Restorative care
Dental Crowns in Scottsdale, AZ
Sometimes a tooth needs more support than a filling can give. A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers the entire visible part of a tooth, helping protect it and restore its shape.
Emergencies only: (818) 522-0067
When might you need a crown?
Dr. Al Rezk may recommend a crown to:
- Protect a tooth that is cracked or at risk of breaking
- Restore a tooth with a large filling or a lot of decay
- Protect a back tooth after root canal treatment
- Rebuild a tooth that is badly worn, for example from grinding
- Improve the shape or color of a tooth that does not match your smile
- Cover a dental implant or support a bridge
Not every damaged tooth needs a crown. Depending on how much healthy tooth remains, a tooth-colored filling may be enough.
What to expect
Evaluation. We start with an exam and X-rays to check the tooth and the surrounding bone and gums.
Preparing the tooth. After numbing the area, Dr. Al Rezk gently reshapes the tooth so the crown can fit over it.
Impression or digital scan. Next, we record the exact shape of the prepared tooth and your bite.
Fitting your custom crown. Dr. Al Rezk checks the fit and your bite, makes any adjustments and secures the crown in place. He will walk you through what to expect at each step before treatment begins.
Crown materials
Crowns can be made from several types of material, and the right choice depends on where the tooth is, how you bite and your goals. Dr. Al Rezk will explain the options that fit your tooth so you can decide together.
Caring for your crown
A crown covers the tooth, but the tooth underneath can still get a cavity where the crown meets the gum. Brush twice a day, floss daily and keep up with your regular cleanings. Avoid chewing ice or hard objects, and if you grind your teeth at night, ask us whether a night guard could help.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
How long does a dental crown last?
A well-made crown can last many years, but there is no set lifespan. How long yours lasts depends on your bite, habits like grinding, and how well you care for the tooth and gums around it.
Does getting a crown hurt?
The tooth is numbed before we begin, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain. It is normal for the tooth and gums to feel a little tender for a few days afterward.
What is the difference between a crown and a filling?
A filling repairs one part of a tooth. A crown covers the whole visible tooth, so it is usually recommended when a tooth has lost a lot of its structure or is at risk of cracking.
What if my tooth cannot be saved with a crown?
If a tooth is too damaged to restore, Dr. Al Rezk can talk with you about replacement options, including dental implants, which he places right here in our Scottsdale office.
Have a cracked or worn tooth?
Call to have it checked. We will explain what we see and why we recommend a particular option.
Boutique hours: Friday and Saturday, 10 AM to 3 PM. 8350 E Raintree Dr, Suite 225, Scottsdale, AZ 85260.
Emergencies only: (818) 522-0067