Dental Crowns in Missouri City, TX
A chipped or cracked tooth can make chewing and talking more uncomfortable than you’d expect, and it usually changes how your smile looks too. The damage won’t go away on its own, and when left untreated, it tends to get worse. Dr. Navin Pathiyil and Dr. Regan Joy offer dental crowns in Missouri City, TX to help bring your tooth back to its natural shape and strength.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a tailor-made covering placed on a damaged tooth. It repairs teeth that are broken down due to decay, cracks or fillings that no longer hold the structure. A crown can also save a tooth after root canal treatment, restoring its strength so it can work like a normal tooth again.
Before recommending a crown, our dentists analyze the shape of the tooth, its remaining structure, and the nature of the bite. Based on what they find, they choose a crown material that suits your tooth’s location, function, appearance, and your personal preferences.
When Do You Need a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns may be needed for issues that cannot be fixed with fillings.
- A large cavity or a lot of decay
- A tooth with a broken or missing cusp
- A severely worn tooth
- A large or failing filling
- A tooth that has undergone root canal treatment
- A broken tooth
- A tooth that needs major rebuilding
- An old crown that needs to be replaced
Not every damaged tooth needs a crown, since a filling, inlay, onlay, or other treatment may work better.
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What to Expect During Your Dental Crown Procedure
Getting a dental crown is usually a simple process, and we’ll walk you through every step:
Dental Examination
First, our dentists will evaluate your damaged tooth to see how much remaining healthy structure there is. They’ll also look at your bite and the condition of your other teeth. This will help them determine if a crown is the right choice for you.
Preparing the Tooth
If needed, we will first numb the area so you are comfortable throughout the entire procedure. Then our dentists remove decay or damaged portions and gently reshape the tooth to fit the crown. Our team is dedicated to preserving as much healthy tooth structure as we can along the way.
Taking Impressions or Digital Scans
Our dentists take impressions of your prepared tooth and the surrounding teeth. We will also record how your bite comes together. This information will help us in designing a natural-fitting crown that works with your bite.
Temporary Crown
Meanwhile, we’ll place a temporary crown over your tooth to protect it while your permanent crown is being created. Our dentists will provide you with some easy-to-follow tips about how to take care of your temporary crown until your next appointment.
Placing the Permanent Crown
Our dentists check the fit and look of the crown and then carefully examine your bite. If any adjustments are needed, we’ll make them on the spot. If everything looks good, our team will firmly set the crown in place.
Types of Dental Crowns
Several crown materials exist today, and each one works best for certain teeth, bites, and cases.
Porcelain or Ceramic Crowns
Natural-looking appearance.
- Often chosen where appearance matters most.
- Shaded to match your surrounding teeth.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
- Combine a tooth-colored surface with a metal base.
- Offer strength along with a more natural look.
Metal Crowns
- Strong and long-lasting.
- Sometimes used for back teeth.
- Less tooth-colored than other options.
Zirconia Crowns
- A strong ceramic option.
- Tooth-colored appearance.
- Suitable for both front and back teeth.
No single crown material works best for every case. The right one for you depends on your tooth, position, bite, and appearance.
Why Choose Us for Dental Crowns in Missouri City, TX?
Dr. Navin Pathiyil and Dr. Joy, our dentists, each contribute distinct expertise to the crown treatments we provide. Dr. Pathiyil completed post-graduate training in Prosthodontics, with a focus on full-arch reconstruction, implant placement, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Joy has worked in general dentistry across the Houston area for 15 years, treating crowns and root canals.
During crown treatment, our team explains the findings and discusses the available restoration options. We use digital X-rays and other diagnostic tools to guide this examination. Our team will assess the bite carefully to direct treatment.
We also understand that treatment decisions involve practical concerns. Our practice accepts most major insurance plans, including Aetna, Humana, Delta Dental, Cigna, and United Healthcare.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If a tooth feels weak, cracked, or worn down, it’s worth having it checked before it gets worse.
Give us a call at (281) 595-1033 to schedule an appointment for dental crowns in Missouri City, TX.
Request An Appointment
Frequently Asked Questions
You’ve Got Questions. We’ve Got Straight Answers
We are committed to delivering the highest quality dental care and do so using advanced dental equipment.
Can I eat normally after getting a permanent crown?
Yes, you can eat normally once the crown cement sets and numbness fades. Start with soft foods if your tooth feels sore, and skip hard or sticky foods until our dentist checks it.
What should I do if my dental crown becomes loose?
If your crown feels loose or falls off, call us immediately because germs can get to the tooth under it. We will check, repair or replace if necessary.
Can a crowned tooth develop a cavity?
Yes, it can. A crown covers the surface of the tooth, but not the root or gumline. Decay can still form around the edges of the crown. This is why brushing, flossing and regular dental visits are just as important after you get a crown.