Tooth decay and trauma lead to damaged teeth, and damaged teeth require professional dental care. Restorative dentistry aims to restore a damaged tooth’s shape, strength, size, and appearance. In many cases, a dental crown is recommended to cover the damaged tooth. 

Dental damage can be painful and lead to a serious infection. If you have a chip, crack, or decay, don’t wait to receive professional care. Call our San Francisco dental practice today at (415) 513-5066 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mina Levi. 

REASONS FOR A DENTAL CROWN

Patients often need a dental crown for one of these reasons: 

• To protect a weak or worn down tooth from breaking
• To keep a cracked tooth together
• To support a tooth with a large filling
• To hold a dental bridge in place
• To cover a misshapen or discolored tooth
• To cover a dental implant
• To cover a root canaled tooth

METAL-FREE DENTAL CROWNS

Silver amalgam (metal) crowns used to be the only option for patients who needed a tooth crown. Unfortunately, these metal crowns contain mercury which can leak into and poison the body. Symptoms of mercury poisoning include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Memory loss
• Poor motor control
• Weakness
• Excessive anger
• Headaches
• Weight loss
• Chronic fatigue
• Gastrointestinal distress

These are just a few of the symptoms related to mercury poisoning. Because of this, Dr. Levi recommends safer, biocompatible materials like porcelain and composite resin. She also recommends that patients who have silver amalgam crowns have them removed and replaced with ceramic or resin crowns. 

DENTAL CROWN PLACEMENT

Dental crown placement typically takes two appointments. 

During the first appointment, Dr. Levi will prepare your tooth for the crown. This requires removing some of the dental enamel and shaping the tooth so the crown can fit over it without appearing bulky or misshapen. Then, she will take an impression of your tooth and the surrounding teeth and gums. The impressions are sent to a dental laboratory where the lab technicians will create your customized dental crown. Before leaving your first appointment, Dr. Levi will cover your natural tooth with a temporary crown. 

When the permanent crown arrives at our office, you will come in for your second visit. Dr. Levi will remove the temporary crown and cement the permanent crown into place, making sure it looks and feels natural. 

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR DENTAL CROWN

When taken proper care of, your crown can last more than a decade. Be sure to practice good oral hygiene, like brushing twice a day and flossing daily, eating properly, and visiting the dentist at least twice a year. 

To avoid damaging your dental crown, stay away from these bad habits: 

• Biting your nails
• Chewing ice
• Grinding your teeth

METAL-FREE DENTAL CROWNS IN SAN FRANCISCO

Dr. Levi at California Dental Innovations offers safe and durable metal-free dental restorations. She will ensure that your new dental crown protects your natural tooth, looks natural, and feels natural. To schedule your dental crown appointment, call our office today or send us a message online.