Is a same-day CEREC crown as good as a traditional crown?

Yes. CEREC crowns are milled from high-quality ceramic and offer comparable strength and aesthetics to traditional lab-fabricated crowns. The main advantage is convenience — a permanent crown in a single appointment, with no temporary restoration needed.

Ready for a Healthier, Brighter Smile?(650) 880-1550 Book Appointment

Dental Crowns in Redwood City, CA

One of the most common dental treatments involves fixing tooth decay. The first line of defense against a cavity is a filling. However, deeper decay may require more extensive repair. In such cases, dentists may rely on a dental crown treatment or a dental cap.

Dental crown treatment is available at Smile Craft Dental in Redwood City and the surrounding area. Crowns help restore a tooth that has significant damage with a custom-sized cap that fits over the old tooth. We provide dental crowns and restorations for our patients. For broken, damaged, or decaying teeth, crowns may be the right solution. Call us at (650) 880-1550 to get your teeth problems checked out today.

Request An Appointment

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Choose a Location*

First & Last Name*

Email*

Date*

Phone Number*

How Did You Hear About Us?*

Medically reviewed by Dr. Amy Nguyen, DDS

A tooth that is cracked, severely decayed, or weakened after a root canal does not have to be extracted. In most cases, a dental crown can restore it completely — protecting the remaining structure, eliminating pain, and returning full chewing function. Think of a crown as a custom-fitted helmet for a damaged tooth: it covers everything above the gum line, holds it together, and makes it look and feel like nothing was ever wrong.

At Smile Craft Dental, we place dental crowns for patients in Redwood City and the surrounding area using tooth-colored materials that blend naturally with the surrounding teeth. Our restorative dentistry team evaluates each tooth carefully to confirm a crown is the right treatment and to select the material that will give you the longest-lasting, most natural result.

When Is a Dental Crown Needed?

Crowns are one of the most versatile restorative treatments in dentistry. Our team may recommend one in several situations.

Large Cavity

When decay is too extensive to repair with a filling, a crown restores the tooth’s full shape and function while preventing further breakdown of the remaining structure.

Cracked or Fractured Tooth

A crown holds cracked tooth segments together, preventing the fracture from spreading and eliminating the sharp pain that occurs when biting down on a split tooth.

After a Root Canal

Root canal treatment saves an infected tooth but leaves it more brittle. A crown is typically placed immediately after to protect it from fracturing under normal bite pressure.

Worn-Down Tooth

Chronic grinding or acid erosion can wear teeth down significantly over time. Crowns rebuild height and protect worn surfaces from further deterioration.

Dental Implant Restoration

The visible portion of a dental implant is a custom crown attached to the implant post. It is designed to be indistinguishable from the surrounding natural teeth.

Dental Bridge Anchor

A traditional dental bridge uses crowns on the teeth on either side of a gap to support the bridge. The crowns are prepared and fitted at the same time as the bridge.

Types of Dental Crowns

The best crown material depends on the tooth’s location, how much of it remains, your bite, and your cosmetic goals. We discuss all options at your consultation.

Crown Type	Best For	Key Benefit
All-Ceramic / Zirconia	Front and visible teeth	Most natural appearance; excellent for patients with metal sensitivities
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal	Back teeth requiring strength	Strong metal core with natural-looking porcelain exterior
Metal / Gold Alloy	Back molars, heavy grinders	Extremely durable; least tooth structure removed
Same-Day CEREC Crown	Patients needing one visit	Milled and placed in a single appointment; no temporary crown needed

Smile Craft Dental also offers same-day CEREC crowns at our Redwood City location — computer-milled all-ceramic restorations that are designed, fabricated, and placed in a single appointment, eliminating the need for a temporary crown or a second visit.

What to Expect During the

Same-day crowns available with CEREC technology — ask about flexible financing to fit your budget. Explore Financing Options

Crown Process

Exam and X-Rays

We assess the tooth’s condition, confirm it is restorable, and determine which material and crown type is the best fit for your situation.

