Dental Crowns in Rancho Bernardo
When a tooth is severely damaged by deep decay, a large filling, or a crack, a standard dental filling may no longer provide enough support. Without proper protection, a weakened tooth can crack further under the pressure of everyday chewing, potentially leading to tooth loss.
At Dr. Pegah Salami DDS, we restore and protect damaged teeth with high-quality, metal-free dental crowns designed to strengthen your smile while maintaining a natural appearance.
When Do You Need a Dental Crown?
A dental crown may be recommended if you have:
- Severe Tooth Fractures – Teeth with large cracks, broken cusps, or structural damage that cause pain when biting or chewing.
- Advanced Tooth Decay – Large cavities that have removed too much natural tooth structure for a filling to provide long-term support.
- Large or Failing Fillings – Old silver amalgam fillings can expand over time, causing cracks in the surrounding tooth. A crown can help restore strength and prevent further damage.
- After Root Canal Treatment – A tooth often becomes more brittle after a root canal. A crown helps protect and reinforce the tooth for long-term function.
- Cosmetic Improvements – Crowns can improve the appearance of severely discolored, worn, misshapen, or uneven teeth as part of a complete smile makeover.
Emax vs. Zirconia Crowns: Which Is Right for You?
At our Rancho Bernardo dental office, we use two of the most advanced all-ceramic crown materials available: Emax and Zirconia. Unlike older porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns, these modern restorations provide a natural appearance without creating dark lines near the gums.
Emax Crowns (Lithium Disilicate)
Emax crowns are known for their exceptional beauty and natural translucency. Because they closely mimic natural tooth enamel, they are often recommended for front teeth, including incisors and canines. Benefits of Emax crowns include:
- Highly natural appearance
- Excellent color matching
- Metal-free design
- Ideal for visible front teeth
Zirconia crowns
Zirconia crowns are extremely strong and durable, making them an excellent option for molars and other back teeth that absorb the greatest chewing forces.
Benefits of Zirconia crowns include:
- Exceptional strength and durability
- Highly resistant to chipping and cracking
- Ideal for patients who grind their teeth
- Biocompatible and metal-free
- Conserves more natural tooth structure
Same-Day Crowns with CEREC Technology
At Salami DDS, we understand that your time is valuable. Traditional crowns typically require multiple visits, messy impressions, temporary crowns, and a two-week wait while a dental laboratory fabricates your restoration.
Using advanced CEREC® same-day crown technology, we can digitally scan your tooth, design your custom restoration, and create your permanent crown in a single appointment. This means fewer visits, greater convenience, and faster results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns
Does Getting a Dental Crown Hurt?
No. The dental crown procedure is performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the tooth and surrounding area to keep you comfortable throughout treatment.
How Long Do Porcelain and Zirconia Crowns Last?
With proper care, porcelain and zirconia crowns can last 10 to 15 years or longer. Their lifespan depends on factors such as daily brushing and flossing, regular dental checkups, and avoiding habits that can damage teeth. Patients who grind or clench their teeth may benefit from wearing a custom nightguard to help protect their crowns and natural teeth.
Is a Crown Better Than a Filling?
A crown is often recommended when a tooth has lost too much structure to be safely restored with a filling. While fillings repair smaller areas of decay, crowns cover the entire visible portion of the tooth, providing greater strength, protection, and longevity for severely damaged teeth.
What Happens If I Delay Getting a Dental Crown?
Delaying a recommended dental crown can increase the risk of the tooth cracking, breaking, or developing further decay. In some cases, waiting too long may result in the need for a root canal or even tooth extraction. Treating the tooth early often helps preserve more of your natural tooth structure and avoid more extensive treatment later.
Gallery
Dental Crown Results Before After
