Rebuild damaged teeth and restore a healthy and attractive smile with Dental Crowns

Trust the health and beauty of your smile to a specialist in restoring damaged teeth and oral and maxillofacial tissues of the mouth, jaws, and face. Stephen G. Alfano, DDS of Balboa Island Dentistry, is just such a specialist! A board-certified prosthodontist, Dr. Alfano has demonstrated extensive knowledge and clinical skill beyond dental school to predictably, safely, and comfortably rebuild lost or diseased tissues.

Dental crowns

Dental crowns represent just one of many restorative dental services available at our office in Newport Beach, California. All treatments start with Dr. Alfano evaluating your teeth, gums, and mouth. He may find that you are an appropriate candidate to benefit from the dental crowns process if a tooth:

  • Has been repaired with a large filling
  • Has a worn or damaged filling
  • Cannot be adequately restored with a filling or more conservative treatment option (such as a dental inlay or a dental onlay)
  • Is badly fractured or broken
  • Is vulnerable to cracks or fractures; for instance, wear and tear from chronic bruxism (teeth grinding) can weaken teeth
  • Is very misshapen or discolored; crowns can be used to cover up severe cosmetic concerns

Additionally, crowns are often placed to restore the appearance of a tooth that has been treated with root canal therapy. Root canal treatment is indicated for badly decayed or severely damaged teeth. It may be the only way to preserve the natural tooth and avoid the need to remove the affected tooth (dental extraction).

Crowns are also applied to replace missing teeth. In a traditional bridge, the neighboring teeth on either side of the replacement tooth are crowned to function as “anchors.” The crowned anchor teeth can then optimally support the replacement tooth (or “pontic”). Crowns may also be the final finishing touch in the process of replacing a tooth with a dental implant. The crown connects to the implant, which is positioned in the jawbone. So, the implant functions like a tooth root to stabilize the crown or replacement tooth.

The process

Using precise and detailed information collected from our digital scanner and other advanced diagnostic technologies, Dr. Alfano designs the dental crown to each patient’s unique specifications. A shade guide is also used to ensure that the crown’s color blends in perfectly with the rest of the teeth in the smile. Crowns may be made from various dental materials, including natural-looking, durable, and stain-resistant ceramics like porcelain.

We provide all of these details to our skilled lab partners. Once your permanent crown (or “cap”) is completed, Dr. Alfano will ensure the crown looks and feels great before securing it to the natural tooth. The entire process is comfortable. The removal of diseased tissue from the tooth, and other alterations to the treatment site, are done on teeth precisely numbed with a local anesthetic. We can also discuss sedative options to help an apprehensive patient relax.

Crowns are generally planned, designed, made, and placed in two visits. While the crown is being made, a temporary crown is applied to protect the site and support healing.

Questions? At Balboa Island Dentistry, we are happy to fill in the blanks. Call us at (949) 673-7820. Our Newport Beach office is privileged to partner with individuals and families from Costa Mesa, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Corona Del Mar, and throughout Orange County and southern California.

We look forward to supporting your family’s oral health and wellbeing!