At Sunbrite Dental, we believe that educating our patients is crucial for achieving optimal oral health. Our commitment to your dental well-being begins with an understanding of periodontal disease, which directly affects not just your gums, but the health of your teeth and overall well-being. When gum disease is left untreated, it can lead to a series of serious health complications, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
We take pride in our proactive approach to gum disease treatment. During your dental checkups in Las Vegas, our expert team will closely examine your gums for any signs of periodontal disease. If we identify any symptoms, such as swelling, bleeding while brushing, or persistent bad breath, we will immediately notify you. Our tailored approach to family dental care ensures that every member of your household receives the attention and care they deserve.
Understanding Dental Crowns at Sunbrite Dental
At Sunbrite Dental, located in the heart of Las Vegas, we specialize in restorative dental services that help you regain your smile and confidence through high-quality dental crowns and bridges. Our commitment to personalized care and advanced technology sets us apart, ensuring every patient receives the best possible treatment in a comfortable and welcoming environment.
What are dental crowns?
The best way I have found to help patients understand the purpose of dental crowns is by imagining them as helmets for teeth. It's a full coverage helmet on a natural tooth.
We typically recommend this treatment when the tooth is cracking or breaking and needs protection so that the patient can continue to chew on crunchy foods without fear of the tooth cracking and breaking. After a root canal, the tooth is essentially no longer alive. Just like anything that is dead, such as fallen leaves or dried flowers, it becomes more brittle over time. It's the same with teeth after root canals. We can't have brittle teeth if we want our patients to chew crunchy foods. That's why, after a root canal, it is always recommended to get a crown or a protective helmet on that tooth.
What types of dental crowns are there?
There are so many different types. One way we can categorize them is by whether it's a crown for front teeth or back teeth. I have a model here. This is for a back tooth. This is what the natural tooth would look like, and then we would permanently cement it. It looks like a little helmet for the tooth. Another way to categorize crowns is by material. Crowns can be made of various materials, such as BruxZir crowns, zirconia crowns, all porcelain crowns, porcelain fused to gold, and porcelain fused to metal.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of dental crowns?
This is where the dentist needs to think carefully. If a patient knows they grind or clench their teeth, I need to use a stronger or thicker material crown to withstand the extra forces. A regular material crown might break if the patient grinds or clenches. For front teeth, natural teeth are not just one color, which is why some crowns look unnatural or don't blend in well. That doesn't have to happen. Depending on the patient's lifestyle, whether they grind or not, and where we're placing the crown, we determine which material to use for the dental crown.
Dental crowns are essential for tooth restoration, primarily designed to protect and restore damaged teeth. They serve a multitude of purposes, including:
- Repairing cracked or fractured teeth: If you've experienced a tooth injury or naturally weakened enamel, a dental crown can provide the necessary support and protection, allowing you to chew and speak without discomfort.
- Covering discolored teeth: Unsightly stains from food, drinks, or other factors can diminish your smile. With our aesthetic dental crowns, we can restore your tooth's appearance and blend it seamlessly with your natural smile.
- Protecting teeth that have undergone root canal treatment: After a root canal, a tooth may be particularly fragile. A dental crown offers optimal protection to ensure the tooth remains intact and functional.
- Reshaping poorly shaped teeth: Whether due to developmental abnormalities or injury, we can use dental crowns to create a more appealing and functional shape that enhances your smile's overall balance.
In addition to dental crowns, we offer comprehensive solutions to restore missing teeth through our dental bridges. These effective restorations are an economical and timely option for replacing missing teeth and are anchored securely by dental crowns on either side of the gap. With dental bridges, you can restore your ability to chew, speak clearly, and regain your smile’s aesthetics.
Is a dental crown necessary after root canal treatment?
If you want your root canal treatment to last longer, then yes, I would recommend getting a crown. Before I became a dentist, I ended up needing a dental implant because I didn't get a crown after my root canal. I thought I was fine, but that root canal failed, leading to the need for a dental implant. Am I happy now? Yes. Could I have saved myself money and heartache? Absolutely. So, don't be like me. Get that crown with your root canal so that it can last longer.
Can you explain the dental crown procedure?
You would come in, we would numb you just like for a dental filling, and then proceed to shave your natural tooth down so it looks like a little tree stump. We need to do that to make room for the porcelain material that will cover your natural tooth. If we're doing just one crown, you can expect to be in the office for about an hour.