Tooth Preparation

Under local anesthetic, we remove a small amount of enamel to create space for the crown. A digital impression is taken and sent to the lab (or milled on-site for CEREC).

Temporary Crown

A temporary crown protects the prepared tooth while your permanent restoration is being fabricated — typically one to two weeks. (Skipped with same-day CEREC.)

Permanent Placement

The final crown is checked for fit, bite alignment, and appearance, then permanently cemented. We make any adjustments needed before you leave.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

With proper care, most dental crowns last 10 to 15 years or longer. Zirconia and gold crowns tend to have the longest lifespans. The keys to extending a crown’s life are the same as for natural teeth: brush twice daily, floss around the crown, avoid chewing on ice or hard objects, and keep up with your regular cleanings and exams. We check the fit and integrity of existing crowns at every routine visit.

10–15 yrs

Typical crown lifespan with proper home care and regular checkups

1 visit

Same-day CEREC crown option available — no temporary, no second appointment

Natural

Custom color-matched to blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth

Most plans

Most major insurance plans provide partial coverage for dental crowns

Protect Your Tooth Before the Damage Gets Worse

A cracked or heavily decayed tooth rarely improves on its own. The sooner a crown is placed, the more tooth structure we can save.

Request an Appointment
or call (650) 880-1550

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns

Does getting a crown hurt?

The preparation is done under local anesthetic, so most patients feel only pressure — not pain — during the procedure. Some sensitivity to temperature or mild soreness is normal in the days after placement as the tooth and gum tissue adjust. This typically resolves on its own within a week. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually sufficient during the recovery period.

How long does a dental crown last?

Most crowns last 10 to 15 years with proper care. Zirconia and metal crowns often last significantly longer. The main factors affecting longevity are oral hygiene habits, whether you grind your teeth, and how well you maintain your regular dental visits. We check the fit and integrity of existing crowns at every routine exam.

Can a crown fall off?

It is uncommon but possible, usually due to cement failure, a cavity developing under the crown, or trauma. If your crown feels loose or comes off, contact our Redwood City office right away. Keep the crown safe and avoid chewing on that side. Do not attempt to re-cement it yourself with store-bought adhesive, as this can trap bacteria and damage the tooth further.

Will my crown look natural?

Yes — modern all-ceramic and zirconia crowns are custom-shaded to match the color, translucency, and shape of your surrounding teeth. Most people cannot distinguish a well-made crown from a natural tooth. Even metal-supported porcelain crowns look natural in most cases. We take color matching seriously and review the shade selection with you before sending to the lab.

Is a same-day CEREC crown as good as a lab crown?

CEREC crowns are milled from a solid block of dental-grade ceramic and have a very strong clinical track record. For most single-tooth restorations, they are an excellent option. The main tradeoff is that the color layering achievable by a skilled dental lab technician may be slightly more nuanced than a same-day milled crown. We discuss which option makes more sense for each patient based on the tooth’s location and cosmetic priorities.

How do I care for a dental crown?

Brush twice daily and floss around the crown, paying attention to the margin where the crown meets the gum line. Avoid chewing on ice or very hard foods, which can chip the porcelain. If you grind your teeth at night, we may recommend a nightguard to protect the crown. Come in for your regular cleanings and exams so we can monitor the crown’s fit over time.

Ready to restore your smile with a dental crown? Request a consultation at Smile Craft Dental today. Request an Appointment

Schedule Your Dental Crown Consultation in Redwood City

If you have a cracked, decayed, or damaged tooth that has been bothering you, a dental crown may be the most effective way to save it and restore your bite. Smile Craft Dental offers both traditional two-visit crowns and same-day CEREC options at our Redwood City location. We accept most major insurance plans and can help you understand your coverage before treatment begins.

Contact our Redwood City office to schedule an exam. We will assess the tooth, explain your options, and help you decide on the approach that fits your timeline and goals.

How Long Does Professional Whitening Actually Last?

