COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Dental Crowns & Bridges in Chula Vista

DENTAL CROWNS (CAPS)

There are two types of crowns. Ceramic crowns (or cap) is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface to restore the tooth as closely as possible to its original size, shape, and color. Dental Crowns in Eastlake protect and strengthen tooth structure when fillings or other methods cannot restore the tooth. Temporary crowns are just a placeholder or quick fixes until the permanent crowns are ready to be fixed.

BENEFITS OF DENTAL CROWNS

Protect or restore a weak or broken tooth
Cover and sustain a large filling in a damaged tooth
Necessary to support a dental bridge
Improve your smile by hiding a misshapen or discolored tooth
Able to cover any dental implant or any tooth that has had root canal treatment

DENTAL BRIDGES

A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) appliance that is an excellent way to replace missing teeth. Dr. Miller will explain to you the type of bridge, and further, you can discuss the best options for you based on the number and location of the teeth that are missing.

Dental crowns (“caps”) are protective covers that safeguard structurally weak teeth. Most are made of porcelains and ceramics, or occasionally gold. Instead of a filling or inlay inside teeth, crowns go over and around them. But the jump between a small routine filling and a full crown can make a big difference.

BENEFITS OF DENTAL BRIDGES

It helps to restore your smile fully
Aides with chewing and speaking properly
Conserves the natural shape of your face
Stops the remaining teeth from moving out of position/li>
Replaces missing teeth and allows you to bite appropriately

• You Recently Had A Root Canal

The nerve inside is completely removed when your tooth is treated with a root canal. No more blood vessels supply the tooth structures, making your tooth essentially non-vital. This process prevents reinfection, but it also weakens the tooth overall. Applying heavy biting and chewing daily will eventually cause the tooth to crack. It’s standard practice to go ahead and place a crown over the root canal-treated tooth to prevent breakage after your endodontic procedure. Only in limited situations can a crown be waived.

• There Is An Old, Large, Leaky Filling

Dental fillings only last for so long. Eventually, the margins around the edges of the filling can create an open space where bacteria can leak underneath. If you have a large, old, silver filling, you’ll need to have it removed, and the area beneath cleaned out. But because these restorations take up so much tooth structure, you might not have enough left to support a new filling in its place. It’s best to get a dental crown instead. The “cap” will help reinforce the healthy tooth structure left.

What is the average cost of a dental crown compared to a filling? Usually more than double. However, much depends on the materials and lab used and your insurance coverage. Our patient coordinators will be able to provide you with a detailed cost estimate after we’ve examined your tooth and verified your insurance coverage.

• Your Tooth Is Significantly Fractured

What does a dental crown look like? A natural tooth! If you have a severely chipped or broken tooth, bonding and veneers won’t correct it. Covering your cracked tooth with a crown will serve both a restorative and cosmetic purpose. Since the crown is durable, you can eat with that tooth again. And each of our crowns is crafted to enhance your overall smile aesthetically.

Sometimes, fractured teeth are challenging to identify because of microscopic cracks. We can use a special aid to assess your tooth during your exam to screen for undiagnosed cracks. If it hurts to bite on your tooth or you feel pain when biting pressure is released, be sure to let us know.

• You Have An Extremely Deep Cavity

We frequently use X-rays to evaluate how large or deep cavities extend into your enamel and the dentin layer underneath. Dental X-rays allow us to see further into a tooth than what’s possible during a visual exam. Structurally, if you have a cavity, you’ll need enough teeth around it to support a filling. But large fillings typically cannot withstand normal biting pressure without breaking the tooth around them. If the void below your enamel is too large to place a filling, then a dental crown is the next best choice.

TYPES OF DENTAL FILLINGS

When choosing the right type of dental filling for a cavity, patients now have several options. Currently, most people opt for tooth-colored fillings for a more discreet result. However, a metal filling may be the more appropriate choice in certain situations. A dentist can help patients make the most appropriate selection based on age, dental history, and the location of the affected tooth.

MON – THU	8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
FRI	By Appointment Only
SAT	By Appointment Only