A cracked tooth, a large filling that’s failing, or a tooth weakened by root canal therapy all need protection to avoid further damage. A dental crown restores strength, function, and appearance to a compromised tooth. At Fountains Dental Care, our Chandler dentists design custom crowns that fit precisely, look natural, and protect your tooth for years to come.
Call (480) 222-8083 to schedule your crown consultation at our Chandler office in the 85248.
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers the entire visible portion of a damaged tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Once cemented in place, a crown functions and looks like a natural tooth, protecting the underlying structure from further damage.
At Fountains Dental Care, Dr. Eric Kerbs (DDS, Virginia Commonwealth University) brings over 25 years of experience placing crowns for every situation from simple restorations to complex rebuilds. Dr. Nick Mellum (DMD, Tufts University) is experienced in advanced restorative technology and 3D imaging for precise crown design. Dr. Julie Do (DMD, Arizona School of Dentistry) brings a detail-oriented approach to ensure every crown fits comfortably and looks natural.
Crowns serve both restorative and protective purposes. Your dentist may recommend a crown when a tooth is too damaged for a filling but still has a healthy root worth saving. Common reasons include a large cavity that has weakened the tooth structure, a cracked or fractured tooth from injury or wear, protection after root canal therapy, replacement of a failing old filling, support for a dental implant restoration, or anchoring a dental bridge to replace missing teeth.
Delaying a needed crown puts the tooth at risk of further cracking, infection, or complete failure that could require extraction. Addressing the issue promptly with a crown protects your natural tooth and avoids more extensive and expensive treatment down the road.
Our Chandler dentists offer several crown types and use each one in various restorative treatment plans to protect and restore your teeth.
Porcelain crowns are the most popular choice for visible teeth because they match the color, translucency, and light-reflecting properties of natural enamel. They’re an excellent option for front teeth and premolars where appearance matters most.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns combine the strength of a metal core with the aesthetic appeal of a porcelain exterior. They’re a durable option for back teeth that need to withstand heavy chewing forces while still looking natural.
Zirconia crowns offer exceptional strength and durability with a natural appearance. Zirconia is metal-free and biocompatible, making it a great choice for patients with metal sensitivities. These crowns work well for both front and back teeth.
During your consultation, we recommend the material that best fits your tooth’s location, function, and your aesthetic preferences.
Consultation and Evaluation. We examine the damaged tooth using digital x-rays and imaging to assess the extent of damage and determine whether a crown is the right treatment. We discuss material options, timeline, and costs.
Tooth Preparation. The tooth is reshaped to create room for the crown. We take precise digital impressions that are sent to the dental laboratory where your custom crown is fabricated. A temporary crown is placed to protect your tooth during the fabrication period, which typically takes one to two weeks.
Crown Placement. Once your permanent crown is ready, we remove the temporary, check the fit and color of your new crown, make any necessary adjustments, and permanently cement it in place. We check your bite to ensure comfort and proper function.
Dental crowns play a key role in several treatment pathways beyond simple tooth repair.
After Root Canal Therapy. A tooth that has undergone root canal treatment becomes more brittle because the living tissue inside has been removed. A crown covers and protects the tooth, preventing fracture and extending its functional life.
Implant Restorations. When a dental implant is placed to replace a missing tooth, a custom crown is fabricated and attached to the implant post. This crown serves as the visible, functional tooth.
Dental Bridges. Crowns on the teeth adjacent to a gap anchor a dental bridge, which replaces one or more missing teeth. The crowns provide the structural support the bridge needs to function properly.
Cosmetic Improvement. Crowns can also reshape severely misshapen or discolored teeth when veneers or bonding aren’t sufficient.
Care for a crowned tooth the same way you care for your natural teeth. Brush twice daily, floss carefully around the crown margins, and visit our Chandler office for regular checkups so we can monitor the crown’s condition and the health of the tooth underneath.
