Dental Crowns
A dental crown can provide support, structure, and function to a tooth that is too weak or damaged. Your dentist can bond the crown, or dental cap, to your tooth so that it feels and functions just like your natural teeth.
Dental crowns are hollow, artificial tooth covers bonded to teeth to serve as a protective cover. You may go to a dentist that does crowns for many reasons, including:
– Restoration of a broken tooth
– Support of a weak tooth due to a large cavity or several smaller cavities
– Rebuilding a tooth after a root canal
– Bite correction
– Improvement of the appearance of a discolored tooth
– Support for bridgework
Crowns come in different materials, but most dentists that do crowns use porcelain or gold. Both options can restore a tooth’s function, and you can clean them like your natural teeth.
It depends. Most crowns last for ten to fifteen years if you care for them well. Sometimes, crowns can even last a few decades.
It is possible to develop tooth decay along the edges of the crown that can extend beneath the cap. This decay occurs if bacteria gets beneath the crown and builds up due to poor oral care.
Though there are many benefits to using dental crowns to restore teeth, there are a few potential drawbacks.
– Dental crowns can be costly.
– If the tooth is too damaged, there may be nerve damage.
– You may develop sensitivity in adjacent teeth if the crown is too abrasive.
– It may be necessary to have further repairs on the tooth and crown.
It is best to discuss your options with your dentist to get the best picture for your specific case. When you see a dentist that does crowns frequently they can explain all of your options and help you arrive at the best decision for your smile.
The crown procedure at a dentist office usually begins with an exam and bite impressions to determine the shape of your tooth and ensure a proper fit. It may take a few appointments to get proper measurements and cement the crown to your tooth. Sometimes, you may need to have the tooth shaved or reshaped to make sure the dental cap fits correctly.
We also offer same-day crowns using CEREC, cutting-edge technology that shortens the process and delivers outstanding results.
Your dentist will use anesthetic or sedation to ensure a nearly painless experience. You should only experience temporary, mild discomfort.
There are several indications that your crown doesn’t fit properly and may require a return to the dentist’s office.
– Your bite doesn’t feel quite right.
– You notice pressure on adjacent teeth.
– Food gets stuck around the crown.
– The crown is wobbly or loose.
– Chewing is painful or inefficient because your bite is wrong.
– Your gums are sore, red, or inflamed.
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your dentist to check your crown and adjust the fit.
It may be necessary to replace a crown if you lose the dental cap, damage it, or you have more tooth damage that requires a new crown. Generally, dentists can replace dental caps as often as they need to. Losing a dental crown isn’t usually an emergency, but you should contact your dentist as soon as possible to have it replaced.
Permanent crowns may take some effort to remove, but it may be necessary if there is underlying damage that threatens the tooth’s health and function.
Cost remains one of the notable drawbacks of getting dental crowns. However, we make it more affordable with our Dental Savings Plan and flexible financing options.
Why Is a Crown So Expensive?
Crowns cost more than fillings because they require more work to prepare the tooth and dental cap. Supplies also cost more for dental caps than fillings.
We provide the highest quality dental care for patients of all ages. When you visit any of our Jefferson Dental & Orthodontics locations, you can expect to enter welcoming, modern, state-of-the-art facilities with coffee bars and special kid-friendly play and treatment areas for our youngest patients.
Additionally, our dental teams take extra care to make your dental experiences comfortable and hassle-free while providing thorough, professional exams and treatment. We even handle dental emergencies. You can trust us to answer all questions thoroughly and teach you how to keep your mouth healthy using the language of your choice.