Though the name implies a decorative accessory, dental crowns are an important means of revitalizing the health of your teeth. Known by many as “caps,” dental crowns are coverings that are cemented onto damaged or weakened teeth to restore their form and function. Crowns can be categorized under both general dentistry (specifically, prosthodontics, or using artificial appliances to restore defects in teeth and the mouth) and cosmetic dentistry, although crowns for purely cosmetic purposes are quite rare and, in most cases, there are better cosmetic options available. Bunker Hill Dentistry makes getting crowns easy, providing a beautiful, relaxing space with friendly and knowledgeable staff to put you at ease. Our state-of-the-art equipment in the hands of our skilled team means efficient, effective treatments. What Do Dental Crowns Treat? A crown can serve many purposes: Preserving a tooth with a large fracture Protecting a tooth following a cavity filling or root canal Supporting a dental bridge Covering a severely discolored tooth Concealing a misshapen tooth Covering a dental implant See How a Dental Crown Can Improve Your Smile Single Front Crown | Before and After Schedule An Appointment Today Not been to Bunker Hill Dentistry before? Read how to prepare for your first visit in our FAQs. About Us Bunker Hill Dentistry is run by husband and wife team Dr. Tri M Le and Ann Le. We have one mission – total client satisfaction. “Care, Comfort, Convenience” is our guarantee to every client. Learn more about: Bunker Hill Dentistry Dr. Tri M Le Find Us on the Map We are located in Memorial City, Houston, on I-10 Katy Fwy. We are conveniently located for residents in Katy and close to the commercial districts on Katy and the business district in the Energy Corridor. Bunker Hill Dentistry 9807 Katy Freeway, Suite 130 Houston, Texas 77024 Call Us to Make an Appointment What to Expect from your Dental Crown Procedure Your Appointment Installing a crown is done over two office visits. The purpose of the first visit is to prepare your damaged tooth for a crown and to make an impression of it that will be sent to the lab, where your permanent crown will be created. The dentist will numb your tooth and file it down to make room for the crown to latch on and place a temporary crown on the tooth. In about two weeks, your customized crown will be ready to install at your second office visit. Post-Treatment You’ll need to be cautious with your temporary crown, as it won’t be as sturdy as your permanent one. Avoiding sticky, chewy, or very hard foods is recommended, as well as flossing next to the temporary crown. As often as you can, chew on the other side of your mouth as the crown. Immediately after your treatment, you may continue to feel numbness from the local anesthetic for several hours. Temporary bruising and inflammation at the injection site is also common. Over the next few days, you may have some pain or discomfort in the area of the tooth, but it should soon dissipate. Once your permanent crown is placed, you can return to your normal diet and oral care routines. You may continue to experience sensitivity in the tooth and need to switch to a gentler toothpaste. Long-term Care Dental crowns last between 5 and 15 years on average, although they have been known to hold up for as long as 25 years. Though they have a very high success rate, dental crowns are not impervious to being damaged. Depending on the material and the patient’s lifestyle, they can be chipped, loosened, or dislodged altogether and require repair or replacement. There are 5 main treatment options to treat a damaged dental crown. How Much is a Crown Procedure? The price of getting a crown put in varies by hundreds of dollars based on the material you use, the tooth’s position, and your insurance plan. We can provide accurate pricing information after a consultation. Types of Dental Crown Materials Dr. Le will determine which of the following materials works best for your crown(s) depending on several factors, including your age, the location of the affected tooth, and how you’d like it to look: Stainless steel: Best for children’s teeth or temporary crowns on permanent teeth. Pro: Cost-effective Con: Not as natural-looking as ceramic or porcelain Gold, silver, or other metal alloys: Best for patients with bad chewing habits, tooth fractures, tooth clenching, and/or a habit of grinding. Pro: Long-lasting, require less tooth reduction, which lowers the risk of root canal, and they don’t fracture Con: The high price of gold makes it an expensive material for crowns Ceramic (all-porcelain) or porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM): Best for front teeth and premolars. Pro: Appear the most tooth-like of all crown materials Con: Porcelain is the most expensive option and most difficult to install, while PFM is prone to chipping and delaminating and can create a dark line where it meets the gums Zirconia: Best for back teeth. Pro: The strongest non-metal material that looks similar to natural teeth Con: Expensive Zirconia with layered porcelain: Best all-around choice. Pro: Excellent mix of aesthetic appeal and flexural strength Con: Not as strong as solid zirconia Dental Crown Alternatives If your tooth is not seriously damaged, it may be possible to forego a dental crown procedure for something less aggressive: Inlays/Onlays: For some damaged teeth, even though a filling will not suffice, a dental restoration treatment such as an inlay or overlay might. These procedures provide coverage of weakened areas while preserving more of the natural tooth. Teeth whitening: If the issue with your tooth is staining or discoloration, you may be able to improve its appearance with a low-cost teeth whitening session or even a take-home kit. Learn more about our teeth whitening services. Schedule An Appointment Today Not been to Bunker Hill Dentistry before? To help you prepare for your first visit, read our new patient information page.
