Dental Crowns San Francisco

At Young Dental SF Group, we provide the latest dental crown technology. If you’re searching for a dental crown in San Francisco, our team of exceptional dentists can help. We offer a wide variety of crown materials, each with unique benefits. If you need a crown or another type of dental treatment, visit the best dentist in San Francisco at Young Dental SF Group, or visit our partner practice, Post Street Dental. We are located at 490 Post Street, Suite 830, San Francisco, CA.

Why a Dental Crown May Be Needed

A dental crown is a “cap” placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength or appearance. There are a few reasons your dentist may recommend a dental crown. 

• To protect a weak tooth that has been damaged by decay
• To support a tooth with a large filling and not enough natural tooth structure
• To restore a broken tooth or a tooth that has been worn down
• To support a dental bridge
• To cover and improve the appearance of a discolored or misshapen tooth
• To restore a single dental implant, multiple implants or a full mouth

Will I Need a Root Canal Before My Crown?

Not all teeth that require a crown will need a root canal.  Your dentist will evaluate the condition of your teeth and develop a plan for you.

Depending on the severity of the tooth decay or damage, you may need a root canal before getting a dental crown. A root canal is a procedure in which the dentist removes the damaged nerve tissue inside your tooth. Once the nerve tissue has been removed, the tooth is sealed and restored with a dental filling or crown. Your dentist will discuss with you whether or not you need a root canal before getting a dental crown. 

Types of Dental Crowns

Many different types and materials are available for dental crowns. Some of the most common are:

Zirconia Crown and Veneers

Zirconia crowns are made from a beautiful and strong white ceramic that looks like natural teeth. These crowns are developed by highly advanced CAD/CAM technology. Our office uses a digital scan with Trios 3D Technology. This allows us to develop a very accurate impression without the “gooey” impression materials you have used in the past. This impression is wired to the lab where they can develop the crown and customize the shade and shape just for you.  

The esthetics of these crowns are predictable and their strength resists fatigue and wear over time. These crowns can be made on teeth and also on dental implants.

Zirconia Veneers can be used in the esthetic zone for a beautiful conservative ceramic smile enhancement.

EMAX Porcelain Crowns and Veneers

EMAX Porcelain crowns are the most popular type of dental crown. They are made to match the color of your natural teeth and are very durable. These EMAX crowns are made by CAD/CAM technology and designed just for you.  These are beautiful restorations that can be utilized for crowns and veneers.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crown (PFM)

These crowns have a metal inner structure with porcelain fused over the top. They are also matched to the color of your natural teeth. These crowns were the main crown in dentistry from the 1950s until recently. With the advent of beautiful ceramic metal free restorations with excellent fit, these crowns are not used as much anymore. A PFM would typically use a precious Nobel metal. The costs to fabricate these crowns have increased with the increase In metal costs. These crowns can be very beautiful as well- but at times the metal may show through with a grey hue.

We use these crowns when appropriate, but usually select a metal free crown will be just as durable and esthetic.

Gold Crown

Gold crowns are made from an alloy of gold, copper, and other metals. They are more expensive than other types of crowns but are durable and last a long time. Many people don’t like the esthetics of full gold crowns. These crowns can have a more conservative preparation to conserve tooth structure. They can be used on a patient’s second molars with a strong bite.  However, in many situations, a high density ceramic crown can be used.

Stainless Steel Crown

Stainless steel crowns are typically used for children’s primary teeth or as a temporary restoration. They are less expensive than other types of crowns but do not look as natural. For this reason, they are usually used for posterior teeth.

Onlay Restorations

Onlays and inlays are made from porcelain ceramic. These restorations cover the biting surface of a tooth. These can be more conservative that full coverage crowns and can be effective when half the tooth is damaged and the other half is in good condition. The only would restore the damaged area and the remainder of the tooth would remain intact.

Gold or Ceramic can be used for these restorations. Our office would typically use a ceramic onlay.

The Crown Procedure

The procedure for getting a dental crown usually takes two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping it so the crown can be placed over it. A dental impression will be made of the tooth and sent to a dental lab where the crown will be made. A temporary crown will be placed over the prepared tooth until the permanent crown is ready. Our office will typically use a Trios Digital Scan to impress the tooth and wire the information to our dental laboratory. At times, a conventional “gooey” impression may be needed.

(Note: If you have a temporary crown, avoid eating sticky and chewy foods. They can cause the crown to come off as the bonding agent is only temporary cement. Avoid crunchy or chewy foods that might break or dislodge the dental crown.)

During the second visit, the dentist will replace the temporary crown with your permanent one. The permanent crown will be checked for fit and cemented into place with dental adhesive. Depending on the bonding material used, a curing light might be used to harden the cement. Any excess cement will be removed, and you will be given instructions on caring for your new dental crown.

After the Procedure

It is normal to have some sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures after the procedure. This should go away within a few days. This may be discomfort for a couple of seconds and then resolve. Be sure to brush and floss your teeth as you normally would. This will help keep your gums healthy. Avoid chewing on hard foods for the first few days. If you have any pain or discomfort, call your dentist.

Oral Care With a Crown

Be sure to brush and floss once a day. This will help keep your teeth and gums healthy. You should continue your dental hygiene at least twice a year. Our crowns are very strong and durable. However, food and objects can injure a tooth and also injure a crown, such as eating ice, pen caps, fingernail, popcorn kernels and similar objects.

Although your crown cannot decay, the tooth underneath it can. See your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings to prevent decay and gum disease.

What Are the Risks?

The risks associated with dental crowns are low. The most common complication is that the crown does not fit properly and needs to be replaced. There is also a small risk of the tooth becoming infected or the gums becoming irritated. Allergic reactions are rare but can occur if you are allergic to the materials used in the dental crown. The average survival rate for a crown over ten years is 90%.

Why Do I Have a Dark Line on My Gum?

It is possible to have a dark line where the metal crown meets the gum. This is due to the metal showing through. It is more common with PFM crowns but can also happen with other types of crowns. If this happens, your dentist can try to adjust the fit of the crown or replace it with a different type of crown.

Top Dentist in San Francisco

If you need a crown or any other dental treatment, visit the top dentists in San Francisco at Young Dental SF Group. Our highly skilled dentists and staff will ensure you’re comfortable and getting the best treatment possible. From adults to children, we can help everyone in your family get the dental care they need and deserve. To schedule an appointment, call (415) 392-8611 or complete the online booking form.

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