Professional in-office whitening tends to outlast anything you can buy at the drugstore, largely because we use higher concentrations of bleaching agents that reach deeper into the enamel than over-the-counter strips or gels ever can. Most patients enjoy a noticeably brighter smile for one to two years, with some stretching those results closer to three years when they stay consistent with maintenance.

At-home trays we custom-fit for you tend to fall on a similar timeline, though results can build more gradually since the concentration is milder and applied over several sessions rather than one intensive visit. Either way, the method you choose plays a real role in your outcome, which is exactly why we talk through your options during a cosmetic dentistry consultation before recommending a treatment plan.

What Speeds Up the Fading Process

Even the best whitening treatment cannot fully outrun certain habits. Coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco are some of the biggest culprits behind stains creeping back, since they contain pigments that latch onto the enamel the same way they did before you ever whitened. According to the American Dental Association, teeth can darken over time from food and drink, tobacco use, age, and even certain medications, so it makes sense that the same factors chip away at your whitening results too.

Genetics and natural enamel thickness also play a part. Some people simply have enamel that holds onto brightness longer than others, and there is not much we can do to change that biology. What we can help with is building a maintenance routine that works with your specific mouth rather than against it, whether you are coming to see us in Redwood City or Sunnyvale.

How to Make Your Results Last Longer

The single best thing you can do after whitening is rethink your relationship with staining foods and drinks, at least for the first 48 hours when your enamel is most porous and vulnerable. After that window, moderation goes a long way, and small swaps make a real difference over time.

We often walk patients through a few habits that consistently extend results:

Rinse or sip water: After coffee, tea, or wine, a quick water rinse helps keep pigments from settling into the enamel.
Use a straw: Sipping stain-heavy drinks through a straw reduces contact with the front of your teeth.
Brush soon after eating: Brushing about 30 minutes after meals removes surface stains before they have a chance to set.
Schedule regular cleanings: Professional cleanings clear away buildup that dulls your shade between whitening sessions.
Consider touch-up treatments: A quick touch-up every 12 to 18 months can maintain your shade without a full retreatment.

These habits will not undo years of coffee drinking overnight, but they add up, and most patients notice their results holding steady far longer once they put even a couple of these into practice.

Why Touch-Ups Matter More Than You Think

Whitening is not a one-and-done procedure so much as it is an ongoing relationship between you and your smile. Custom-fitted trays make touch-ups especially easy, since the tray already matches your teeth and a quick session can refresh your shade in far less time than the original treatment took. Our team, including Spanish-speaking staff for patients who prefer to discuss their care that way, is always happy to help you gauge when a touch-up makes sense.

Patients who stay proactive about maintenance tend to report results lasting closer to the three-year mark rather than the six-month minimum, and pairing whitening with complementary treatments like veneers or a full smile makeover can help protect your results even further.

Ready to Brighten Your Smile at Smile Craft Dental?

At Smile Craft Dental, Dr. Janice Chou and our team hold ourselves to a high standard in patient care, including making sure you leave with a whitening plan built around your lifestyle rather than a generic timeline. We invest in top-of-the-line technology and continuing education so you always get treatment that reflects where cosmetic dentistry is headed, not where it used to be, all inside an office our patients consistently tell us they love. Whether you are considering teeth whitening for the first time or you are due for a touch-up, we would love to help you figure out the right path forward.

If you are ready to talk about brightening your smile or want to know more about which whitening option fits your needs, reach out through our contact form, and our team at either our Redwood City or Sunnyvale office will be in touch to get you scheduled.

What Happens During a Simple Root Canal?

Medically reviewed by Dr. Amy Nguyen, DDS

When a dentist says, “Root canal,” those two words tend to bring up immediate worry, but the actual process is far less dramatic than the reputation suggests. Most patients describe the experience as feeling similar to getting a filling, thanks to modern anesthesia and instruments designed to make treatment quick and comfortable. Understanding each step ahead of time can turn a source of dread into a routine visit.

At Smile Craft Dental, we perform straightforward root canal treatments for patients in Redwood City and Sunnyvale who are dealing with an infected or inflamed tooth. Our team guides patients through root canal treatment from the first exam to the final restoration, so there are no surprises along the way. Knowing what to expect can also help you recognize the warning signs that make an appointment worth scheduling sooner rather than later to help protect your tooth.

