Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is bonded or cemented onto a tooth that has lost significant structure — most often through trauma, decay, or fracture. At Sacramento Holistic Dentist in Carmichael, CA, we prioritize conservative treatment and only recommend crowns when fillings or similar restorations are genuinely insufficient. Dr. Yana Pekarski, DDS uses only metal-free, biocompatible crown materials for every patient.
Our Conservative, Lab-Based Crown Approach
We partner with expert dental laboratories rather than using in-office milling machines (CAD/CAM). This choice is intentional: lab-fabricated crowns allow for more conservative tooth preparation — meaning we remove less of your natural tooth structure — while producing higher-quality, more precisely fitted restorations. The tradeoff is a wait of approximately 2 weeks between preparation and delivery, with a temporary crown protecting your tooth in the meantime. We believe the superior result is worth the wait.
The procedure is completed under local anesthesia for your comfort.
Biocompatible Crown Materials
We do not place porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns. All crowns at our practice are 100% metal-free:
Zirconia
The strongest, most durable all-ceramic crown material. Virtually indestructible under heavy chewing forces with excellent aesthetics and a natural color match.
E.max (Lithium Disilicate)
Highly aesthetic with excellent translucency and light-reflecting properties. The gold standard for front teeth and demanding cosmetic cases where lifelike beauty is paramount.
Feldspathic Porcelain
The most natural-looking of all crown materials, individually hand-layered by a master ceramist. Reserved for the most demanding aesthetic situations requiring the highest artistic precision.
Crown Over a Zirconia Implant
When crowning a zirconia implant, we use a zirconia crown and zirconia abutment — keeping the entire restoration completely metal-free from root to crown. This is the gold standard in biocompatible implant restoration.
Why Choose Sacramento Holistic Dentist for Dental Crowns
Many dental offices push same-day CEREC milling for convenience — but at Sacramento Holistic Dentist, we choose quality over speed. Lab-crafted crowns from our trusted ceramists produce better fit, better aesthetics, and longer-lasting restorations. Combined with our metal-free material choices and conservative preparation philosophy, our crowns represent the best of biological and aesthetic dentistry available in the Sacramento region.
Frequently Asked Questions
With proper care and regular maintenance, a well-crafted zirconia or E.max crown can last 15–20 years or longer. Feldspathic porcelain crowns are the most beautiful but slightly more susceptible to chipping in high-stress areas.
The procedure is done under local anesthesia. The preparation itself is comfortable for virtually all patients. You may experience mild gum soreness for a few days after.
Treat it like a natural tooth — brush twice daily, floss carefully at the margins, and attend regular cleanings. Avoid biting extremely hard objects (like ice or hard candy). If you grind at night, a custom night guard protects your crown investment.
When a tooth has significant decay, fracture, or a large existing filling that leaves insufficient tooth structure for a filling alone. Dr. Pekarski recommends crowns only when truly necessary — she is known for her conservative approach and will tell you honestly when a filling or onlay might suffice.
No — we choose lab-crafted crowns over in-office milled crowns because the quality, fit, and aesthetics are superior. Your crown takes approximately 2 weeks, and we provide a temporary crown to protect your tooth in the meantime.