What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns, also called caps, are custom-crafted restorations that completely cover a damaged tooth. Sometimes teeth undergo significant damage due to cavities, heavy bite forces, trauma, or even normal functioning. If a root canal is needed to salvage a severely compromised nerve, the tooth may be especially fragile. Many situations can leave teeth in danger of loss if treatment is bypassed.

Dental crowns allow these teeth to be rebuilt and covered with materials that mimic nature. Dr. Kezele utilizes the best techniques for comprehensive care, returning even the most damaged mouths to full health. Not only are most "capped" teeth indistinguishable from natural teeth, but they're also extremely secure and comfortable.

👑 When Do You Need a Crown?

Dr. Kezele may recommend a crown in these situations:

  • After Root Canal Therapy: Protects the weakened tooth from fracturing
  • Large Cavities or Fillings: When decay has destroyed too much tooth structure
  • Cracked or Broken Teeth: Holds the tooth together and prevents further damage
  • Severely Worn Teeth: From grinding, acid erosion, or age-related wear
  • Cosmetic Improvements: Fixes discolored, misshapen, or poorly spaced teeth
  • Dental Implant Completion: Crown attaches to implant to replace missing tooth
  • Dental Bridge Support: Anchors bridges that replace missing teeth

Types of Dental Crowns Available in Yakima

We offer several crown materials, each with specific advantages. Dr. Kezele will recommend the best option based on the tooth's location, your bite, aesthetic needs, and budget.

All-Porcelain (Ceramic)

Best for: Front teeth & visible areas

Most natural appearance with excellent color matching. Metal-free option. Slightly less strong than porcelain-fused-to-metal.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)

Best for: Back teeth requiring strength

Combines durability of metal with beauty of porcelain. Strong enough for heavy chewing forces while maintaining good aesthetics.

Zirconia

Best for: Strength AND beauty

Modern material offers metal-like strength with all-ceramic appearance. Excellent for back teeth, increasingly popular for all positions.

Gold or Metal Alloy

Best for: Back molars, teeth grinders

Most durable option, requires minimal tooth removal. Gentle on opposing teeth. Excellent for patients who grind teeth heavily.

Your Crown Process at Ryan Kezele DDS

Dr. Kezele focuses on utilizing the best techniques to ensure your crown fits perfectly, functions optimally, and looks completely natural. Two appointments leave you with a fully restored tooth.

1

First Visit

⏱ About 90 Minutes
  • Numbing for your comfort
  • Gentle tooth preparation
  • Digital impressions or molds
  • Shade selection to match teeth
  • Temporary crown placement
  • Home care instructions
2

Second Visit

⏱ About 60 Minutes (2-3 weeks later)
  • Remove temporary crown
  • Try-in permanent crown
  • Check fit, color, and bite
  • Minor adjustments if needed
  • Permanent bonding to tooth
  • Final polish and adjustment

What Makes Our Crowns Exceptional

Dr. Kezele provides all the information to a specialized lab needed to create a masterpiece. Our master lab technicians spend hours on custom craftwork to ensure your crown matches your natural teeth perfectly in color, shape, and translucency.

Crowns can be crafted to repair a single tooth, multiple teeth, or in conjunction with dental implants to fill a space. Dr. Kezele's extensive training in restorative dentistry means your crown fits precisely, functions optimally, and looks completely natural.

Why Choose Ryan Kezele DDS for Crowns?

✓ Precision Fit

Digital impressions and careful preparation ensure perfect margins every time

✓ Natural Aesthetics

Collaboration with master lab technicians for lifelike, custom results

✓ Quality Materials

Only high-quality, proven materials used for every crown

✓ 25+ Years Experience

Dr. Kezele has provided crowns to Yakima patients for over two decades

✓ Comfortable Temporaries

Functional, attractive temporary crowns between your visits

✓ Comprehensive Care

From single crowns to full-mouth reconstructions in Yakima

Crown Cost and Value

Crown costs vary based on the tooth's location and the material used. Most dental insurance plans cover 50% of crown procedures. We provide transparent cost estimates before beginning treatment and offer financing options to make quality crowns affordable for every budget.

While crowns represent an investment, saving your natural tooth with a crown is typically the most cost-effective long-term solution compared to extraction followed by a dental implant, bridge, or denture.

Caring for Your Porcelain Crown

  • Maintain excellent oral hygiene to prevent decay at the crown margin
  • Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or other very hard objects
  • If you grind your teeth, wear a nightguard to protect the crown
  • Don't use your teeth as tools to open packages or bottles
  • Visit our Yakima office for regular professional cleanings every 6 months
  • Address any bite issues or discomfort promptly