Treatments

Dental Crowns in Burien, Washington

When your tooth has been significantly damaged by decay, injury, or wear, a dental crown can restore both its function and appearance. A crown is a cap-like restoration that covers the entire visible portion of your tooth above the gum line, providing strength and protection while maintaining a natural-looking smile. At Burien Signature Dentistry, Dr. Andy Kim combines advanced techniques with personalized care to deliver crowns that look and feel like your natural teeth.

Dr. Andy graduated from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine in 2017 and completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry program, giving him the expertise to handle complex restorative cases. Our practice focuses on creating a positive, comfortable environment where you can receive quality dental care without stress or anxiety. From the moment you walk into our Burien office, you’ll notice the difference our personalized approach makes in your dental experience.

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are custom-made restorations designed to completely cover a damaged tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Unlike dental fillings that only address smaller areas of decay, crowns provide comprehensive protection for teeth that have sustained significant damage or undergone extensive dental work.

Modern dental crowns can be crafted from various materials, each offering unique benefits. All-ceramic crowns provide the most natural appearance and are ideal for front teeth, while ceramic and metal combinations offer exceptional durability for back teeth that experience heavy chewing forces. The material choice depends on the tooth’s location, your aesthetic preferences, and functional requirements.

Crowns can strengthen teeth with large cavities when there isn’t enough of the healthy tooth to hold a filling. They can also be used to attach ceramic bridges or protect weakened or broken teeth. The versatility of crown restorations makes them one of the most valuable tools in restorative dentistry.

When Do You Need a Dental Crown?

Extensive Decay or Damage

When tooth decay has progressed beyond what a filling can address, a crown becomes necessary. Large cavities can compromise the tooth’s structural integrity, making it vulnerable to fractures during normal chewing. A crown reinforces the remaining tooth structure while preventing further decay from reaching the inner pulp.

After Root Canal Treatment

Following root canal therapy, the affected tooth becomes more brittle and prone to fracture. A crown provides essential protection, allowing you to chew normally without worry. This combination of treatments can save a tooth that might otherwise need extraction, preserving your natural bite and preventing the need for more complex replacements.

Cracked or Broken Teeth

Whether from injury, grinding, or biting something hard, cracked teeth require prompt attention. A crown holds the tooth together, preventing the crack from spreading and potentially causing tooth loss. The sooner you address a cracked tooth, the better the long-term prognosis.

Cosmetic Enhancement

Crowns can dramatically improve the appearance of misshapen, severely discolored, or poorly positioned teeth. When teeth whitening cannot achieve desired results, crowns offer a permanent solution for creating your ideal smile.

The Crown Procedure Process

Initial Consultation and Planning

Your crown journey begins with a comprehensive examination where Dr. Andy evaluates your tooth’s condition and discusses your goals. Digital X-rays help assess the tooth’s root and surrounding bone structure, ensuring a crown is the appropriate treatment. We’ll explain the entire process, timeline, and answer any questions about your care.

During this visit, we’ll also discuss material options and aesthetic preferences. If you’re replacing a visible front tooth, we’ll carefully match the crown’s color to your surrounding teeth. For back teeth, we might recommend materials that prioritize durability over appearance.

Tooth Preparation

The preparation appointment typically takes 60-90 minutes. After ensuring you’re completely comfortable with local anesthesia, Dr. Andy carefully removes any decay and shapes the tooth to accommodate the crown. This involves reducing the tooth’s size to create space for the crown while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible.

Precise impressions are taken to ensure your crown fits perfectly and maintains proper bite alignment. These impressions are sent to our trusted dental laboratory where skilled technicians create your custom restoration. A temporary crown protects your tooth while your permanent crown is being crafted.

Crown Placement

At your second appointment, the temporary crown is removed and the permanent crown is carefully evaluated for fit, color match, and bite alignment. Minor adjustments can be made chairside to ensure perfect comfort and function. Once you and Dr. Andy are satisfied with the result, the crown is permanently bonded to your tooth using advanced dental cement.

Crown Care and Longevity

With proper care, dental crowns typically last 10-15 years or longer. Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings are essential for maintaining both your crown and the underlying tooth structure. Our dental hygiene education program provides personalized guidance for caring for your restorations.

Avoiding hard foods like ice and popcorn kernels can prevent crown damage. If you grind or clench your teeth, especially at night, nightguards can protect both your crowns and natural teeth from excessive wear.

Regular dental checkups allow Dr. Andy to monitor your crown’s condition and address any issues before they become serious problems. Early detection of potential complications can significantly extend your crown’s lifespan and prevent more extensive treatments.

Financial Options for Crown Treatment

We understand that dental crowns represent a significant investment in your oral health. Burien Signature Dentistry accepts all major PPO insurance plans, and our team will help you understand your coverage and maximize your benefits. Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of crown treatment, particularly when medically necessary.

For patients without insurance coverage or those seeking additional financial flexibility, we offer Cherry financing options with 0% APR for qualified applicants. This allows you to receive necessary treatment now while spreading payments over comfortable monthly installments. Our team will work with you to find a payment solution that fits your budget and timeline.

Why Choose Burien Signature Dentistry for Your Crown

Dr. Andy brings both advanced training and genuine care to every crown procedure. His completion of an Advanced Education in General Dentistry program means he has additional expertise in complex restorative treatments. Combined with modern technology and a commitment to patient comfort, you can trust that your crown will be crafted with precision and attention to detail.

Our practice philosophy centers on creating positive experiences for every patient. From our welcoming office environment to our gentle treatment approach, we work to make your dental visit as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Dr. Andy takes time to explain each step of your treatment, ensuring you feel informed and confident throughout the process.

Contact Burien Signature Dentistry at (206) 246-3222 to schedule your crown consultation. Our team is ready to help you restore your smile’s health, function, and beauty with a custom-crafted dental crown that meets your unique needs. You can also request an appointment through our contact form and we’ll respond promptly to schedule your visit.