On average, patients will be numb for another two to three hours after the appointment. Some patients may experience soreness or tenderness around the gums, depending on how badly damaged the tooth was initially. If the damage isn't bad, most patients will not experience soreness or tenderness.
Does the dental crown placement hurt?
That depends on the patient and how close the damage was to the living part of the tooth. If we caught it early, patients typically don't experience soreness, tenderness, or sensitivity when we place the crown. We always want our patients to be comfortable, so if a patient lets us know it is sensitive, we can numb them so that placing the crown is comfortable.
At Sunbrite Dental, we understand that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many. That’s why we've incorporated exceptional dental anxiety management techniques into our practice. Our patients consistently report that their experience is more comfortable than they ever anticipated. We prioritize creating a warm and friendly environment that makes dental care more enjoyable and less intimidating. Our calming techniques and open communication ensure that you'll feel cared for and informed every step of the way.
We are proud to serve not just adults but also children through our pediatric dental care services. It's our mission to make every family visit as stress-free as possible. With gentle and friendly approaches tailored to our younger patients, we believe in instilling lifelong dental hygiene habits from an early age while ensuring that parents feel at ease during their children's dental visits.
Can children get dental crowns on their teeth?
Is it worth putting crowns on children's teeth? The answer is yes. Teeth in children act as space holders for adult teeth to come in. If you remove a baby tooth too early, the other teeth might move into that space, leaving no room for the adult tooth. This could cause problems and expenses in moving teeth to make space for adult teeth when they're ready to come in.
Do dental crowns look like normal teeth?
My answer is yes. Here's mine right here. This is my crown, and it's 12 years old. I had issues during my pregnancy with my older son, which led to needing a crown. That's how I know the age of my crown.
Can you get cavities on crowned teeth?
Your thinking is correct, but also incorrect. The crown itself will not get a cavity as it's made of porcelain, which cannot rot. However, your natural tooth supporting the crown can get cavities if you don't regularly clean your teeth and keep bacteria under control.
How long can I expect my dental crown to last and how do I take care of it?
I've seen crowns last for more than 30 years. Good dentistry can last for a long time. The main factor in making your dental crowns last is maintaining them. Remember, wherever food goes, bacteria will follow. If bacteria are out of control, problems start to happen. Keep going to your dentist and hygienist regularly to maintain your dental work.
Dental Care at Sunbrite Dental
Our Las Vegas dental care focus extends beyond just restorative services. We recognize the importance of preventative dental care and cosmetic dentistry; therefore, our comprehensive dental practice includes services that promote dental hygiene education. Through regular check-ups and cleanings, we aim to detect potential issues before they escalate, reducing the likelihood of needing emergency dental services or extensive treatment down the line.
Whether you need a dental crown to restore a single tooth, a dental bridge to fill a gap, or full restorative dentistry solutions, our team's expertise ensures quality care. Dr. Ervin Calvo and Dr. Mina Abalos, along with our highly skilled dental team, bring years of experience and ongoing education to stay updated with the latest advancements in dental technology. This commitment to continuous learning directly translates into better care for our patients in Las Vegas.
Sunbrite Dental is not just a dental practice; we are a community partner. Our involvement in local initiatives, charity events, and educational outreach programs helps foster trust and engagement within our community. We take pride in supporting our neighbors and patients, making a positive impact on the lives we touch.
We also appreciate the diverse needs of our local patients, and to accommodate those, we offer flexible appointment scheduling. We strive to be accessible and available, fitting conveniently into the busy lives of families and individuals in Las Vegas.
By choosing Sunbrite Dental, you can expect a comprehensive suite of tooth repair services designed to restore function and beauty to your smile. From the initial consultation to your final recovery after surgery, we are committed to providing a seamless patient experience. Our practice embraces state-of-the-art technology, ensuring accurate diagnoses and effective treatments, enhancing your overall comfort during visits.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward a healthier smile or have any concerns regarding our restorative services, we encourage you to contact us. We believe that no one should have to endure dental discomfort or inconvenience, and we are here to provide the gentle, caring, and professional service you deserve.
Let us help you transform your dental experience with our exceptional dental crowns and bridges at Sunbrite Dental. Together, we can ensure your smile remains bright, functional, and full of life. Reach out today and discover the difference we can make for your oral health and overall well-being!