Have you ever gone to the dentist, expecting to be recommended a dental filling, only to be told you need a crown? Well, this is more common than you’d think.
But what exactly are dental crowns, and when are they needed?
Let’s get into it.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap, made from porcelain, composite resin, ceramic, zirconia, or metal, that is used to restore weak, broken, and decayed teeth. They can be used for both restorative and cosmetic purposes.
When do you need a dental crown?
There are many situations in which a dental crown is appropriate. For example, a dental crown can be used to:
- Strengthen a weak tooth
- Restore a broken tooth
- Restore a worn-down tooth
- Protect a cracked tooth
- Hold a dental bridge in place
- Cover a dental implant or root canal-treated tooth
- Cover a discolored tooth
Dental crown procedure
The procedure to get a dental crown usually takes a couple of visits to the dentist (although you can get it all done in one visit with the CEREC same-day dental crown system). Here is what the procedure typically looks like.
Initial examination
Your dentist will assess your tooth and confirm if the appropriate treatment is a crown or something else.
Tooth prep
Your dentist will remove the decay from your natural tooth and prepare it for the crown. They might also use filling material to build up parts of your tooth to create a good foundation.
Impressions
Your dental team will then take impressions of your tooth and send them to a dental lab. The dental lab technician will then create your custom dental crown.
Temporary crown
As the dental lab will usually take about two to three weeks to create your new crown, your dentist will give you a temporary one while you wait.
New crown placement
Once the permanent crown is ready, your dentist will check its fit, color, and alignment to ensure it matches your natural teeth and fits comfortably.
Are dental crowns painful?
During the dental crown procedure, you shouldn’t feel pain because your dentist numbs the area with local anesthesia. After you’ve received your crown, a little sensitivity to heat or cold is fairly normal, although if the tooth is sensitive to pressure when you bite down, it may not have been fitted correctly. If you notice any problems after a few days, talk to your dentist about what can be done to help.
Dental crown cost
The price of a dental crown depends on a variety of factors like the material being used, the size of the tooth, the amount of preparation, and the reputation of your dentist. If you have dental insurance, most plans cover at least a portion of the cost. Make sure to check with your insurance company and your dentist to confirm how much will be covered by insurance.
How long do crowns last?
The lifespan of dental crowns varies depending on factors like oral hygiene, habits, and the material being used. On average, crowns can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years or even longer with proper care. They can last longer if you treat it with proper care.
Dental crown care
Caring for a dental crown is pretty simple. Just treat it with the care you should with your natural teeth!
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to keep the area around the crown clean.
- Avoid chewing on hard objects (like ice) or using your teeth as tools to prevent damage to the crown.
- Attend regular dental check-ups and cleanings so your crown stays in good shape.
- If you grind or clench your teeth at night, ask your dentist if you’re a candidate for night guard.
Alternatives to dental crowns
There are some alternative procedures to crowns, which depend on your situation and priorities (as well as the abilities of your dentist). This includes inlays and onlays, which are similar to crowns in that they are used to restore a tooth with damage too severe to be repaired by a dental filling. However, less tooth needs to be removed than a crown.
Additionally, if you have cosmetic concerns, veneers may be an option. Veneers cover your tooth like a crown, although they only cover the front surfaces of your teeth and are typically used for aesthetic reasons.
Visit Dr. Ruiz & Associates for a dentist in Burbank
When getting a dental restoration, make sure you speak with a dentist who is well-trained in approaches that are less invasive and healthier for your tooth. For example, Dr. Ruiz offers a different approach by removing only the damaged tissue and avoiding the gumline.
If you’re in the Burbank area and in need of dental care, Dr. Ruiz is a renowned dentist, educator, and researcher who is known as a pioneer in supra-gingival minimally invasive dentistry, or “above the gums dentistry.” This is a healthier form of dentistry that protects soft oral tissues and produces long-lasting, beautiful results. And all of our staff are trained in these techniques.
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