What is the Difference Between Dental Implants and Dental Crowns

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At Dental Associates, PA, we specialize in dental procedures, including crowns and implants. Beyond the normal scope of dental work, crowns and implants can completely restore your smile. However, there are times when you need dental implants and other times when dental crowns are better suited. Compare these two popular types of dental work before you visit our dental office in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

What are Dental Implants

A dental implant replaces a tooth root to restore a tooth. Generally, dental implants are made using titanium screws affixed to the jawbone. The tooth can be screwed and permanently attached to the implant, lasting the patient a lifetime. You can have teeth removed and replaced using dental implants at our dentist’s office.

What are Dental Crowns

If dental work needs to be repaired, a dental crown may be the right option. Instead of replacing your tooth completely, a dental crown puts a cap on an existing tooth. This is the right option for a tooth that is chipped, cracked, or broken. You may also be able to restore a decaying tooth using dental crown work.

Choose Dental Implants or Crowns in Las Cruces, NM

The only way to be sure of whether you need dental crowns or tooth implants is with a visit to our dental clinic. We are ready to provide you with a comprehensive exam and diagnosis for dental implants and crowns in Las Cruces, New Mexico NM.

Contact us at 575-522-7320 to schedule an appointment at Dental Associates, PA. Speak with our dental associates to request implants or crowns and we will take it from there. The first appointment will involve paperwork, so make sure to bring payment information, such as proof of dental insurance or a credit card.

A Look at the Most Common Misconceptions About Same-Day Crowns

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When you have a damaged or imperfect tooth, dental crowns are easily one of the most common restoration options. However, the process of getting a dental crown placed normally takes several appointments. Same-day crowns in Las Cruces, NM allow you to get the crown made on the same day you visit the dentist. However, several misconceptions prevent patients who could benefit from seeking treatment.

Misconception: Same-day crowns are only a temporary fix.

While the crown may be made in a single day, this does not compromise the integrity of the crown itself. The dentist uses state-of-the-art 3D printing technology to create a custom crown that is made of the same materials as a crown that takes longer to produce.

Misconception: Same-day crowns can require all day at the dentist’s office.

The full process usually takes less than a few hours. The dentist will prepare your natural tooth, take measurements, and then the crown is created while you wait. Once the crown is made, it will be installed using the same processes as usual. Most patients are in and out of the office with their new crown relatively quickly.

Misconception: You will pay double for a same-day crown.

The price of all dental crowns varies depending on the type of crown you need, how much prep work is involved, and a few other factors. In some cases, a same-day crown is more cost-effective because it requires fewer repeat visits to the dentist and no need for a temporary crown.

Discuss Same-Day Crowns with a Las Cruces Dentist

The ability to visit a Las Cruces dentist and walk away with a perfectly restored tooth is exceptionally beneficial as a patient. If you believe a same-day crown would be the right decision for you, reach out to the team at Dental Associates, PA to schedule an appointment.

How Long Does a Crown Last?

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When people talk about dental crowns, they may talk about the procedure or the aesthetics of the crown. What they don’t always talk about is the long-term ramifications. When people hear about crowns breaking or chipping, only then will they ask how long a crown in Las Cruces, NM lasts. We’ll look at the average lifespan, as well as what you can do to maintain it.

Crowns Can Last 30 Years Or More

In fact, some lucky people see their crown last their whole lifetimes. However, the average lifespan is usually lower, around 15 – 25 years. The reason behind the discrepancy can vary. For some people, it’s a matter of care. Poorly maintained crowns may only last a few years. For others, it’s a matter of quality. If you’re choosing a composite crown, they typically don’t last as long as a porcelain crown. Finally, there are cases where even the more conscientious of brushers and flossers still lose a piece of the crown along the way.

What You Can Do

A dentist in Las Cruces, NM, may not always prepare you for having to replace a crown in the near future, but they should tell you what you can do to take care of it over the years:

  • Pay special attention to the gum line of a crowned tooth while you’re flossing.
  • Avoid hard candy, biting your nails, or chewing on ice. Also, avoid clenching your teeth (this may mean wearing a mouthguard at night).
  • Ensure you visit your dentist at least twice a year for checkups and cleaning.

Find a Dentist in Las Cruces

At Dental Associates, PA, it’s our job to help you get the most from every dental procedure. Contact us today to learn more about how to help your crown last a lifetime.

Can I Get a Same Day Crown After an Implant?  

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If you’re getting an implant, you may have a number of questions about the treatment, the crown, and the results of the procedure. One major concern you might have is time: how long will it take before you can get back to your routine? The good news is that it is possible to get a same-day crown in Las Cruces, NM, but you should know a few things about it before making an appointment.

The Traditional Route

The traditional implant procedure starts with putting the implant in the jaw, and then letting it take root. Before attaching the permanent crown to the tooth, the dentist wants the implant to fuse with the bone. The dentist uses an impression of the mouth to construct the crown, and it takes about 4 – 6 months for the patient to heal so that a permanent crown can be attached.

Same-Day Crowns

For those who would prefer to get the procedure done sooner than later, same-day crowns are available. Known as Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics (CEREC), the dentist will create a permanent crown in the office using a digital impression. (It’s typically a 3-D model that’s used to design the crown.) After the blueprints are sent to a milling machine, the crown can be produced. It takes mere minutes for this all to happen. Once it’s done, the dentist can fit the abutment to your gums.

A Dentist in Las Cruces, NM

If you’re looking for a dentist in Las Cruces, NM with the technology needed for a same-day crown, Dental Associates, PA can be of service. Not every dentist’s office will have the same types of services, so it’s important to choose one who keeps up with the most effective treatment options.