Dental Crowns in Brentwood, CA

At Fairview Dental Brentwood, we believe that every tooth is worth saving. When a tooth is too damaged for a simple filling but the root remains healthy, a Dental Crown is often the most effective way to restore its full strength, function, and aesthetic appeal.

Dr. Thuc Luu provides custom-crafted dental crowns that act as a protective “helmet” for your tooth, encasing the entire visible portion above the gumline. For residents in Brentwood, CA, this means a long-term solution that looks, feels, and functions exactly like a natural tooth.

When is a Dental Crown Necessary?

A crown is a versatile restoration used for both functional and cosmetic reasons. Dr. Luu may recommend a crown if you are experiencing:

• Extensive Decay: When a cavity is too large for a standard filling to support the tooth’s structure.
• Cracked or Fractured Teeth: A crown holds the segments of a cracked tooth together, preventing the fracture from spreading and protecting against painful “bite sensitivity.”
• Post-Root Canal Protection: After a root canal, the tooth becomes brittle and prone to breaking. A crown is essential to reinforce it.
• Severe Wear: For patients with bruxism (teeth grinding) whose teeth have been significantly worn down.
• Cosmetic Enhancement: To cover severely discolored or misshapen teeth that cannot be corrected with veneers or whitening.

Material Excellence: Choosing the Right Crown

The location of your tooth and your personal bite force play a major role in determining which material is best for your crown.

1. Zirconia Crowns (The “Indestructible” Option)

Zirconia is a modern ceramic known for its extreme durability. It is often the first choice for back molars where chewing forces are the strongest.

• Benefits: Practically chip-proof, highly biocompatible, and requires less tooth removal than other materials.
• Best For: Molars and patients who grind their teeth.

2. All-Porcelain and Lithium Disilicate (E-Max)

These crowns provide the most natural results because they mimic the light-translucency of real tooth enamel.

• Benefits: Superior aesthetics with a seamless match to surrounding teeth.
• Best For: Front teeth and highly visible areas of your smile.

3. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)

PFM crowns have been a dental standard for decades. They feature a metal inner core for strength and a porcelain exterior for looks.

• Benefits: A balanced “middle ground” of strength and aesthetics.
• Consideration: Over time, a thin dark line of metal may become visible at the gumline.

4. Gold and Metal Alloys

While not tooth-colored, gold remains one of the best materials for dental health. It is extremely gentle on opposing teeth and rarely ever breaks.

• Best For: Out-of-sight back molars.
• Trusted Resource: Explore the ADA’s guide to dental crown materials for detailed comparisons.

The Fairview Dental Crown Procedure

At our Brentwood office, we make the crown process comfortable and efficient, typically requiring two visits.

Step 1: Preparation and Scanning Dr. Luu will gently shape the tooth to ensure the crown fits snugly without being bulky. We use digital impressions—no messy “goop” required—to capture a perfect 3D model of your tooth. We then place a temporary crown to protect the tooth while your permanent one is crafted.

Step 2: Custom Fabrication Your digital scan is sent to a top-tier dental lab where your crown is custom-milled. This ensures the bite is perfectly balanced, so it doesn’t cause TMJ issues or discomfort later.

Step 3: Permanent Bonding Once your crown arrives, you’ll return to our office. Dr. Luu will check the fit, shade, and contact points before permanently bonding it into place.

Longevity: How Long Will Your Crown Last?

With proper care, a dental crown can last between 10 and 15 years, and often much longer. Clinical studies show that 97% of crowns remain functional at the 10-year mark when patients maintain regular check-ups.

Tips for Crown Care:

• Avoid “Ice Crushing”: Never chew on ice, hard candies, or use your teeth as tools to open packages.
• Floss Correctly: Gently slide the floss out rather than pulling it up to avoid catching the edge of the crown.
• Nightguards: If you grind your teeth, a custom nightguard from Fairview Dental is the best insurance policy for your investment.
• Trusted Resource: Learn more about maintaining your dental restorations from the CDC’s oral health resources.

Why Choose Dr. Thuc Luu for Your Crowns?

At Fairview Dental Brentwood, we don’t just “cap” teeth; we engineer restorations that improve your quality of life.

• Precision Fit: We use high-magnification loops and digital imaging to ensure the “margin” (where the crown meets the gum) is perfectly sealed to prevent future decay.
• Artistic Eye: Dr. Luu pays close attention to shade-matching, ensuring your crown looks like it has always been part of your natural smile.
• Comfort-First Approach: We offer local anesthetics and sedation options to ensure your preparation visit is entirely pain-free.

Restore Your Smile’s Strength Today

If you have a broken tooth, a failing old filling, or persistent pain when chewing, a dental crown could be the solution you need. Don’t wait for the tooth to fracture further—protect it now with the expert care at Fairview Dental.