Why a Root Canal Becomes Necessary

Every tooth has a soft inner layer called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. When deep decay, a crack, or repeated dental work lets bacteria reach that pulp, it can become inflamed or infected. Left alone, the infection may spread to the bone around the root and cause a painful abscess.

Common signs that a tooth may need this treatment include lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, pain when biting down, or swelling near the gum line. Some patients feel nothing at all, and the issue only shows up on an X-ray during a routine visit. If you have been dealing with unexplained tooth pain, you should have it checked before the problem has a chance to grow.

Step One: Examination and Anesthesia

The visit starts with an exam and an X-ray so we can see the shape of the root canals and confirm the extent of the problem. Once we know what we are working with, we numb the area with local anesthetic. Patients who feel anxious about dental visits can also ask about our sedation dentistry options to stay relaxed throughout the appointment.

Once the area is numb, we place a small protective sheet called a dental dam around the tooth. This keeps the area dry and free of saliva while we work, which helps the procedure go smoothly and keeps the space clean.

Step Two: Removing the Infected Pulp

Next, we create a small opening in the top of the tooth to reach the pulp chamber. Using fine instruments, we remove the infected or inflamed tissue from inside the tooth and the root canals. According to the American Association of Endodontists, this step clears out the bacteria causing the pain so the tooth can heal and function normally afterward.

Once the pulp is removed, we clean and shape the inside of each canal. This step is one of the most important in the process because canals can be narrow and curved, so we take extreme care to reach every part of the space before moving forward.

Step Three: Filling and Sealing the Tooth

With the canals clean and shaped, we fill them with a biocompatible material and seal the opening to prevent bacteria from getting back in. In many cases, we can complete this in the same visit, though some cases call for a short follow-up depending on how much healing the tooth needs first.

A few things can affect the timeline and comfort of recovery, including:

Mild soreness for a day or two, usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relief
A temporary filling if a crown will be placed at a later visit
Avoiding hard or chewy foods on the treated side until the tooth is fully restored

Once healing begins, most patients are back to normal activities the same day or the next. If anything feels off or you have any questions, we would rather you call us than worry unnecessarily.

Step Four: Restoring the Tooth

A tooth that has had a root canal is more fragile than before, since it no longer has the blood supply that once kept it nourished. That is why we usually recommend a dental crown or another restoration to protect it from cracking under everyday chewing pressure. This final step is what allows the tooth to function like any other for years to come.

Patients sometimes worry that a treated tooth will feel different permanently, but any lingering sensitivity typically fades within a few days. If discomfort continues past that point, it is worth calling us to make sure everything is healing as expected.

Schedule Your Root Canal at Smile Craft Dental

At Smile Craft Dental, Dr. Amy Nguyen and our team have helped patients throughout Redwood City and Sunnyvale save teeth that once seemed destined for extraction. We take the time to walk you through every step so you feel informed and comfortable before treatment begins, using technology that keeps the process efficient and precise.

If you are dealing with tooth pain or think you may need a root canal, our team is ready to help you get relief. Contact our office to schedule an exam and let us help you learn about your options.

How Long Does the Dental Implant Process Take?

Medically reviewed by Dr. Amy Nguyen, DDS

A missing tooth changes more than a smile. It shifts how you chew, how you speak, and how confident you feel every time you catch your reflection. If you are wondering how long it takes to fix that gap for good, the process generally unfolds over several months, with most of that time dedicated to natural healing rather than active treatment.

Smile Craft Dental walks patients in Redwood City and Sunnyvale through every stage of that process with clear communication and steady support. Dr. Janice Chou and Dr. Brendon Nguyen use advanced technology to plan each tooth replacement option around your specific needs, so you always know what comes next and why.

What Happens During the Initial Consultation?

The first step in getting a dental implant is a thorough consultation. We examine your jawbone density, gum health, and overall oral condition using detailed imaging to determine if you are a good candidate for single tooth implants. This step matters because every mouth heals differently, and the plan we build around your specific anatomy shapes how smoothly the rest of the process goes.

