Do I Need Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are permanent restorations that are customized for patients who have suffered various types of damage to their teeth or have cosmetic imperfections they would like to cover.
If you have any large cavities, if your teeth are cracked or weakened in some way, or if they are severely worn or chipped, dental crowns may be the solution for you. Dental crown procedure may be recommended in conjunction with root canal procedure, dental implants, or a dental bridge, or they may be simply used to cap the damaged tooth after it is cleaned.
Some patients with severely discolored or misshapen teeth opt for dental crowns for cosmetic purposes to provide them with a brighter, more even smile.
How Do I Choose the Best Dental Specialist?
Since dental crowns are often applied in combination with other, more invasive treatments such as root canal procedure or dental implants, it is very important that you choose a dental specialist who is competent and experienced.
Only a trained dentist can tell you whether dental crowns are an appropriate solution for you, and it is essential to find an experienced practitioner who is familiar with the full range of cosmetic and restorative dental procedures available so you can rest assured that you’re receiving the most suitable treatment.
Our dental clinic employs highly skilled dentists experienced in cosmetic dentistry and oral surgery to provide the highest quality consultation and treatment you can find, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and the latest technologies.
What is Involved in Dental Crown Procedure?
Since each dental crown is customized, the procedure usually takes place over two separate appointments. At the first appointment, your tooth will be prepped for the crown. This may involve cleaning and removal of decay, filing down of the tooth to fit the crown, or other procedures like root canal procedure. If dental implants are needed prior to the crown, many more appointments will precede this phase.
Once the tooth is prepped, a mold or digital scan of the tooth will be taken. These will be used to fabricate a crown that fits precisely on the tooth being treated. Normally, the fabrication process takes a couple of weeks, after which you will return for your second appointment. Your dentist may also place a generic “temporary crown” to help protect the prepped tooth in the interim.
During the second appointment, patients can expect to have their dental crown fitted. The temporary crown will be removed, and the permanent, customized crown will be cemented into place. The dentist will ensure the crown is fitted comfortably and make any adjustments if needed.
What Can I Expect Dental Crown Cost to Be?
Dental crown cost can range from $500 all the way up to $3000 per crown. Variances in price may be affected by location (large metropolitan cities tend to be more expensive than rural clinics), the type of material used for your crown, and the experience and skill level of your dentist.
At our dental clinic, we are committed to providing dental treatment to the largest demographic of patients that we can and believe nobody should miss out on quality dental care based on finances. That is why we not only offer reasonable price points, but also accept a wide range of dental insurance plans including DentiCal (MediCal Dental). Our staff are also highly knowledged and trained in the range of insurance policies so we can keep your out-of-pocket costs to a minimum!
How Long do Dental Crowns Last?
Considered a permanent restorative treatment, dental crowns last a very long time. The variance in longevity can depend on the type of material used as well as care practices and is said to range from 5-15 years. When considering the long-term benefits of dental crowns for functionality and aesthetic benefits, they are definitely a worthwhile investment!
How Do I Care for My Dental Crowns?
Careful maintenance of your dental crowns can go a long way in contributing to their longevity. The most important factor in preserving the integrity of your dental crowns is good oral hygiene. Standard practices like regular brushing, flossing, and twice-yearly professional teeth cleanings and dental checkups are key. You may also want to consider making some minor dietary and habitual changes. These include avoiding hard or chewy foods and avoiding habits like nail biting or chewing on pens to reduce any chances of damage to your crowns.