A dental crown is a custom-fitted cap that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and appearance. Dr. Patricia Chao at Chao Dental Studio in Santa Clara provides high-quality dental crowns, including same-day CEREC crowns, because modern materials and technology allow for restorations that are both durable and natural-looking.
Teeth that have developed cracks or fractures often need crowns because a crown holds the tooth together and prevents the damage from worsening. Without treatment, a cracked tooth may eventually break or become infected.
A tooth that has undergone root canal treatment is more fragile because the nerve and blood supply have been removed. A crown protects the treated tooth and restores it to full function.
When a cavity is too large for a filling, or when an existing filling has failed, a crown provides the structural support the tooth needs because it covers and reinforces the remaining tooth structure.
All-ceramic crowns are the most popular choice because they provide excellent aesthetics and strength. They can be color-matched to blend with natural teeth, making them ideal for both front and back teeth. Dr. Chao frequently uses CEREC technology to create ceramic crowns in a single appointment.
PFM crowns combine the strength of a metal substructure with the natural appearance of porcelain. They are often recommended for back teeth because they withstand heavy chewing forces while maintaining a tooth-like appearance.
During the first visit, Dr. Chao prepares the tooth by removing a thin layer of enamel, takes impressions, and places a temporary crown. The permanent crown is fabricated at a dental lab and placed during the second visit, typically two to three weeks later.
For many patients, Chao Dental Studio offers same-day crowns using CEREC technology. The tooth is scanned digitally, the crown is designed on a computer, and the restoration is milled from a ceramic block and placed in about 60 to 90 minutes. This option is popular because it eliminates the need for a temporary crown and a second appointment.
Dental crowns are designed to last 10 to 20 years or longer with proper care. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups help protect both the crown and the underlying tooth. Patients should avoid chewing ice, hard candy, and other objects that could damage the restoration because excessive force can weaken the crown over time.
Local anesthesia is used during the procedure, so patients typically feel no pain. Some mild sensitivity after placement is normal because the tooth is adjusting to the new restoration.
CEREC appointments at Chao Dental Studio typically take 60 to 90 minutes because the entire process, from scanning to placement, is completed in a single visit.
Dr. Chao carefully matches the color and shape of the crown to the surrounding teeth. Modern ceramic materials mimic natural enamel so closely that crowns are virtually indistinguishable from real teeth.