Dental Crowns at AnaBella Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, Bellevue, WA

When a tooth becomes weak, broken, or significantly damaged, its strength and function are compromised. A simple filling may not be enough to provide the necessary protection. At AnaBella Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer custom-made dental crowns to restore your tooth's integrity and appearance. Our team is dedicated to guiding you through a comfortable and effective treatment process to ensure your long-term oral health.

---

What Is a Dental Crown and When Is It Needed?

A dental crown is a durable, tooth-shaped cap that is placed over the entire visible portion of a damaged tooth, acting like a protective shield. Each crown is custom-designed to match the specific size and shape of the original tooth. Once bonded in place, it restores the tooth's strength, allowing it to function properly for chewing and biting.

Your dentist may recommend a crown in the following situations:

• To protect a weakened or cracked tooth.
• To restore a tooth with a large cavity that can't support a filling.
• To support a tooth after a root canal.
• To safeguard a child's baby tooth with a stainless steel crown until it falls out.

---

Types of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are fabricated from various materials, and the best choice depends on the tooth's location, the biting force it endures, and your aesthetic goals. Your dentist will help you select the ideal option.

Common materials include:

• Porcelain or Ceramic: These crowns provide the most natural look and are often used for front teeth because they can be matched to the color of your surrounding teeth.
• Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM): This type offers the strength of a metal structure with a natural-looking porcelain exterior.
• Metal Alloys: Crowns made from gold or other alloys are extremely durable and long-lasting, making them a great choice for back molars.
• Stainless Steel: These are typically used as a temporary solution or to protect the primary teeth of children.

---

The Dental Crown Process

The process of getting a dental crown is typically completed in two visits, with each step carefully planned to ensure a precise fit and a lasting result.

First Visit: Preparation

1. Your dentist will examine the tooth, often taking an X-ray to check its underlying health.
2. The tooth is then carefully shaped to create room for the crown to fit over it.
3. An impression or a digital 3D scan is taken of the prepared tooth. This model is used to design your custom crown.
4. A temporary crown is placed over the tooth to protect it while your permanent crown is being made.

Second Visit: Placement

1. The temporary crown is removed, and your new, permanent crown is placed on the tooth.
2. Your dentist will check the fit, bite, and color to ensure it is perfect.
3. Once you are both satisfied, the crown is permanently bonded in place with a strong dental cement. The restored tooth will feel and function just like a natural tooth.

---

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last and How to Care for Them

With proper care, a dental crown can last for many years, often between 10 and 15 years or even longer.

To maximize its lifespan, you should:

• Brush and floss daily to keep the underlying tooth and gums healthy.
• Avoid chewing on hard items like ice, pens, or hard candy.
• Attend regular dental cleanings and examinations.
• If you grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist about a custom nightguard.

While crowns are very strong, they can still be damaged. If your crown feels loose or you experience any pain, contact your dentist promptly.

---

Advanced Technology in Designing and Placing Dental Crowns

Crowns today are more accurate and quicker to place thanks to modern tools. Unlike the messy molds and long wait times of the past, we now use CAD/CAM systems that take a 3D scan of your tooth with a small camera. This lets us design the crown on a computer, and often, we can create and place it on the same day.

Digital scans are quick and comfortable, replacing the old putty trays. We also use durable, natural-looking materials like zirconia.

---

Comparing Dental Crowns to Other Tooth Restoration Options

Crowns are chosen when a tooth needs full coverage for protection and strength. Other restorative options are available depending on the extent of the damage:

• Fillings: Best for treating small cavities.
• Inlays and Onlays: Used when damage is too extensive for a filling but does not require a full crown.
• Veneers: Thin shells placed on the front surface of teeth, used primarily for cosmetic improvements.
• Dental Implants: Used to replace a completely missing tooth, including the root.

At AnaBella Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we will help you compare these options to decide on the best treatment for your needs.

---

Meet Our Dentists

Clara H. Song, DDS

Dr. Clara Song is the founder of AnaBella Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. She provides gentle cosmetic and general dental care for families in Bellevue and Kirkland, Washington. Dr. Song earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from Loma Linda University and received advanced training from the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. She moved to Bellevue in 2007 to create the dental practice she had always dreamed of.

Eric Kim, DDS

Dr. Eric Kim is the newest member of our dental team. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, he studied General Biology at the University of Washington and earned his DDS from Loma Linda University. Dr. Kim is committed to helping patients and staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in dentistry.

---

Payment and Insurance

We accept payment via cash, check, credit cards, and financing plans. Our office also works with many insurance providers. Please call our office to see if we accept your plan. If your insurance does not cover the full cost of your care, we can help you find a suitable payment solution.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you have a damaged or weak tooth, don't wait. A dental crown can restore and protect your tooth's health for years to come.