Dental Crowns Specialist

Tice Valley Dental

Sean A. Karimian, D.D.S.

General & Cosmetic Dentist & Dental Implant Specialist located in Walnut Creek, CA

Dental crowns are a great option to both cover and protect damaged teeth as well as to create a beautiful, uniform smile. Dr. Sean Karimian offers dental crowns to patients from throughout the East Bay area at Tice Valley Dental in Walnut Creek, California. He installs crowns in just two visits, leaving you with healthy and strong teeth. Call or make an appointment online today to learn more about dental crowns.

Dental Crowns Q & A

What are dental crowns?

Dental crowns are custom-made caps or covers for your teeth. Crowns are typically made of porcelain, metal, or a combination of both materials. Porcelain on metal is the most commonly used type of crown because they offer both the strength and durability of metal and the natural appearance of porcelain.

 

What dental issues do crowns correct?

Dr. Karimian uses dental crowns for both restorative and cosmetic purposes. He places crowns to cover and protect damaged teeth or to provide additional strength to a tooth following a root canal. Dental crowns are also used to top dental implants, providing a natural-looking prosthetic tooth.

Dr. Karimian also places dental crowns to correct cosmetic issues like unevenly shaped or sized teeth to create a uniform appearance. He also uses crowns to cover teeth that are severely discolored and won’t respond to topical bleaching treatments.

 

What are dental inlays and onlays?

Dental inlays and onlays are custom-made dental treatments that are used to restore teeth as an alternative to crowns. They’re used to correct issues including:

  • Broken or decayed teeth
  • Large fillings
  • Broken fillings
  • Cosmetic improvements

Inlays

A dental inlay is a dental filling, custom-made from metal, porcelain, or a composite material that is used to repair teeth with issues like large cavities or damage from decay or trauma. Inlays are a common alternative to silver and composite fillings. Dr. Karimian uses them as an alternative to crowns when the tooth damage doesn’t require a crown.

Onlays

Onlays are a larger form of inlays and are typically used to correct damage to molars when multiple cusps are affected. They are custom-made fillings that are permanently bonded to your teeth.

 

How are dental crowns installed?

Dr. Karimian installs dental crowns in just two visits. During your first visit, he prepares your tooth for the crown. He carefully removes a thin layer of tooth enamel, which allows your crown to sit flush against your other teeth. He takes a mold of your tooth, which dental lab technicians then use to custom-make your crown to fit precisely into your mouth. Dr. Karimian then fits a temporary crown to protect your tooth while your permanent crown is made.

At your second visit, Dr. Karimian fits your permanent crown. He checks your bite and alignment before permanently bonding the crown to your tooth. Once your crown is in place, he buffs the crown until it shines like a natural tooth.

If you’re interested in dental crowns, call or schedule an appointment online today.