If you have a damaged or weakened tooth, a dental crown can help restore its strength, function, and appearance. Dental crowns are a common restorative solution used to protect a tooth after significant decay, fractures, or even root canal treatment. But what exactly are dental crowns, and how do they work?

At Ardary Family Dentistry in Temecula, CA, we specialize in providing durable, custom-made dental crowns to restore smiles. Whether you're dealing with a cracked tooth or looking to enhance your smile, this guide will help you understand everything you need to know about dental crowns.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers a tooth to protect and strengthen it. Crowns are designed to restore the tooth’s natural shape, size, and function while improving its appearance. They can be made from materials like porcelain, ceramic, metal, or zirconia, depending on your specific needs.

When Do You Need a Dental Crown?

Your dentist may recommend a crown in the following cases:

• Severe Tooth Decay – When a tooth has extensive decay that cannot be repaired with a simple filling in Temecula.
• After Root Canal Treatment – Teeth become brittle after a root canal and require a crown for protection.
• Cracked or Broken Teeth – A dental crown prevents further damage to a fractured tooth.
• To Support a Dental Bridge – Crowns anchor dental bridges in Temecula to replace missing teeth.
• To Enhance Appearance – Crowns can improve the look of discolored or misshapen teeth, especially when combined with veneers in Temecula.

Types of Dental Crowns

There are different types of dental crowns, each offering unique benefits:

• Porcelain Crowns – Ideal for front teeth due to their natural appearance.
• Ceramic Crowns – Durable and aesthetic, commonly used for a seamless smile.
• Metal Crowns – Extremely strong and often used on back molars.
• Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns – A combination of durability and natural aesthetics.

Your gum disease dentist in Temecula can help determine the best type of crown for your specific case.

The Dental Crown Procedure: Step-by-Step

The process of getting a dental crown typically involves two visits:

1. First Visit – Preparation and Temporary Crown

• The tooth is reshaped to accommodate the crown.
• Impressions are taken to create a custom crown.
• A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth.

1. Second Visit – Permanent Crown Placement

• The temporary crown is removed.
• The custom crown is fitted and cemented into place.

Same-day crowns are also available at some dental offices, allowing for faster restoration.

Caring for Your Dental Crown

With proper care, dental crowns can last over a decade. Follow these tips to maintain their longevity:

• Brush and floss daily to prevent plaque buildup around the crown.
• Schedule regular teeth cleaning in Temecula to maintain overall oral health.
• Avoid chewing hard foods like ice and nuts to prevent damage.



If you have a damaged or discolored tooth, dental crowns in Temecula could be the ideal solution. Contact Ardary Family Dentistry today to schedule a consultation!