Dental Crowns in Richardson, TX
Lifelike, durable dental crowns in Richardson that rebuild the appearance, function and strength of damaged teeth, including same-day crowns made with CEREC technology.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown, also called a cap, is a custom tooth-shaped covering that fits over a damaged or weakened tooth. It restores the tooth's shape, strength and appearance, protects it from further damage, and looks and feels like a natural tooth once it is in place.
Your smile influences your self-esteem, confidence and overall well-being. Thanks to advances in dentistry, dental crowns in Richardson can restore even badly damaged teeth, making them beautiful, healthy and strong again. Whether you have a minor flaw in one tooth or several teeth with noticeable imperfections, your Richardson dentist can offer attractive, long-lasting and healthy results.
At Gentle Touch Dentistry Richardson, we specialize in natural-looking crowns that blend seamlessly with your smile. Whether your tooth is broken, cracked, chipped, discolored, misshapen or affected by advanced decay, there's no need to worry. We can help restore it.
When a filling isn't enough: do I need a crown?
If decay, cracked fillings, root canals, clenching or grinding have caused significant damage to the tooth structure, a filling may not be enough to restore it. A crown is often needed to fully restore the tooth's appearance and function. Your dentist may recommend a crown to:
- Restore a tooth with a large cavity or a large, failing old filling
- Protect a cracked or fractured tooth from breaking further
- Strengthen a tooth after root canal therapy
- Rebuild teeth worn down by clenching or grinding
- Support a dental bridge that replaces a missing tooth
- Cover a dental implant and complete your new tooth
- Improve the look of a discolored, stained or misshapen tooth
Dental crowns and caps are terms that can be used interchangeably. Either way, once completed, a crown looks and feels just like a natural tooth.
Dental Crowns at a Glance
- Who it's for
- Teeth that are cracked, heavily decayed, worn, root-canal treated or discolored
- Treatment time
- One visit with same-day CEREC crowns when appropriate, or typically two visits for traditional crowns
- Anesthesia
- Local anesthesia; nitrous oxide and oral sedation available
- Materials
- Porcelain fused to metal, all-porcelain or modern ceramics
- Recovery
- Most people return to normal activities right away; mild sensitivity can last a few days
- Insurance
- Often partially covered by dental insurance; we are in-network with many PPO plans
What are dental crowns made of?
Dental crowns can be made from porcelain fused to a metal base, all-porcelain, or newer ceramic materials. Each offers a different balance of strength and appearance. Your dentist will recommend a material based on where the tooth is in your mouth, how much biting force it handles, and how natural you want it to look.
Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crowns have porcelain baked onto a metal substructure. They are strong and durable, which can make them a solid choice for back teeth.
All-porcelain crowns contain no metal, so they offer an especially natural look and are often preferred for front teeth.
Modern ceramic crowns replicate the way natural teeth reflect light while also offering exceptional strength and longevity.
We have a diverse range of dental materials available to restore your tooth with remarkable realism and long-lasting durability. We carefully consider the position, function and aesthetic needs of your tooth before suggesting the most suitable restoration, so your crown enhances your smile and meets your expectations.
Why Choose Gentle Touch Dentistry for Dental Crowns in Richardson?
- 01
Same-Day CEREC Crowns
When appropriate, we can design and place your crown in a single visit using CEREC technology. This eliminates the need for a temporary crown and an additional appointment.
- 02
Crafted to Blend Seamlessly
We match the shape, size and shade of your crown to your surrounding teeth so it looks like it has always been part of your smile.
- 03
Clear, Visual Explanations
Digital x-rays and intraoral photos displayed on a 40-inch screen help you see exactly why a crown is recommended.
- 04
Gentle, Comfortable Care
Local anesthesia, plus nitrous oxide and oral sedation if you need them, along with blankets, pillows and headphones to help you relax. Meet our experienced dentists.
How Getting a Dental Crown Works
- 1
Exam and x-rays. We evaluate the tooth and confirm that a crown is the best option.
- 2
Numbing and preparation. After the area is numbed, decay and weak structure are removed and the tooth is shaped so the crown fits securely.
- 3
Digital design or impressions. For a same-day CEREC crown, your crown is designed and made in our office. For a traditional crown, impressions are taken and you leave with a temporary crown.
- 4
Placement. Your permanent crown is checked for fit, bite and color, then bonded or cemented into place.
- 5
Final check. We make any small adjustments and review how to care for your new crown.
How long do dental crowns last?
With good care, a dental crown can last many years. How long yours lasts depends on the material, the tooth's location, your bite and your habits. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, wearing a night guard if you grind, and keeping regular checkups all help your crown last longer.
A crown protects the tooth beneath it, but that tooth can still develop decay at the gumline. Clean carefully around the edge of the crown, and avoid chewing ice, hard candy or non-food items.
Mild sensitivity or tenderness for a few days after placement is normal. If your bite feels high, or if your crown feels loose or cracks, call us so we can check it promptly. Routine dental cleanings in Richardson let us monitor your crown and the health of your gums.
Restore Your Tooth With a Natural-Looking Crown
We're in-network with many PPO plans and offer an in-office membership plan for patients without insurance. See our insurance page for details.
Searching for a dentist near me for dental crowns in Richardson, Plano or Garland? Call (469) 947-3963 or request an appointment online.
Dental Crowns FAQs
Do you offer same-day dental crowns in Richardson?
Yes. Gentle Touch Dentistry Richardson offers same-day crowns made with CEREC technology. When this option is appropriate for your tooth, your crown can be designed, made and placed in a single visit, with no temporary crown and no second appointment. Your dentist will let you know whether a same-day crown is a good fit for you.
Does getting a dental crown hurt?
Getting a crown should not be painful. The tooth and surrounding gums are numbed with local anesthesia before any work begins, and nitrous oxide or oral sedation is available if you feel anxious. Some mild sensitivity or gum tenderness for a few days afterward is normal and usually eases with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Does insurance cover dental crowns in Richardson?
Many dental insurance plans cover part of the cost of a crown when it is needed to restore a damaged tooth, while purely cosmetic crowns may not be covered. Gentle Touch Dentistry Richardson is in-network with many PPO plans and will help you understand your benefits. Patients without insurance can join our in-office membership plan.
What is the difference between a crown and a filling?
A filling repairs a small area of a tooth, while a crown covers the entire visible tooth. Crowns are recommended when decay, a crack or a large old filling has left too little healthy structure for a filling to hold. Because they fully encase the tooth, dental crowns add strength and protect it from further damage.
Which crown material is best?
The best material depends on the tooth. All-porcelain and modern ceramic crowns offer the most natural look and are popular for front teeth. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are very durable and can work well for back teeth. Your Richardson dentist will recommend a material based on appearance, biting force and your personal preferences.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
Often, yes, especially for back teeth. After root canal therapy, a tooth can become more brittle and prone to cracking. A crown covers and strengthens the tooth so it can handle normal chewing forces. Your dentist will recommend whether a crown is needed based on the tooth's location and how much natural structure remains.
Can children get dental crowns?
Yes. If a child has an oral injury or decay that needs more than a filling, a crown may be recommended to protect the tooth. Gentle Touch Dentistry Richardson provides restorations for children aged 5 and above, including same-day CEREC crowns. Learn more about our kid-friendly dentistry.
