Dental Crown

Crowns are synthetic caps, usually made of a material like porcelain or full gold are placed on the top of a tooth.

Dr. Thoms and staff are Amazing!
My son is Autistic and he loves it there.
It’s always scary to put your child with disabilities under anesthesia. So it’s a relief to have such compassionate professionals to rely upon They are so sweet and kind to him it’s so nice to have people who genuinely care.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! Our team is dedicated to creating a comfortable and supportive experience for everyone who visits our office. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback and for trusting us with your family’s care.
The Dental Anesthesia Center (DAC) is awesome. When I started there 19 years ago my dental health had deteriorated and my fears were intense. Their expertise and compassion got me back on the right dental track. I still get nervous - but things are so much better now in terms of my dental and gum health.. Don't lose hope - try the DAC!

My appointment today was for a cleaning - and a standard check of gum health etc. Carrie - as always - did EXCELLENT work. She is very kind and thorough and knowledgeable .. and patiently answers all my questions. Carrie is positive and supportive with us patients ... and provides guidance on better at-home care for our teeth and gums.

My thanks also to the office staff who are very helpful with questions or concerns.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your continued trust and kind words! We're honored to have be part of your journey. It means so much to know we've made a lasting impact—your story is truly inspiring!
We’re very thankful to have found the kind folks at the dental anesthesia center. They are patient and informative with what’s needed and how it will get done. Big shoutout to Rebekah and crew at the front desk who always help us figure out all the paperwork and scheduling. Thank you Dr. Behl for your awesome bedside manner! Highly recommend to others
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We’re so glad you had a positive experience with our team. We truly appreciate your support and look forward to continuing to provide compassionate, helpful care.
The entire team at The Dental Anesthesia Center is exceptional.

Not only is Dr. Hoffmann a 10/10 dentist, but he is very trustworthy and only recommends procedures when necessary.

The dental hygienists are uniformly wonderful. During cleanings, they are gentle but are still able to carry on a conversation as they work.

If i moved an hour away, I would still drive my family here for any dental needs.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re so grateful for your trust in our team and are glad your experience with our doctors and hygienists has been a positive one. We truly appreciate your support!
Wonderful place for my special needs daughter. She is not always cooperative. They are very good and patient with her. Thankful she can receive anesthesia at the office and not have to take her for out patient service at a hospital. Thank you to all the staff 😇
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words and 5-star review! We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. Our team is grateful for your trust and is always committed to providing patient-centered, compassionate care.

Crowns are used to restore a tooth’s function and appearance following a restorative procedure such as a root canal. When decay in a tooth has become so advanced that large portions of the tooth must be removed, crowns are often used to restore the tooth.

Crowns are also used to attach bridges, cover implants, or prevent a cracked tooth from becoming worse. Crowns also serve an aesthetic use and are applied when a discolored or stained tooth needs to be restored to its natural appearance.

Procedures

A tooth must usually be reduced in size to accommodate a crown. A cast is made of the existing tooth and an impression is made. The impression is sent to a dental lab, which manufactures a custom-designed crown. A temporary crown will be applied until the permanent crown is ready. Permanent crowns three weeks later are then cemented in place.

Crowns are sometimes confused with veneers, but they are quite different. Veneers are typically applied only to relatively small areas.

Crown or Bridge Restoration Post-Op Instructions

Caring For Your Crowns

With proper care, a good quality crown could last up to eight years or longer. It is very important to floss in the area of the crown to avoid excess plaque or collection of debris around the restoration.

Certain behaviors such as jaw clenching or bruxism (teeth grinding) significantly shorten the life of a crown. Moreover, eating brittle foods, ice or hard candy can compromise the adhesion of the crown, or even damage the crown.

Appointment Request
Call to Schedule (314) 862-7844

Why do I need a crown?

You may need a crown if you:

  • have a cavity that is too large for a filling
  • have a missing tooth and need a bridge
  • need to cover a dental implant
  • have a tooth that is cracked, worn down or otherwise weakened
  • have had root canal treatment – the crown will protect the restored tooth
  • want to cover a discolored or badly shaped tooth and improve your smile!
  • Crown Used to Replace a Filling

What is it made from?

Crowns are made from several types of materials. Metal alloys, ceramics, porcelain, composite resin, or combinations of these materials may be used. In the process of making a crown, the material often is colored to blend in with your natural teeth.

Your dentist wants to create a crown that looks natural and fits comfortably in your mouth. To decide on the material for your crown, your dentist will consider the tooth location, the position of the gum tissue, the patient’s preference, the amount of tooth that shows when you smile, the color or shade of the tooth, and the function of the tooth.

How is a crown placed?

Several steps are involved, and two dental visits are generally needed to complete the treatment.

  • The dentist prepares the tooth by removing its outer portion so the crown will fit. Any decay is also removed. If additional tooth structure is needed to support the crown, the dentist may build up the core of the tooth.
  • An impression is made to provide an exact model for the crown.
  • You will get a temporary crown while you wait for the permanent crown to be ready – usually less than two weeks. While you have the temporary crown, this tooth may be sensitive to hot and cold. Also, avoid chewing gum or sticky foods during this time.
  • The dentist or a laboratory technician then uses the model to help make the crown.
  • When the new crown is ready, the dentist places it in your mouth and makes the necessary adjustments. When you and your dentist are satisfied with how it looks and feels, the crown is cemented in place.

To prevent damage to a crown, there are a few things you can do:

  • Brush twice a day and floss once a day to remove plaque, a sticky film of bacteria. Look for oral care products that have the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Products that display the Seal have met the American Dental Association’s standards for safety and effectiveness.
  • Avoid chewing hard foods, ice or other hard objects, such as pencils. This is especially important for tooth-colored crowns.
  • Be sure to see your dentist for regular exams and professional teeth cleanings.

The Dental Anesthesia Center

If you have not been to the dentist because you suffer from moderate to severe dental phobia, we are here to help. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we value our patient relationships, making it our priority to deliver gentle dental care that you deserve.

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The first two board-certified Dentist Anesthesiologists in the state of Missouri.