Avoid chewing on ice, hard candies, and popcorn kernels, which can crack porcelain. Don’t use your teeth as tools to open packages or tear tape. If you grind your teeth at night, a custom nightguard protects both your crowns and natural teeth from wear.
With proper care, dental crowns typically last 10 to 15 years or longer. Arizona’s hard water and dry climate won’t affect your crown’s durability, though staying hydrated helps maintain the health of the gum tissue around it.
If your crown comes loose, falls off, or you experience pain or sensitivity around a crowned tooth, contact our office right away. We provide prompt emergency dental care for crown-related issues.
If a crown comes off, try to keep it and bring it to your appointment. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth and don’t try to recement it yourself with over-the-counter adhesives. Temporary dental cement from a pharmacy can protect the tooth overnight if you can’t reach our office immediately.
Old crowns that are wearing down, showing dark lines at the gum margin, or no longer fitting properly should be evaluated and replaced before the underlying tooth is compromised. Regular checkups at our Chandler office catch these issues early.
A crown covers the entire tooth and is used when significant structure is damaged or missing. Crowns restore both strength and appearance. They’re necessary after root canals, for large cavities, and for cracked teeth. Crowns typically last 10 to 15 years.
A filling repairs a small area of decay within a tooth. Fillings are less invasive and more affordable for minor cavities. When a cavity is too large for a filling to support the remaining tooth structure, a crown becomes necessary to prevent fracture.
Crown quality depends on precise preparation, accurate impressions, and skilled placement. At Fountains Dental Care, Dr. Eric Kerbs, Dr. Nick Mellum, and Dr. Julie Do bring over 25 years of combined experience in crown design and placement. Dr. Mellum’s training in 3D technology and advanced imaging allows for precise crown design that fits accurately from the start.
We use high-quality materials from trusted dental laboratories, take time to ensure proper shade matching and fit, and check your bite carefully before final cementation. Chandler patients trust us because we prioritize long-term results over speed, ensuring every crown protects and serves you for years.
Crown costs vary based on the material used and the complexity of your case. Many dental insurance plans cover crowns when medically necessary. We provide a clear cost breakdown during your consultation and verify your insurance benefits.
With proper care, dental crowns typically last 10 to 15 years or longer. Regular checkups, good oral hygiene, and avoiding habits like chewing ice help maximize lifespan.
We use local anesthesia during tooth preparation, so you feel no pain. Some mild sensitivity for a few days after placement is normal and resolves quickly.
Most crowns require two appointments: one for preparation and impressions, and one for permanent placement one to two weeks later. You wear a temporary crown between visits.
Delaying a needed crown risks further cracking, infection, or complete tooth failure that could require extraction and more extensive replacement like a dental implant or bridge.
It’s uncommon but can happen, usually due to decay underneath or cement failure over time. If a crown comes loose, contact our office immediately. Keep the crown and avoid chewing on that side until we can see you.
Yes. Modern porcelain and zirconia crowns are shade-matched and designed to blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth. Most people cannot tell the difference between a crown and a natural tooth.
Fountains Dental Care is located at 3930 S Alma School Road, Suite 6, Chandler, AZ 85248. We serve patients from Chandler, Ocotillo, Fulton Ranch, Arden Park, Pinelake Estates, Sun Lakes, SunBird, Balboa Way, Carino Estates, Gilbert, Mesa, and the greater East Valley. Office hours are Monday through Thursday 8am to 5pm and Friday 8am to 1pm.
A damaged tooth doesn’t have to stay that way. At Fountains Dental Care, our Chandler dentists restore teeth with custom crowns designed for strength, comfort, and a natural appearance. We serve patients from across the East Valley, including Ocotillo, Fulton Ranch, Balboa Way, Carino Estates, Arden Park, Pinelake Estates, Sun Lakes, SunBird, Fox Crossing, Oakwood Hills, Gilbert, and Mesa.
Schedule your crown consultation today or call (480) 222-8083. Protect your smile before the damage gets worse.
