If you have a damaged or weakened tooth, a dental crown could be the perfect solution to restore both its function and appearance. At Dr. Teeth in Reno, NV, Dr. Alison Defilippi and her team provide high-quality, custom dental crowns to help you achieve a healthy, confident smile. Crowns are a versatile restorative dental option that can be used for a variety of dental issues, from cracked teeth to large fillings, offering both protection and aesthetic improvement.
Whether you need a single crown or part of a larger treatment plan, Dr. Defilippi can provide you with personalized care using the latest dental technology.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is essentially a “cap” that fits over a damaged tooth, covering it completely. The crown restores the tooth’s size, shape, and strength while improving its appearance. We work with a dental lab to create tooth-colored crowns.
Our office often uses porcelain for its durability and natural look. It should blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth.
When Is a Dental Crown Necessary?
We use tooth crowns in many different situations. Dr. Defilippi will assess your specific dental needs during your consultation and explain how a crown can help restore your smile. You may need a crown if you want to:
- Protect a cracked or broken tooth: A crown can hold the tooth together and protect it from further damage.
- Cover a large cavity or filling: When a tooth has more decay than a filling can handle, a crown provides extra protection and support.
- Stabilize your tooth after a root canal: A tooth crown helps protect and strengthen the treated tooth, which is often more fragile after root canal therapy.
- Cover cosmetic imperfections: If a tooth is misshapen or severely discolored, a crown can cover it and give it a more natural, attractive look.
- Support a dental bridge: If you get a traditional bridge, you likely also get crowns to keep your replacement teeth in place.
- Cover a dental implant: Crowns replace missing teeth when attached to dental implants, creating a durable and realistic tooth replacement.
Types of Dental Crowns
Dr. Defilippi will recommend the best crown material based on the tooth’s location, your bite, and aesthetic preferences. You can get metal crowns for back teeth, but they can still be noticeable when you talk or smile. Our Reno dental office often recommends porcelain or PFM crowns because they’re strong and look natural. Still, we welcome you to learn more about the most common types of dental crowns in Reno.
Porcelain Crowns
Our most popular option for front teeth and visible areas. Porcelain crowns offer:
- Natural translucency matches real teeth
- Excellent color-matching to surrounding teeth
- Strong, durable material
- Metal-free (biocompatible)
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
These crowns combine metal strength with porcelain aesthetics. PFM crowns offer:
- Strong metal base for durability
- Porcelain exterior for natural appearance
- Good option for back teeth needing extra strength
Gold or Metal Alloy Crowns
Metal crowns are best for back molars where appearance is less important. These more traditional crowns offer these benefits:
- Durable and long-lasting
- Gentler on opposing teeth
- Minimal tooth removal required
- Excellent for patients who grind teeth
Dr. Defilippi’s UNLV training and meticulous approach ensure you receive the right material for your specific needs. She often recommends tooth-colored crowns because they match the color of your other teeth. While metal or alloy crowns are strong, they can increase tooth sensitivity.
Why Choose Dr. Teeth for Your Dental Crown?
At Dr. Teeth, we’re proud to offer our patients top-tier dental care in a comfortable, welcoming environment. When you need a crown, you want someone who will listen, explain your options clearly, and do the job right the first time. That is exactly what Dr. Defilippi offers. She uses high-quality materials, modern technology like digital impressions, and a gentle touch to restore your smile.
What to Expect During Your Crown Procedure
The dental crown process in our Reno, NV office is straightforward. Dr. Defilippi and our team will guide you through each step to make sure you are comfortable and informed.
Step 1: Consultation and Exam
Your crown journey begins with a consultation with Dr. Defilippi. First, she will examine your tooth and take digital X-rays to check the root and the bone around it. She will discuss your goals and answer your questions. If the tooth has decay or damage, she will work with you to schedule the right pretreatments to address these issues.
Step 2: Tooth Preparation
The tooth is gently shaped to make room for the crown. Dr. Defilippi removes a small amount of enamel from the surface of the tooth. This step is done under local anesthesia, so you will not feel any pain. She is known for her gentle touch and will make sure you are comfortable throughout the process.
Step 3: Digital Impressions
Our Reno dental office uses digital impressions instead of traditional putty. Once your tooth is prepared, a small camera takes detailed pictures of your tooth. It is quick, comfortable, and accurate.
The digital impression is sent to a dental lab, where your custom crown is fabricated. Because we use digital technology, the process is more comfortable and precise than traditional molds.
Step 4: Temporary Crown
While your permanent crown is being made, Dr. Defilippi will place a temporary crown to protect your tooth. The temporary crown is made of a tooth-colored material and will stay in place for about two to three weeks. You can eat and speak normally with the temporary crown.
Step 5: Final Crown Placement
Once your custom crown is ready, you will return to our office for a second visit. Dr. Defilippi will remove the temporary crown and clean your tooth. She will check the fit, color, and shape of your new crown. After her final adjustments, she will bond the crown to your tooth.
Step 6: Aftercare and Follow-Up
After your crown is placed, Dr. Defilippi will give you instructions on how to care for it. You can brush and floss your crown just like your natural teeth. She may recommend a follow-up visit to make sure the crown is settling in properly. With good care and regular dental check-ups, your crown can last many years.
Patient Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you want to know more? Dr. Defilippi is here to help. We welcome you to read answers to common questions about dental crowns in Reno, NV.
How long does the crown procedure take?
The crown process typically requires two office visits. At your first visit, Dr. Defilippi prepares your tooth, takes digital impressions using advanced technology, and places a temporary crown.
2 to 3 weeks later, your custom crown arrives from the lab. Dr. Defilippi removes the temporary crown and permanently places your new restoration. She adjusts it for the proper fit, bite, and appearance. Then she cements your crown to your tooth.
How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns last 10 to 15 years with the right care. The best way to ensure your crowns last is to brush and floss every day and visit us twice a year. Dr. Defilippi will be here throughout your crown’s entire lifespan to provide adjustments, maintenance, and eventual replacement when needed.
How can crowns improve my health?
A dental crown not only restores a damaged tooth but also plays an important role in maintaining your overall oral health. By covering and protecting a weakened tooth, a crown helps prevent further damage or decay. It also helps maintain the proper alignment of your teeth so your bite stays balanced and comfortable.
Are dental caps the same as dental crowns?
Yes. Many patients may call dental crowns tooth caps because they cover the top of the tooth like a cap. “Crown” and “cap” are interchangeable.
Protect Your Teeth with a Dental Cap
Do you have a loose crown or have tooth wear? Call for dental crown treatment in Reno, Nevada, at (775) 206-0856. Feel free to request an appointment with Defilippi online.
Dr. Teeth welcomes patients from throughout Reno and Northern Nevada, including Spanish Springs, Sparks, Sun Valley, Carson City, Incline Village, Fernley, and surrounding communities. As a sixth-generation Nevadan born and raised in Reno, Dr. Defilippi is honored to serve her hometown and neighboring areas.