Dental Crowns at Anderson Family Dentistry in Mesa AZ
Chewing can be difficult if you have chipped, cracked, or heavily filled teeth. At Anderson Family Dentistry in Mesa, AZ, dental crowns offer a strong, natural-looking solution that stabilizes your tooth and blends with your smile. Our goal is to protect and restore your teeth, giving you confidence in everyday life.
What is a Dental Crown?
Think of a crown as a custom-made cover that slips over a damaged tooth and hides everything you can see above the gum. Once it is cemented in place, the tooth gets its original shape, size and bite strength back, and it looks like it never had a problem to begin with. Crowns do double duty as well: when a tooth has been lost altogether, a crown is the part that sits on top of a dental implant and shows in your smile.
Who are Good Candidates for a Dental Crown?
A crown isn't the answer for every tooth, and that depends on what we see when we look at yours. Sometimes there simply is not enough healthy tooth left for a filling or a bit of bonding to hold up over time, and that is where a crown earns its place. A crown is usually worth discussing if you have:
- A tooth left fragile by deep decay, or one carrying a filling so large there is little tooth around it
- A tooth that has cracked, broken, or worn flat over the years
- A badly stained or oddly shaped tooth that whitening or veneers will not fix
- A tooth that has had a root canal and now needs extra protection to stay in one piece
Crowns also play a supporting role in other treatments. They hold a dental bridge in place on either side of a gap, and they finish off an implant once it has healed.
Materials used in Dental Crowns
Today, crowns are made from durable materials chosen to match your health and cosmetic needs. The location of the tooth that needs treatment also affects material choice. Common options include:
- Porcelain / all-ceramic crowns – They are often used on front teeth, where appearance matters most. The materials are tooth-colored and it closely matches the surrounding teeth.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns – They use a porcelain outer layer covering a strong metal base. These crowns balance strength and aesthetics and are used on front or back teeth.
- Zirconia crowns – Made using high-strength ceramic, these crowns resist chipping and are generally used for molars. They handle heavy bite pressure and look natural because they are tooth-colored.
When you visit Anderson Family Dentistry, Mark W. Anderson will explain which materials are the most suitable for your tooth based on function, appearance, and long-term durability.
What to expect during a Dental Crown treatment?
A typical treatment involves two main appointments. The process is planned around your comfort, with long-term stability as the goal.
During your first visit:
- The affected tooth and surrounding areas are examined to confirm whether a crown is the suitable treatment.
- The tooth is numbed using local anesthetic, and the enamel is reshaped so the crown can fit snugly.
- Digital scans or impressions are used to capture the accurate contours and size needed for your custom-made crown.
- A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while your permanent one is being crafted.
During your second visit:
- The temporary crown is taken off, and the tooth underneath is cleaned.
- Your custom crown is evaluated for fit, bite, and color against your other teeth.
- The permanent crown is placed after checking for any adjustments. This restores the tooth’s full function.
Because we use anesthetics, you can return to regular eating and chewing once the numbness wears off.
Aftercare for your Crown
Crowns are durable by design, but they are reliant on healthy tooth structure and gums. With proper care, a dental crown often lasts for five to fifteen years on average. This duration depends on the materials used and the type of crown your treatment involved.
A few common factors that contribute to prolonging your crown’s lifespan are:
- Brushing at least twice a day and flossing carefully near the crown’s edge where it meets the gum line.
- Maintaining your routine checkups with your dentist. This way, you can mention any sensitivity or rough-feeling edges as soon as you notice them.
- Breaking habits like teeth grinding and not chewing very hard foods depending on the location of your crown.
Decay in the tooth or gum line underneath is still possible, even if the crown covers it. Consistent home care is very important.
Payment and Financing Options
At Anderson Family Dentistry, we offer several ways to manage treatment costs. We also offer in-house payment plans in addition to a membership plan. Eligible patients can also use CareCredit and Cherry for financing, giving them payment flexibility.
Schedule your Dental Crown Appointment Today!
Are you looking for an effective and long-term solution for a problematic tooth? Contact Anderson Family Dentistry to learn how a custom crown can help restore function and comfort. Call for a consultation or visit our office.
Contact Information:
Anderson Family Dentistry
4824 E Baseline Rd Ste 122
Phone: (480) 633-3447
