South Austin Dental Crowns

Porcelain crowns, also known as caps, are made to encase the entire visible portion of a tooth in order to act as the tooth’s new outer surface. A dental crown is typically used when a tooth is broken or decayed to such an extent that fillings aren’t able to repair it. As a protective shell around the damaged or decayed tooth, the crown is able to strengthen it, as well as enhance the tooth’s esthetic appearance. For broken teeth, a crown helps to restore the tooth to its original shape. The most common crowns are made of a mixture of porcelain in order to give them a more natural look and feel.

Restore and Protect Your Teeth with Custom Dental Crowns

At Grand Oaks Dentistry, we provide high-quality dental crowns to restore damaged teeth and enhance your smile. Our South Austin dental crown services combine advanced technology with meticulous craftsmanship to deliver durable, natural-looking results that blend seamlessly with your existing teeth.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a custom-made “cap” that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gumline. Made from durable materials like porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination of materials, crowns are designed to restore a tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance while providing long-term protection.

Signs You Might Need a Dental Crown

Many patients aren’t aware they need a crown until they visit our South Austin dental office. Here are common indications that a dental crown might be the right solution for you:

Large Cavities or Extensive Decay

If you’re experiencing:

Pain when biting down or chewing
Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
Visible holes or dark spots on your tooth
A previously filled tooth that has developed new decay

When a cavity becomes too large for a standard filling to address effectively, a crown may be necessary to restore the tooth’s structure and prevent further damage. Unlike fillings, which simply fill in a portion of the tooth, crowns provide complete coverage and protection.

Cracked, Fractured, or Worn Teeth

Have you noticed:

Sensitivity or pain when biting or releasing pressure
Sharp edges on a tooth
A tooth that has changed shape or appears shorter
Pain that comes and goes without apparent cause

Teeth can crack or fracture due to injury, teeth grinding (bruxism), or biting on hard objects. When this happens, a crown can hold the tooth together, prevent further damage, and restore comfortable function. Without proper treatment, cracked teeth can worsen over time and potentially require extraction.

Weakened Teeth

Do you have:

A tooth that has undergone root canal therapy
Multiple large fillings in one tooth
A tooth that feels fragile or unstable

Teeth that have been structurally compromised by previous dental procedures or extensive decay are at high risk for fracture. A crown provides crucial reinforcement, distributing biting forces evenly and protecting the vulnerable tooth from breaking.

Severe Discoloration or Misshapen Teeth

Are you concerned about:

A tooth that’s significantly darker than surrounding teeth
Intrinsic staining that doesn’t respond to whitening
A misshapen or abnormally small tooth affecting your smile

When cosmetic issues can’t be addressed with more conservative treatments like whitening or bonding, a crown can completely transform a tooth’s appearance while also providing structural benefits.

Dental Implant Restoration

If you’ve received a dental implant to replace a missing tooth, a custom crown will be attached to the implant abutment to complete the restoration, creating a natural-looking and functional replacement tooth.

The Dental Crown Process at Grand Oaks Dentistry

Our South Austin dental practice uses a streamlined, patient-centered approach to dental crown treatment:

Comprehensive Examination: We begin with a thorough assessment of your tooth, including digital X-rays to evaluate the extent of damage and determine if a crown is the appropriate solution.
Tooth Preparation: After ensuring your comfort with local anesthesia, we carefully reshape the tooth to create space for the crown. This process preserves as much healthy tooth structure as possible while creating the ideal foundation for your restoration.
Digital Impressions: Using advanced digital scanning technology, we create highly accurate impressions of your prepared tooth and surrounding teeth without the discomfort of traditional putty materials.
Temporary Crown Placement: While your permanent crown is being fabricated in a trusted dental laboratory, we’ll place a temporary crown to protect your tooth and maintain appearance and function.
Custom Shade Matching: We meticulously match your crown’s color to your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless blend that looks completely natural.
Final Crown Placement: Once your custom crown arrives from the laboratory (typically within 1-2 weeks), we’ll remove the temporary crown and precisely bond the permanent restoration to your tooth, making any necessary adjustments for perfect fit and bite alignment.

Types of Dental Crowns Available

At our South Austin dental practice, we offer several crown material options to suit different needs:

Porcelain or Ceramic Crowns

Ideal for front teeth and visible areas, these metal-free crowns offer the most natural appearance and excellent biocompatibility. Advanced ceramics provide remarkable strength while maintaining a lifelike translucency that mimics natural tooth enamel.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns

These versatile crowns combine the natural appearance of porcelain with the strength of a metal substructure, making them suitable for both front and back teeth.

Full Metal Crowns

Typically made from gold or other alloys, metal crowns offer unparalleled durability for back teeth where aesthetic concerns are minimal and maximum strength is desired.

Zirconia Crowns

This modern option offers exceptional strength comparable to metal crowns with the aesthetics of all-ceramic restorations, making them an excellent choice for patients who grind their teeth.

Benefits of Dental Crowns

Functional Restoration

Crowns restore full chewing function, allowing you to eat comfortably and maintain proper nutrition without pain or sensitivity.

Protection from Further Damage

By completely encasing the vulnerable tooth, crowns prevent additional decay, fractures, and complications that could lead to tooth loss.

Aesthetic Improvement

Our South Austin dental crowns are custom-designed to enhance your smile’s appearance, with color, shape, and contour precisely matched to your natural teeth.

Longevity

With proper care, high-quality dental crowns can last 15 years or more, making them a valuable long-term investment in your oral health.

Comfort and Confidence

Unlike a damaged or decayed tooth that may cause pain or self-consciousness, a well-fitted crown feels and functions like a natural tooth, boosting your comfort and confidence.

Caring for Your Dental Crown

To maximize the lifespan of your dental crown:

Maintain excellent oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing
Avoid using your teeth as tools to open packages or bite hard objects
Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth
Attend regular check-ups at our South Austin dental practice
Consider limiting staining substances like coffee, tea, and tobacco

Schedule Your South Austin Dental Crown Consultation

If you’re experiencing tooth pain, have a damaged tooth, or have been told you need a crown, contact Grand Oaks Dentistry today. Our skilled South Austin dentists will evaluate your specific needs and determine if a dental crown is the right solution for restoring your smile’s health, function, and beauty.

Don’t wait until a damaged tooth becomes a dental emergency—early intervention with a high-quality dental crown can save you time, discomfort, and expense while preserving your natural tooth for years to come.