Building Your Personalized Plan

This visit also gives us the chance to talk through your goals and any concerns you may have. Some patients need a bone graft before implant placement can begin, which can extend the overall timeline. Others are ready to move forward right away, and we build a personalized plan around whichever situation applies to you.

Jawbone health plays a bigger role in these timelines than many patients realize, since research from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research shows adults between 20 and 64 years old retain an average of 25.5 permanent teeth, with tooth loss becoming more common as people age. Knowing where you stand before treatment begins helps us set expectations that actually fit your situation, rather than a generic timeline that may not apply to you.

How Long Does Implant Placement and Healing Take?

Once your plan is set, the next phase is the surgical placement of the titanium implant post into the jawbone. The length and specifics of this appointment can vary depending on the location of the implant, the number of teeth being replaced, and the overall complexity of your case.

What Happens During Osseointegration

After placement, your body needs time to fuse the implant with the surrounding bone in a process called osseointegration. This healing phase forms the foundation that allows your new tooth to function like a natural one. During this window, we monitor your progress with follow-up visits and provide guidance on postoperative care to support a smooth recovery.

A stable, well-integrated implant is far more likely to hold up well over time with proper care, which is part of why we prioritize thorough healing over rushing to the final restoration. Skipping ahead too quickly can compromise how well the implant performs for years to come, so we pace this stage around what your body needs rather than a fixed calendar.

What Are the Final Steps Before the Crown Is Placed?

Once osseointegration is complete, we attach a small connector piece called an abutment to the implant, and the surrounding gum tissue needs some time to heal around it. After the gums have settled, we take precise impressions to design your custom crown, crafted to match the color, shape, and size of your surrounding teeth so it blends naturally into your smile.

Some patients also ask how implants compare to mini implants at this stage, particularly if they are replacing more than one tooth or working with a narrower jawbone. We are happy to walk through which option makes the most sense before the crown is placed, so you feel confident in the choice.

What Factors Can Extend the Implant Timeline?

Several variables can influence how quickly you move from consultation to a finished restoration. Understanding these factors ahead of time helps set realistic expectations for your treatment plan.

Bone Density: Insufficient jawbone volume may require a bone graft before implant placement can move forward
Tooth Extraction: If a damaged tooth needs removal first, the extraction site needs time to heal before the next step
Overall Health: Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or smoking can slow healing and affect how osseointegration progresses
Number of Implants: Replacing several teeth at once may require a more involved planning and placement process than a single implant

Every patient heals differently, and we adjust your timeline based on how your body responds at each stage rather than rushing toward a predetermined date.

Start Your Dental Implant Process With Smile Craft Dental

Every stage of the dental implant process, from your first consultation through the final crown placement, is designed to move at a pace that fits your needs rather than a fixed schedule. Dr. Chou brings a background from the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry to every case she plans, and Dr. Nguyen brings the same steady, patient-first approach shaped by years of community dental outreach across the Bay Area.

If you are ready to explore whether dental implants are the right fit for your smile, reach out through our contact form to schedule a consultation at our Redwood City or Sunnyvale office, where our Spanish-speaking staff is available to support you. We look forward to helping you take the next step toward a fuller, more confident smile.

Dental Implant vs. Bridge: What Are the Pros and Cons of Each?

Medically reviewed by Dr. Amy Nguyen, DDS

Losing a tooth changes more than your smile. Suddenly, chewing on one side feels safer, speaking clearly takes more effort, and the empty space seems to draw your tongue back to it again and again, like a missing puzzle piece you cannot stop searching for. The good news is that modern dentistry offers two dependable ways to fill that gap, and understanding how they differ can make the decision feel far less overwhelming.

At Smile Craft Dental, we walk patients through exactly that decision every week, weighing lifestyle, oral health, and long-term goals before recommending a path forward. Our restorative dentistry team takes the time to explain the reasoning behind each option, so patients feel confident in their choice rather than just following instructions.

