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Dental Crowns

At Fife Dental Care in Rio Rancho, NM, we strive to help patients maintain their oral health and enhance the beauty of their smiles while preserving their natural teeth. Dental crowns are one way we can accomplish both goals.

Dental Crown Applications

Dental crowns can be used for both restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry applications.

Dental crowns are often used to cap a tooth that has had infected pulp and nerve tissue removed during a root canal procedure. The crown provides a protective covering from both the stress of biting and chewing and from bacteria that cause decay.

Dental crowns may also be used to cap a tooth that has been worn down by bruxism and/or has been chipped or broken to restore a normal appearance.

At Fife Dental Care, we use porcelain crowns because of their durability, and we carefully select the labs that make the dental crowns to ensure you get the most natural-looking tooth possible.

The Dental Crown Procedure

In order to provide a dental crown that fits perfectly and looks natural, the procedure requires two office visits. During the first visit, Dr. Fife will examine your tooth and prepare it for the dental crown. In order to ensure the crown fits securely, your tooth may need to be resized, either by filing (to make smaller) or filling (to make bigger). Molds of the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth will be taken and sent to a lab to create a custom dental crown. A temporary cap will be placed on the prepared tooth to protect it.

During the second visit, the temporary cap will be removed and the permanent crown attached. We do our best to minimize the time between appointments and schedule visits when it is convenient for you.

Are Dental Crowns Right for You?

Dental crowns are an effective restorative and cosmetic option for many conditions, but there may be times when the natural tooth cannot be spared. Dr. Fife can determine if capping a natural tooth is the best way to restore your smile or if Albuquerque dental implants present a better alternative for long-term dental health. Contact us to schedule an appointment at Fife Dental Care.

New Patients & Emergency Appointments Welcome!