What are dental crowns?
A dental crown is a covering that is placed on a tooth when it is cracked. It acts like a cap, covering the whole tooth. It is sometimes also referred to as a dental cap.
What are the alternatives to dental crowns?
There are no alternatives to dental crowns when you have a broken down tooth. A crown is required to preserve the tooth structure. However, there are different types of crowns, including full gold crowns, zirconia, full ceramic, and porcelain fused to metal.
Is a dental crown necessary after a root canal treatment?
Yes, a dental crown is necessary after a root canal treatment. A root canal treated tooth is essentially dead and tends to be brittle. To prevent the tooth from cracking, a dental crown is placed over it.
What is involved in the dental crown procedure?
The dental crown procedure typically takes longer than regular fillings. The tooth is prepared by creating enough depth or clearance for the crown. Then, a temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth, and an impression is taken and sent to a lab. After about ten working days, a permanent crown is placed with permanent cement. The procedure usually requires two visits to our office.
What can be done about cavities under a dental crown?
If there's a cavity under a dental crown, the crown must be removed for us to clean out the decay. Then, we prep it again for a new crown to be placed in that tooth. The first step is to remove the decay.
What would you do to prevent decay on a crown tooth?
The best way to prevent decay on a crown tooth is to maintain good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. X-rays are often necessary to see decay underneath a crown, as it may not be visible to the naked eye.
Are crowns as strong as real teeth?
The strength of a crown depends on the material used. Full metal crowns are as strong as natural teeth, while full gold crowns have a hardness similar to natural teeth. For aesthetic purposes, we use zirconia or full ceramic crowns on the front teeth, as they look like natural teeth.
Are there any special instructions for brushing and flossing after you get a dental crown?
There are no special instructions for brushing and flossing after you get a dental crown. Your regular routine of brushing and flossing is encouraged to maintain good oral hygiene for both the crown and your natural teeth.
What is the typical cost for a dental crown?
The typical cost of a dental crown ranges from around $800 to $1,200, depending on the material used.
Does the dental crown procedure hurt?
The dental crown procedure does not generally cause pain. Before the procedure, we use a numbing agent to ensure your comfort.
Are there any consequences for getting a tooth crown?
Getting a tooth crown has no negative consequences, only positive ones. We are protecting your tooth and preserving it, allowing you to keep your tooth for as long as possible.
Is it worth putting children's teeth in the crown?
It's important to preserve children's teeth because they leave a space for the adult teeth to come in. If a baby tooth is lost too early, the adult tooth may not come in as soon as it should.
A crown may be necessary on a child's tooth if there's too much decay and a lot of the tooth structure is lost. We want to preserve the tooth as much as possible to ensure there is space for the adult tooth to come in.
Do crowns look like normal teeth?
Crowns, especially those on front teeth, are made to look like normal teeth. We aim to match the shade and shape of the tooth next to it to make it look as natural as possible.
Can you get cavities on teeth that are crowns?
Yes, it's possible to get a cavity on a tooth that has a crown. This can happen if the crown is not properly sealed or if you don't maintain good oral hygiene.
How long can you expect a dental crown to last?
A dental crown can last as long as you live if it's done right and you take good care of it. The crown protects the tooth and if it remains sealed and you take care of your gums and teeth, it can last a very long time.
Does insurance cover dental crowns?
Most insurance plans cover dental crowns, usually at about 50%.
How can I schedule an appointment to get a dental crown?
To schedule an appointment for a dental crown, call our office. We will discuss whether you need a dental crown and what type of material would be best for your case. You can reach us at 619-477-0570 to schedule an appointment.