Quality porcelain crowns preserve and protect your teeth for a lifetime of healthy, stunning smiles

Worldwide, tooth decay is more the rule than the exception. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that untreated decay in permanent teeth is the most prevalent health condition. At Montclair Dental Care in Oakland, California, we emphasize that it does not have to be this way. Led by Dr. Kenneth L. Childers, our practice partners with patients closely to protect their teeth from enamel erosion and more extensive decay, such as cavities. Additionally, we restore decayed and otherwise damaged teeth promptly. Quality dental restorations such as porcelain crowns are built to last. They also look like natural teeth.  

Dr. Childers and the team also appreciate that access to proactive care and quality restorative treatments is critical. For this reason, we offer numerous payment options, including affordable financing. Moreover, our office hours work within busy schedules and include evening and weekend appointments for our valued patients and guests.  

The value of well-designed, well-built dental crowns

Like gum disease, tooth decay is a progressive condition. Less extensive forms of tooth decay, such as enamel erosion, can be repaired with oral hygiene modifications and preventive services. Likewise, tooth-colored fillings can successfully correct smaller cavities (or holes on the surfaces of the teeth). Larger cavities are appropriate candidates for dental crowns. Dental crown treatment offers more support and “coverage” to the decayed tooth. Alternatively, large fillings leave the treated tooth vulnerable to future decay and infection. Dental crowns may also be a suitable option for patients with old or worn-down, silver-colored metal fillings.  

Crowns frequently follow root canal therapy. During root canal treatment, the innermost damaged part of the tooth (pulp) is removed and cleaned, and the root canals are reshaped. Then, the treated canals are sealed off to prevent reinfection. This process resolves deep decay. It is often a “last-ditch” method to preserve a severely damaged natural tooth. The crown itself presents the “finishing touch” of the process. It fits over the treated, sterilized tooth structure. In turn, the crown restores the appearance, strength, and structure of the tooth.  

Dental crowns may also be applied to:

  • Hold together a badly broken tooth
  • Cover up an irregularly shaped or stubbornly discolored tooth
  • Support replacement teeth as part of a conventional dental bridge 
  • Serve as the visible part of the replacement tooth, which is connected to an implant placed in the jaw (dental implants function like tooth roots to stabilize the crown, or implant-retained bridges and dentures) 

Crowns can usually be completed in a couple of visits. The first visit involves preparing the tooth and the crown, and the second visit involves securely fixing the lab-fabricated crown to the healed and prepared natural tooth. During an appointment with Dr. Childers, he can discuss if crowns or alternatives such as dental restorations are best suited to you and your situation. We can also discuss options for the crown material. Porcelain is lauded for its natural appearance, stain resistance, and durability; however, metals such as gold may be considered in certain circumstances. Call us at (510) 328-7792 today to book your visit.