Tooth repair looks natural with crowns from Pembroke Pines, FL dentist
Teeth are strong and hard, but sometimes their durable structure is compromised. Dental crowns reinstate oral function, protecting and strengthening damaged teeth. At Pines Dental Associates in Pembroke Pines, FL, Dr. Milton Ruiz creates porcelain teeth that look beautifully natural.
White tooth caps are versatile
Dental crowns are sometimes called caps because they encircle the part of the tooth that extends above the gumline. Dr. Ruiz may recommend crowns in these situations:
- Extensive tooth decay – When a cavity is too large to support a traditional filling, the tooth can be saved with a crown.
- Cracked tooth crown – A crown is used to restore a broken tooth, or to hold pieces of a fractured tooth together.
- Root canal therapy – A crown is placed following endodontic treatment to protect the tooth from further damage.
- Dental implant restoration – A crown is the finishing touch on this type of stand-alone tooth replacement.
- Crown and bridge unit – A dental bridge uses crowns to anchor the prosthetic in place.
- Crown lengthening – Crowns restore the size of teeth that are worn down from bruxing (clenching or grinding during sleep). A crown can also correct unusual shape or size of a tooth, for improved appearance and bite.
- Cosmetic enhancement – A front tooth crown may cover enamel imperfections or deep discoloration.
Getting crowns in Pembroke Pines, FL
Getting a crown on a tooth calls for just two dental visits. At the first appointment, Dr. Ruiz administers local anesthetic to make sure you are comfortable. Areas of decayed or damaged tooth structure are removed. The tooth is shaped, which may involve reducing it or building it up with composite material. Impressions are taken and you select the shade of your new crown. The doctor places a temporary restoration to protect the prepared tooth.
Your porcelain crown is fabricated by a ceramist at a dental laboratory. When you return to Pine Dental Associates, the temporary crown is painlessly removed, and the new one is fitted and cemented in place. (Usually numbing is not needed.)
With sensible oral habits and regular checkups, your crown restoration can last many years.
Dr. Ruiz welcomes patients from Cooper City, Miramar, and Hollywood. Call (954) 715-4660 for an appointment in Pembroke Pines, FL for crowns or other dental treatment.
All about Dental Crowns at Pines Dental Associates explained by Dr. Milton Ruiz
What is a Dental Crown?
Crowns are something that we do when there’s not enough tooth structure left to place a filling or after we do a root canal on the tooth has weakened.
How is a crown created and placed?
We reduce the tooth a bit using a drill and take a dental impression to send to the lab. They produce a brand new porcelain tooth that will be placed over the remaining tooth structure.
We will place a temporary crown for two weeks while we get the permanent one. Two weeks later, the permanent crown will be cemented over your tooth.
What are the benefits of dental crowns?
After we finish, it will look just like a natural tooth, and it will protect your tooth from further damage.
FAQs
What is a dental crown?
A cap/cover placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength and to improve its appearance. When cemented into place, it encloses the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gum line.
Why would I need a crown?
You may need a crown:
* To protect a weak tooth from breaking or hold parts of a cracked tooth together
* To cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t much tooth left
* To restore a broken or severely worn down tooth
* To cover misshapen or highly discolored teeth
* To hold a dental bridge in place
* To cover an implant
What materials are used for crowns?
Metals like gold, zirconia, or metal alloys; porcelain, ceramic, and resin. These materials may be used on their own or fused with other materials.
What are temporary and permanent crowns?
Temporary crowns can be made in a dentist’s office, while permanent ones are usually made in a dental laboratory, although some dentists now create them in-house. Temporary crowns are made of acrylic or stainless steel and are a temporary restoration until a permanent crown is constructed and fitted.
How long do crowns last?
Generally, between 5 and 15 years. This lifespan depends on the wear and tear it undergoes, your oral hygiene practices, and personal habits like chewing on hard substances and teeth grinding.
Dr. Milton Ruiz
Connect on LinkedIn
A respected general dentist with over 25 years of experience, Dr. Milton Ruiz earned his dental degree from Tufts Dental School in Boston. He has completed over 500 hours of continuing education to stay at the forefront of modern dentistry and is highly skilled in various areas, including cosmetic dentistry, root canals, sleep apnea treatments, orthodontics, and restorative care. Certified in Invisalign and experienced in oral conscious sedation, he ensures a broad spectrum of patient care with a focus on comfort and modern techniques.
