Dental crowns are custom-made, tooth-shaped caps that fit over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. The name comes from the part of the tooth above the gum line, which dentists call the crown, and this restoration replaces and protects that part. At Signature Smile Dental Studio, our team designs each crown to fit your bite and blend in with your smile.
Dental Crowns in Bakersfield
Meet Our Team
Our dentists come from different backgrounds. Two of us were born in Paris, France, and one is from New Orleans. Together, we care for families across Bakersfield. We trained at the USC Ostrow School of Dentistry, Midwestern University, and Roseman University of Health Sciences, and one of our doctors completed advanced general dentistry training at UCSF.
Our team includes dentists certified in laser dentistry and clear aligner treatment, and one of us is the official team dentist for the Bakersfield Condors. We use digital dentistry, keep up with continuing education, and hold memberships in the ADA, CDA, Academy of General Dentistry, and Kern County Dental Society. Outside the office, you’ll find us playing pickleball, hiking, making music, painting, and watching movies.
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Signs You May Need A Dental Crown
Most people notice a problem in small ways first. You might feel a sharp twinge when you bite down, a zing of sensitivity to hot or cold drinks, or a rough edge where part of a tooth chipped away. An old, large filling that keeps wearing down, decay too big for a new filling, or a tooth that has had a root canal can also need extra support. These signals are easy to brush off, but they often mean the tooth is struggling with everyday chewing.
A dental crown covers the whole tooth, holds it together, and spreads chewing pressure evenly. That protection can ease pain, prevent further breakage, and help you keep a tooth you might otherwise lose.
You're Not Alone
If you’re dealing with tooth trouble, you’re not alone. The CDC’s 2024 oral health report found that 1 in 5 adults ages 20 to 64 had at least one untreated cavity. Cavities and damaged teeth are common, and both are very treatable. Noticing the signs is a good first step toward fixing them, and you don’t have to figure out the next one by yourself.
When should you seek a professional?
Sooner is usually easier on your tooth and your budget. UMass Memorial Health’s patient library offers simple advice: see your dentist if you have sensitive, painful teeth. A short exam can tell you whether you need a crown, a filling, or just regular monitoring. Catching a problem early often means a simpler fix, and it gives you more options to choose from.
How We Restore Your Tooth, From First Visit To Final Fit
Meet With Us And Talk Through Your Concerns
Your first visit starts with a thorough exam and a relaxed conversation about your concerns and goals. We use digital x-rays and imaging to check the tooth’s condition and decide whether a crown is the right choice. We also go over material options and explain how each one could affect your tooth and your smile, so you can ask questions before moving forward.
Review A Plan Made For Your Tooth And Your Bite
After the exam, we build a plan around your needs, your bite, and your goals. We explain each step in plain language, recommend a material, and give you a clear timeline. You’ll know what to expect before we begin, and you can ask about costs, insurance, or payment options at any time. There’s no pressure to decide on the spot.
Get Your Tooth Prepared And Your Crown Designed
To prepare the tooth, we remove any decay and reshape it so the restoration fits and lines up with your bite. Local anesthetic keeps you comfortable, and if dental visits make you nervous, ask our team about oral sedation. Precise digital impressions guide the design, and a temporary crown protects your tooth while the permanent one is made in our dental laboratory.
Keep Your Crown Strong With Simple Daily Habits
Once your permanent crown is in place, we show you how to clean it and suggest oral care products that suit your needs. Brush twice a day, floss carefully around the edges, and skip ice, hard candy, and opening packages with your teeth. Regular cleanings and exams help us catch small issues early, so your restoration can last for years.
Check In So We Can Confirm Everything Fits
We schedule a short follow-up visit after your permanent crown is placed to make sure it fits well and feels comfortable. We check your bite, make small adjustments, and answer your questions about long-term care. After that, we’ll see you at your regular checkups to monitor the crown and the teeth around it.
FAQs
What are dental crowns made of?
Crowns can be made from porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination of these. Each material offers a different balance of strength, appearance, and cost, so the right choice depends on which tooth we’re restoring and how you use it. During your consultation, we explain the pros and cons of each option and recommend the one that best fits your tooth and goals.
What does a dental crown look like?
A well-made crown looks like a natural tooth because it’s designed just for your mouth. We match its color, shape, size, and translucency to the teeth around it, using color-matching techniques and high-quality materials. Once it’s in place, it should look and feel like a natural part of your smile, whether you’re talking, eating, or smiling for photos.
How long does a dental crown procedure take?
Traditional crowns usually take two visits about two weeks apart, followed by a short check-in, though some dentists offer same-day crowns made with in-office milling machines. At the first visit, we prepare the tooth, take impressions, and place a temporary crown while the permanent one is made. On the second visit, we check the fit and bite and place the permanent crown. Your exact timeline depends on your tooth and treatment plan.
Are dental crowns permanent?
A crown is a long-term fix, but it isn’t meant to last forever. With proper care, one generally lasts 10 to 15 years, depending on your hygiene habits, your bite forces, and where the tooth sits in your mouth. Daily brushing, flossing, and regular checkups can extend that time, and we’ll let you know if it ever needs repair or replacement.
What is the purpose of a dental crown?
A crown protects and restores a tooth that’s too damaged or weak to stay healthy on its own. It covers the whole tooth to rebuild its shape and strength, helps you bite and chew comfortably, and guards against further decay or damage. It can also protect a tooth after a root canal, cover a badly discolored tooth, and anchor a dental bridge when you’re missing a tooth.
Schedule Your Dental Crowns Consultation
Strong, natural-looking dental crowns can protect your tooth, ease your discomfort, and bring back your confidence when you smile. Our team at Signature Smile Dental Studio is ready to answer your questions and walk you through every option. Book your appointment online or call 661-664-9900, and find us on Facebook, Google Maps, and Yelp to see what patients say.
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