When a tooth becomes cracked, deeply decayed, worn down, or structurally weakened by a large filling, everyday chewing and speaking can become uncomfortable. A custom dental crown—often called a tooth cap—provides a protective, tooth-shaped restoration that completely covers the compromised tooth down to the gum line. At J&J Smiles in Wickenburg, our dentists focus on saving your natural teeth whenever possible, reinforcing weak enamel so you can eat, smile, and speak with confidence.
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Protecting and Restoring Compromised Teeth in Wickenburg
A dental crown acts as a shield for a tooth that lacks sufficient healthy structure to support a standard filling. By encapsulating the damaged tooth, a crown restores its original shape, bite alignment, and appearance while preventing further cracking. Whether dealing with decay or an injury from ranch work or recreation, our team provides personalized restorative options tailored to your oral health.
Dr. Jenna Gazzola and Dr. Jon Thomson evaluate each patient using digital X-rays and thorough exams. We offer advanced restoration materials, including high-strength ceramics and in-office CEREC same-day crowns, ensuring your crown fits comfortably and blends naturally.
Common Reasons You May Need a Dental Crown
Teeth face daily wear from chewing forces, acidic foods, and habits like nighttime grinding. While minor cavities and small chips are repaired with tooth-colored composite fillings, extensive damage requires comprehensive structural reinforcement.
At J&J Smiles, we recommend dental crowns when natural tooth structure is compromised beyond what a standard filling can safely support. Placing a crown preserves the natural root in your jawbone, maintaining jawbone density and avoiding extraction.
Common clinical situations requiring a dental crown include:
- Cracked or Fractured Teeth: Deep stress fractures require a full crown to hold the tooth together and prevent fracture progression.
- Failing or Large Fillings: When an old silver or composite filling occupies over half a tooth, remaining enamel becomes brittle and prone to breaking.
- Post-Root Canal Protection: Following root canal therapy, a tooth becomes brittle; a crown seals and strengthens it for long-term function.
- Severely Worn Enamel: Chronic grinding or acid erosion flattens biting surfaces; crowns restore proper tooth height and bite mechanics.
- Anchor for Dental Bridges: Crowns on healthy adjacent teeth serve as secure abutments to anchor a prosthetic bridge across a gap.
Crown Materials: Choosing the Ideal Option for Your Smile
Dental restoration technology offers a range of material choices tailored to functional and cosmetic needs in your mouth. During your visit to our Wickenburg office, your dentist will explain each material and help you choose the ideal option.
All-Ceramic & Porcelain Crowns: Made of high-strength ceramic, these crowns offer natural translucency matching natural enamel. They are the premier choice for front teeth and highly visible smile areas.
Zirconia Crowns: Zirconia is an exceptionally tough ceramic material capable of withstanding extreme chewing pressure. It is ideal for back molars where heavy biting forces occur, providing remarkable fracture resistance.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: PFM restorations combine a durable metal core with an outer layer of tooth-colored porcelain, offering strong mechanical durability for back teeth.
Same-Day CEREC Crowns vs. Traditional Laboratory Crowns
At J&J Smiles, we offer both in-office CEREC same-day crowns and traditional laboratory-crafted crowns, providing flexibility for your schedule and clinical needs.
With our CEREC CAD/CAM system, we take 3D digital impressions and mill your ceramic crown right here in Wickenburg during a single visit. You avoid gooey impression trays, temporary caps, and a second appointment weeks later—ideal for busy patients, snowbirds, and rural residents in Congress, Yarnell, or Aguila.
In specific complex cases—such as multi-unit restorations or specialized PFM requirements—a traditional laboratory crown may be crafted by our partner lab. Your dentist will evaluate your digital scans and recommend the precise approach for optimal results.
How to Care for Your Dental Crown for Long-Term Success
A well-placed dental crown can last for decades when supported by consistent home care and routine professional dental checkups. Although ceramic crown material cannot decay, the natural root underneath still requires daily attention.
Maintain oral hygiene by brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing around the crown margin every night. Cleaning the gum line surrounding your restoration prevents plaque accumulation and gum inflammation, protecting the underlying root structure.
Avoid chewing on extremely hard objects like ice, hard candy, or unpopped popcorn kernels, which can chip ceramic materials. If you clench or grind your teeth while sleeping, a custom night guard can protect both your crown and natural enamel.
Related services: same-day CEREC crowns, dental bridges and implant crowns.
Did you know…
Same-day crowns can be created in just about two hours using CEREC technology.
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The Benefits Of Dental Crowns
Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal
Dental crowns can dramatically improve the appearance of your teeth by covering imperfections such as chips, cracks, or discoloration. The result is a more uniform, attractive smile that boosts your confidence and makes a lasting impression.
Immediate Results
With same-day crowns, you no longer have to wait weeks for your new crown. Our advanced technology allows us to design, create, and place your crown in a single visit, so you leave with a complete smile restoration.
Long-Lasting Durability
Crafted from high-quality materials, dental crowns are designed to withstand the daily wear and tear of chewing and speaking. This durability ensures that your investment in your dental health will last for many years with proper care.
The Dental Crowns Treatment Process
Initial Consultation and Assessment
Your journey to a restored smile begins with a thorough consultation at J&J Smiles. During this visit, Dr. Jon or Dr. Jenna Gazzola will evaluate your dental needs and discuss your treatment goals. Using digital imaging, we assess the condition of your teeth to determine if a crown is the best solution for you. This personalized approach ensures that you receive the most effective and tailored treatment plan.
Crown Design and Creation
Once a crown is deemed necessary, we use state-of-the-art CEREC technology to design your custom crown. This process involves taking digital impressions of your tooth, eliminating the need for messy traditional molds. The digital model is then used to craft a precise, natural-looking crown from high-quality ceramic material. This step is completed in our office, allowing for same-day service.
Crown Placement
After your crown is crafted, it's time for placement. Dr. Jon or Dr. Jenna Gazzola will ensure that the fit and color of the crown are perfect before securely bonding it to your tooth. This meticulous process guarantees that your new crown feels comfortable and functions just like a natural tooth. With your new crown in place, you'll leave our office with a rejuvenated smile that looks great and feels even better.
Before & Afters
A smile is worth 1,000 words.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a dental crown last?
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A high-quality dental crown typically lasts between 10 and 15 years, and can last for decades with diligent oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings. Avoiding habits like ice chewing or tooth grinding helps extend restoration lifespan.
Does getting a dental crown hurt?
No, your dentist administers local anesthesia to completely numb the tooth and surrounding gums prior to preparing the tooth. You may feel mild sensitivity for a few days after placement, which responds well to over-the-counter care.
What is the difference between a filling and a dental crown?
A dental filling repairs a small cavity by filling in localized decay, whereas a dental crown encases the entire visible portion of the tooth to restore structural integrity when damage is too extensive for a filling.
Can a crowned tooth still get a cavity?
Yes, while ceramic or metal crowns cannot decay, natural tooth structure at the gum line margin where the crown meets the root can develop decay if plaque accumulates. Daily flossing and brushing are essential.
What should I do if my dental crown feels loose or falls off?
If your crown becomes loose or dislodges, keep the restoration safe and call J&J Smiles immediately at (928) 684-5475. Our team can evaluate the tooth, clean the area, and re-bond or replace the crown promptly.
Are dental crowns covered by dental insurance in Arizona?
Most dental insurance plans cover a significant portion of dental crowns when medically necessary to restore a damaged or decayed tooth. Our front office team assists with benefit verification and clear pre-treatment cost estimates.
