Sturdy Dental Crowns Restore Your Smile
For a tooth that is significantly damaged or decayed, a simple filling may not be enough to sufficiently renew oral health and save the tooth. A dental crown can provide the necessary strength and stability for more this type of case. It is a common restorative procedure that is completed over the course of two visits to our office. Keep reading to learn more about dental crowns, including how they are placed and when you might need one, below.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a thin, tooth-shaped covering that can be securely bonded on top of an affected tooth. It is a custom-made restoration that will fit securely around the dentition of the tooth. A dental crown is a fixed restoration that cannot be removed except with special tools. Dental crowns can be made from one of a variety of materials, including porcelain/ceramic, porcelain fused-to-metal, zirconia, gold, or metal alloys. The material that is right for your tooth depends on where in the smile it is located, your budget, and your personal preference.
What Can Dental Crowns Fix?
A dental crown may be recommended by your dentist in the following cases:
- For a broken tooth
- When a tooth is weak or worn due to teeth grinding
- To restore a severely decayed tooth when there is not enough healthy tooth structure to support a basic filling
- As the final step in root canal therapy
- To replace a single missing tooth (when it is supported by a dental implant)
- To make cosmetic improvements to significantly damaged front teeth in the front of the smile
How Are Dental Crowns Placed?
It typically takes two visits to Denton Dental Center to create and place your dental crown. During the first appointment, your tooth will be cleaned and reshaped to accommodate the crown that will be placed on top. Then, an impression or mold is made of the tooth and a temporary crown is placed to cover the prepared tooth. In the time between appointments, the crown is made according to the specifics of your treatment plan in a separate lab. Once the crown has been prepared, you return to our office for its final placement. The temporary is removed and a special bonding agent is applied onto the tooth to ensure that the crown stays sturdy and secure for years to come.
How to Care for a Dental Crown
With proper care and maintenance, your crown can stay healthy for up to 20 years. Make sure you continue to brush and floss your teeth regularly, paying special attention to the area at the base of the crown to prevent plaque and tartar buildup that can lead to decay and gum disease. Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings and don’t hesitate to get in touch if your crown breaks or becomes loose.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
If you have a severely aching or damaged tooth, you may need a dental crown -- and our team can fix the problem with expertise and care! To learn more about restorative dentistry or to schedule an appointment, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our office today.
Dental Crown FAQs
Dental crowns in Denton are versatile, allowing them to improve the health, function, and appearance of a tooth. Despite their benefits, it’s normal to have a few concerns before you’re ready to agree to a restoration. We understand your apprehensions. We’ll take the time to explain everything during your initial consultation. To help calm your nerves, here are the answers to a few of the most common questions patients ask us about crowns.
Will my crown look natural?
Crowns can be made of a variety of materials. Traditional restorations are fabricated from various metals, including silver and gold. As a result, they have a noticeable appearance. You won’t need to worry about a crown blemishing your smile. Our office uses all-ceramic restorations, which are custom-made to match the color, size, and shape of your natural teeth. It will blend in when you smile, so you don’t need to worry about it being a focal point.
Will my crown feel natural?
Besides looking like a real tooth, your crown will also feel natural. Although it won’t be made of metal, it is equally durable to withstand the pressure of regular biting and chewing; however, it’s best to avoid any foods that are overly hard or chewing to prevent damaging it. Your dentist in Denton uses the latest technological advancements to ensure the crown fits correctly to ensure it functions just like a real tooth, so you won’t notice any difference when eating.
How long will my crown last?
Crowns can last a decade or longer with the right aftercare, like maintaining your oral hygiene at home and visiting your dentist at least twice a year. We’ll check your crown at each routine appointment to ensure it is undamaged and still has a secure bond with your tooth.
How much does a crown cost?
There isn’t a set fee for a dental crown because the cost is determined by your specific needs, such as if any additional treatments are required. We’ll provide you with an estimate during your initial consultation and discuss the fees associated with your plan. A member of our team will explain your payment options, such as using a traditional method or third-party financing.
Can I use my dental insurance?
Every insurance policy differs; however, most crowns are covered under dental policies when used for restorative purposes. In some cases, your insurance can also be used when the restoration is needed for cosmetic services as well. After paying your deductible, your benefits can be used to help offset the overall cost of the treatment.
A member of our team will work on your behalf with your insurance company to file the necessary claim forms, so you have one less thing to worry about. We will take the time to explain how your benefits are being used and if you owe a remaining balance. A member of our team will help you find the solutions you need to cover any out-of-pocket expense to restore your smile without breaking the bank.
Are dental crowns permanent?
Dental crowns in Denton are designed to serve as a long-term solution; however, they aren’t permanent. On average, a crown lasts for about 10 years before needing to be replaced, but it's not uncommon for them to thrive for much longer with the right aftercare. Various factors affect the lifespan of a restoration, like the materials used and the location. Back teeth undergo more wear and tear from the pressure of chewing. Therefore, crowns placed on molars can have a slightly shorter life expectancy. You can get the most from your investment by committing to your oral hygiene. Besides brushing and flossing, visit your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup. Your dentist will recommend avoiding hard or sticky foods to prevent damaging your crown. It is also best to break any bad habits, like smoking, using your teeth to open bottles, or chewing on your fingernails.
What are the signs a dental crown needs to be replaced?
Only a dentist in Denton can determine if your crown is failing, but there are some signs you may need a replacement, such as changes to your gum line. If the tissue darkens or begins to recede, it is time to schedule an appointment. Pain and inflammation can also be a sign of a failing crown. Your dentist will check your restoration at each routine appointment to ensure there aren’t any concerns to detect an issue before it turns into a big problem. If you develop any signs of your crown failing in between your regular appointments, don’t wait to contact your dentist .
Do dental crowns get cavities?
A dental crown isn’t vulnerable to decay; however, your underlying tooth can still get cavities. Despite the restoration covering the entire surface of your tooth, cavity-causing bacteria reach it from poor oral hygiene habits. Plaque and tartar buildup where the crown meets the gum line can expose your tooth to bacteria. Not to mention, small cracks in the cement holding your crown in place can occur over time. Bacteria can reach your tooth through the small crevasses. You can prevent decay by keeping your mouth clean at home, visiting your dentist regularly, and limiting your consumption of sugar.
Is it a dental emergency if a crown falls off?
If your crown falls off, you need to see a dentist right away, even if you aren’t having any pain. Never glue or cement the crown back in place because it can trap bacteria that can cause decay or an infection. Instead, leave the repairs to a professional. While you wait for your appointment, you can use a small dab of toothpaste to hold the crown in place temporarily. Avoid chewing with your tooth until after it has been fixed. You can take an OTC pain reliever to manage any discomfort. A cold compress can also numb the area temporarily. It is best to eat softer foods until after your crown has been replaced to avoid causing any additional discomfort or damage.