A fractured or decayed tooth can cause difficulty eating, sensitivity or discomfort, and other oral health concerns. Dental crowns are designed to protect and strengthen a damaged tooth, and may be recommended to provide long-lasting coverage of cosmetic concerns. Supported by dental implants, dental crowns also serve as lifelike, durable replacements for missing teeth. Dr. Rafael Mercado and the staff at Castle Hills Family Dental understand that your time is valuable. Our Castle Hills, TX, office is equipped with CEREC®, an advanced on-site milling unit, which allows us to design and create dental crowns in just one appointment. 

Today’s dental crowns are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.

What is a Dental Crown? 

A dental crown is a cap-shaped restoration which covers the entire visible portion of the tooth, concealing damage and protecting it from further damage. These restorations can also be used to conceal cosmetic imperfections. Dental crowns are an extremely versatile treatment option and may be recommended for: 

  • Large areas of decay
  • Missing teeth 
  • Cracked teeth 
  • Root canal therapy patients

In order to receive a dental crown, you should have good periodontal health. If Dr. Mercado identifies signs of gum disease, he can address this concern in our office prior to placing your permanent restoration. 

Durable, Natural-Looking Materials

Depending on your needs, budget, and desired outcome, we can create a crown from: 

  • All-Porcelain: Created at an off-site dental laboratory or with our CEREC unit, these restorations are natural-looking and closely match the color and sparkle of your surrounding teeth. 
  • IPS e.max®: This advanced dental porcelain has unparalleled translucency and shine. It is best for patients who want a superior aesthetic option.
  • Zirconia: Zirconia is considered to be as strong and durable as metal restorations, while also maintaining a lifelike appearance. 

Dr. Mercado will help choose which material is the best option for you during your consultation. 

CEREC technology makes it possible to provide a fully customized dental crown in one office visit.

Same-Day Dental Crowns

Dr. Mercado will begin treatment by removing any damaged tissue and resizing the affected tooth. Once the ideal size and shape have been achieved, he will take impressions using our Omnicam digital scanner. This technology will comfortably scan your mouth, gathering information to design a precisely customized dental crown.

With proper care, good oral hygiene, and regular visits to our office, you can enjoy the benefits of dental crowns for 10 years or more.

In most cases, we are able to provide same-day crowns for patients. Using CEREC’s computer-aided design and manufacturing unit, we can directly upload your digital impressions. The crown is then milled out of a single block of porcelain while you wait. Once it is ready, Dr. Mercado will carefully assess the fit and your bite prior to securing the crown in place with dental cement. 

Implant-Supported Crowns

For patients with a missing tooth, an implant-supported crown can provide a natural-looking, stable replacement. If you qualify for oral surgery, Dr. Mercado will embed a dental implant in the jaw. Approximately four to six months later, you can receive a permanent crown. Dental implants provide important regenerative signals to your jawbone, helping to prevent the bone atrophy which results from tooth loss. 

Protect Your Health and Appearance

Today’s dental crowns offer superior aesthetics and impressive longevity. With proper care, good oral hygiene, and regular visits to our office, you can enjoy the benefits of dental crowns for 10 years or more. To learn if you are a good candidate for a dental crown, request an appointment online or call us at 210-732-4570.