What Sets a Dental Implant Apart from a Dental Bridge

Think of a dental implant as rebuilding a tree from the roots up. A small titanium post is placed directly into the jawbone, where it gradually fuses with the bone in a process called osseointegration. Once healed, that post supports a custom crown that functions like a natural tooth root, stimulating the bone every time you bite down, the same way a real root would. Patients curious about the full process can explore what an implant procedure actually involves from start to finish.

A dental bridge works more like a suspension bridge between two riverbanks. It relies on the healthy teeth on either side of the gap for support rather than anchoring into the jawbone. Those neighboring teeth are prepared to hold crowns, and an artificial tooth, called a pontic, is fused between them to fill the space. Surgery is not part of the process, which is part of why bridges have remained a trusted option for generations of patients.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Dental Implants

The post continues to stimulate the bone the way a natural root would, which helps preserve jawbone density for years to come. Neighboring teeth stay completely untouched, since nothing needs to be reshaped or crowned to hold the implant in place. Day-to-day care is also refreshingly simple. Brushing and flossing an implant looks and feels just like caring for a natural tooth. For patients further along in the process, proper implant restoration is what ultimately makes that natural look and feel possible.

That root-level connection does come with tradeoffs. Getting there requires a minor surgical procedure, and the full timeline, from placement to the final crown, can stretch across several months while the bone heals. The upfront investment also tends to run higher than a bridge, and candidates generally need enough bone density and overall health to support a smooth recovery.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Dental Bridges

Picture two appointments spread over a few weeks, no surgery, and a finished smile. That is the appeal for a lot of patients. The pontic is custom shaded to match its surroundings so convincingly that most people cannot pick it out from the natural teeth beside it. For anyone whose health or jawbone would make surgery a harder road, this faster path is often the more practical one.

The tradeoff sits with the teeth doing the supporting. Preparing them for crowns means permanently removing some healthy enamel, and without a root underneath the pontic to stimulate it, the jawbone in that area can gradually lose density over time. A bridge also tends to need replacing every five to fifteen years, considerably sooner than a well-placed implant, which long-term studies show surviving at rates commonly in the 90 to 95 percent range over a decade or more, according to research published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information.

Cost is rarely the only factor worth weighing here. A few other questions tend to shape the decision just as much:

Number of missing teeth: A single gap may make either option workable, while multiple missing teeth in a row often point toward a bridge or implant-supported solution
Overall health: Conditions that slow healing may make a bridge more practical, while good bone health can make an implant a strong long-term investment
Timeline: Bridges move faster from start to finish, while implants ask for patience during the healing phase
Long-term goals: A bridge solves the problem today, while an implant is built with decades in mind

Reviewing a full comparison of tooth replacement options can also help put both choices in context alongside dentures and other alternatives.

Choose Smile Craft Dental for Your Tooth Replacement Options in Redwood City and Sunnyvale

Dr. Janice Chou and Dr. Brendon Nguyen bring genuine care and clear communication to every consultation, making sure patients understand their options before committing to a path forward. Our team listens first and explains second, so the decision feels like a partnership rather than a sales pitch, no matter which direction a patient is leaning. Anyone weighing an implants consultation is welcome to start that conversation with us directly.

If you are ready to talk through what makes sense for your smile, reach out to Smile Craft Dental today. Our Redwood City and Sunnyvale locations are here to help you find the tooth replacement option that fits your health, your budget, and your life.

Explore additional topics covered on our website:

Call Us Today

Scan here to call Smile Craft Dental on mobile

Our Locations

Call Us Today

Comments/Suggestions

Dental Crowns in Redwood City, CA

When Is a Dental Crown Needed?

Types of Dental Crowns

What to Expect During the

Same-day crowns available with CEREC technology — ask about flexible financing to fit your budget. Explore Financing Options

Crown Process

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns

Ready to restore your smile with a dental crown? Request a consultation at Smile Craft Dental today. Request an Appointment

Schedule Your Dental Crown Consultation in Redwood City

Related Topics

Related Posts