What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns, also called caps, are custom-crafted restorations that completely cover a damaged tooth. Sometimes teeth undergo significant damage due to cavities, heavy bite forces, trauma, or even normal functioning. If a root canal is needed to salvage a severely compromised nerve, the tooth may be especially fragile. Many situations can leave teeth in danger of loss if treatment is bypassed.

Dental crowns allow these teeth to be rebuilt and covered with materials that mimic nature. At Yakima Healthy Smiles, Dr. Kezele utilizes the best techniques for comprehensive care, returning even the most damaged mouths to full health. Not only are most "capped" teeth indistinguishable from natural teeth, but they're also extremely secure and comfortable.

👑 When Do You Need a Crown?

Dr. Kezele may recommend a crown in these situations:

  • After Root Canal Therapy: Protects the weakened tooth from fracturing
  • Large Cavities or Fillings: When decay has destroyed too much tooth structure for a simple filling
  • Cracked or Broken Teeth: Holds the tooth together and prevents further damage
  • Severely Worn Teeth: From grinding, acid erosion, or age-related wear
  • Cosmetic Improvements: Fixes discolored, misshapen, or poorly spaced teeth
  • Dental Implant Completion: Crown attaches to implant to replace missing tooth
  • Dental Bridge Support: Anchors bridges that replace missing teeth

Types of Dental Crowns

At our Yakima office, we offer several crown materials, each with specific advantages. Dr. Kezele will recommend the best option based on the tooth's location, your bite, aesthetic needs, and budget.

Crown Material Options

All-Porcelain (Ceramic)

Best for: Front teeth and highly visible areas. Provides the most natural appearance with excellent color matching. Metal-free option for patients with sensitivities. Slightly less strong than porcelain-fused-to-metal.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)

Best for: Back teeth requiring maximum strength. Combines durability of metal with beauty of porcelain. Strong enough for heavy chewing forces while maintaining good aesthetics.

Gold or Metal Alloy

Best for: Back molars where aesthetics are less critical. Most durable option, requires minimal tooth removal. Gentle on opposing teeth. Excellent for patients who grind teeth.

Zirconia

Best for: Patients wanting strength AND beauty. Modern material offers metal-like strength with all-ceramic appearance. Excellent for back teeth, increasingly popular for all positions.

The Crown Process at Yakima Healthy Smiles

Dr. Kezele focuses on utilizing the best techniques to ensure your crown fits perfectly, functions optimally, and looks completely natural. Once your case is planned, two appointments leave you with a fully restored tooth.

What Makes Our Crowns Different

Crowns can be crafted to repair a single tooth, multiple teeth (including the entire mouth), or in conjunction with dental implants to fill a space. In fact, when missing teeth enter the equation, special consideration might be given to placing a dental bridge or implants.

Dr. Kezele provides all the information to a specialized lab that's needed to create a masterpiece. Our master lab technicians spend hours on custom craftwork to ensure your crown matches your natural teeth perfectly in color, shape, and translucency.

Caring for Your Porcelain Crown

Crowns require the same care as your natural teeth. Brush twice daily, floss daily, and visit Yakima Healthy Smiles for regular professional cleanings and checkups every six months.

Tips to Maximize Crown Longevity:

  • Maintain excellent oral hygiene to prevent decay at the crown margin
  • Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or other very hard objects
  • If you grind your teeth, wear a nightguard to protect the crown
  • Don't use your teeth as tools to open packages or bottles
  • Schedule regular checkups so Dr. Kezele can monitor the crown
  • Address any bite issues or discomfort promptly

Crown Cost and Value

Crown costs at our Yakima office vary based on the tooth's location and the material used. Front teeth typically require all-porcelain crowns for optimal aesthetics, while back teeth may use stronger materials. Most dental insurance plans cover 50% of crown procedures.

While crowns represent an investment, consider that the alternative to crowning a damaged tooth is often extraction followed by an expensive replacement option like a dental implant, bridge, or denture. Saving your natural tooth with a crown is typically the most cost-effective long-term solution.

At Yakima Healthy Smiles, we provide transparent cost estimates before beginning treatment and offer financing options to make quality crowns affordable for every budget.

Why Choose Yakima Healthy Smiles for Crowns?

While the strength and beauty of materials continue to advance, the skill of the practitioner makes a significant difference in every outcome. Dr. Kezele's extensive training in restorative dentistry ensures your crown fits precisely, functions optimally, and looks completely natural.

  • Precision Fit: Digital impressions and careful preparation ensure perfect margins
  • Natural Aesthetics: Collaboration with master lab technicians for lifelike results
  • Comfortable Temporaries: Functional, attractive temporary crowns between visits
  • Quality Materials: We use only high-quality, proven materials
  • Experienced Team: 15+ years providing crowns to Yakima patients
  • Comprehensive Care: From single crowns to full-mouth reconstructions