Dental Crowns in Mesa, AZ

A dental crown is a custom cap that covers a damaged tooth and makes it strong again. At J. Ladd Williams Cosmetic Dentistry in Mesa, Dr. Williams uses all-porcelain crowns that match the color and shape of your own teeth. He has been placing crowns since 1994 and is an AACD Accredited Member. Call (480) 964-9020 to schedule a visit.

What is a dental crown?

A crown, often called a cap, fits over the whole visible part of a tooth, down to the gumline. It holds a weakened tooth together and absorbs the force of chewing, while giving the tooth a new shape and color that blends in with the teeth around it.

When you might need a crown

A filling works well when only a small part of the tooth is lost, but once too much structure is gone, a filling has little to hold on to and the remaining tooth can crack. A crown is usually the better fix when you have:

• A large cavity or an old, oversized filling that is breaking down
• A cracked, chipped or badly worn tooth
• A tooth that has had root canal therapy, which can turn brittle over time
• A missing tooth being replaced with an implant
• A tooth that is badly stained or misshapen and won't respond to whitening

For small repairs, a tooth-colored composite filling may be all you need. Dr. Williams will tell you which one your tooth calls for.

Types of crowns

Crowns can be made of metal, porcelain fused to metal, or all porcelain. Metal crowns are strong but easy to spot, and porcelain fused to metal can show a dark line at the gum as the gums recede with age.

Dr. Williams prefers all-porcelain crowns. Modern dental ceramics are strong enough for back teeth, and they let light pass through the way natural enamel does, which keeps a crown from looking flat or chalky.

The same porcelain is used to make veneers, but a veneer only covers the front of a tooth, while a crown wraps all of it. For many patients, Dr. Williams finds a full-coverage crown holds up better over the years. Our guide to porcelain crowns vs. veneers explains why.

What makes a crown look natural

"The best crowns are imperceptible," Dr. Williams says. "That is what we aim to do here." A crown gives itself away when its shape, color, position, size, opacity or density is off.

Natural teeth are not one color. Most have at least five color variations in them, and the crowns made here copy those changes. To match the color, shape, texture, size and position of your own teeth, the office takes photos, digital scans and x-rays of all your teeth, so the lab can make a custom tooth just for you.

Every crown is made by a trusted dental lab, not a milling machine, so it fits right. The materials are chosen for strength and for a slightly see-through look like real enamel. There is no metal in them, because, in Dr. Williams' words, "metal gives off a dead, opaque look."

If you plan to whiten your teeth, do it before the crown is made. Whitening does not change the color of porcelain, so the crown is matched to your teeth after teeth whitening.

Getting a crown, step by step

1. Exam. Dr. Williams checks the tooth and takes X-rays to see the root and bone around it.
2. Preparing the tooth. The area is numbed. Any decay or weak structure is removed, and the tooth is shaped so the crown can fit over it.
3. Impressions. A mold or digital scan records the exact shape of the tooth and your bite. The shade is chosen at this visit too.
4. Temporary crown. You leave with a temporary crown that protects the tooth while the final one is made.
5. Placing the crown. At the second visit, the final crown is checked for fit, color and bite, then bonded in place.

Crowns on dental implants

If a tooth is missing, a crown can sit on top of a dental implant. The implant replaces the root, and the crown is the part you see and chew with, so the neighboring teeth are left untouched. Crowns are also used in larger cases, such as a full mouth reconstruction, where many teeth are rebuilt at once.

How long do crowns last?

A well-made crown often lasts 10 to 15 years, and many last much longer. How long yours lasts depends largely on your habits, since grinding your teeth, chewing ice and skipping cleanings all shorten a crown's life. Decay can also start at the edge where the crown meets the tooth, which is why home care still matters.

Caring for your crown

• Brush twice a day and floss daily, paying attention to the gumline around the crown.
• Don't chew ice, pens or hard candy.
• If you grind or clench at night, ask about a night guard.
• Keep up with regular checkups so small problems are caught early.

Call the office if your crown feels loose, your bite feels off, or the tooth becomes sore.

What affects the cost of a crown

The cost depends on the material, how much work the tooth needs first, and whether the crown sits on a natural tooth or an implant, since a root canal or core buildup adds to the treatment. Many dental plans cover part of a crown when it is needed to save a tooth. The office also offers financing options. You will get your exact cost at your consultation, before any work begins.

Frequently asked questions

Does getting a crown hurt?

The tooth is numbed, so the visit itself should not hurt. The tooth may be a little sensitive for a few days afterward.

How long does it take to get a crown?

Most crowns take two visits. The tooth is prepared at the first one, and the final crown is placed at the second once the lab has made it.

Is a crown better than a veneer?

For many patients, yes. Both use the same porcelain, but a crown covers the whole tooth, so it handles chewing forces better. A veneer can still suit small cosmetic changes on healthy front teeth.

Can a crown be whitened?

No. Whitening gel does not change the color of porcelain. If you want whiter teeth, whiten first and match the crown to the new shade.

Where can I get a dental crown in Mesa, AZ?

J. Ladd Williams Cosmetic Dentistry is at 1244 N. Greenfield Rd., Ste. 103, Mesa, AZ 85205. Call (480) 964-9020 or request an appointment online.