has:

Extensive decay
A large filling
Significant structural damage
A crack or fracture
Severe wear
Damage following root canal treatment
Significant discoloration or shape concerns
A need to support certain dental bridges

Your dentist will determine whether a crown is appropriate based on the amount of healthy tooth structure remaining.

Dental Crowns vs. Fillings

Fillings are generally used to repair smaller areas of tooth decay or damage.

When the amount of missing or weakened tooth structure becomes more extensive, a filling may not provide enough protection.

In those situations, a crown may be considered.

Learn more about White and Silver Fillings.

Dental Crowns vs. Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays can be used when a tooth needs more restoration than a filling but does not necessarily require a full crown.

An inlay is placed within a prepared area of the tooth, while an onlay can extend over one or more cusps.

Learn more about Inlays and Onlays.

Your dentist will determine which restoration is appropriate based on the amount and location of the damage.

Dental Crowns After Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment removes infected or inflamed tissue from inside a tooth.

After root canal treatment, some teeth may require additional protection with a crown because a significant amount of tooth structure may have been lost.

Learn more about Root Canal Treatment.

Dental Crowns for Broken Teeth

A broken tooth may sometimes be restored with a crown.

The appropriate treatment depends on:

Location of the fracture
Amount of remaining tooth structure
Whether the tooth’s inner tissues are affected
Condition of the surrounding gums
Overall oral health

If the tooth cannot be predictably restored, extraction may instead be recommended.

Learn more about Dental Extractions.

Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges

Crowns can also form part of a dental bridge.

A traditional bridge may use crowns placed on neighboring teeth to support an artificial replacement tooth.

If you are missing one or more teeth, learn more about Dental Bridges in Clovis, CA.

What Happens During a Dental Crown Procedure?

The exact process depends on the condition of your tooth and the type of restoration being provided.

Treatment generally involves:

1. Examination

Your dentist examines the tooth and surrounding tissues.

2. Treatment Planning

Your dentist determines whether a crown is appropriate or whether another treatment may provide a better result.

3. Tooth Preparation

The tooth is carefully prepared so the crown can fit appropriately.

4. Digital Scan or Impression

A digital scan or another appropriate impression technique may be used to create information for the crown.

Learn more about Impressionless Dentistry.

5. Crown Fabrication

The crown is created according to the treatment plan.

6. Crown Placement

Once ready, the crown is fitted and secured according to the dentist’s treatment plan.

How Should You Care for a Dental Crown?

A crowned tooth still requires regular oral hygiene.

Continue to:

Brush twice daily.
Clean between your teeth.
Attend regular dental examinations.
Follow professional hygiene recommendations.
Avoid using teeth to open packages or bite extremely hard objects.
Contact your dentist if the crown becomes loose or damaged.

Learn more about our Dental Hygiene Care.

Can a Dental Crown Last Forever?

No dental restoration lasts forever.

The lifespan of a crown depends on factors such as:

Oral hygiene
Bite forces
Grinding or clenching
Diet
Dental habits
Condition of the underlying tooth
Regular professional care

Patients who grind or clench may benefit from discussing a Custom Night Guard with their dentist.