Dentist Discussion: What to Expect When Getting a Dental Crown

When Do You Need a Dental Crown?

According to the National Institute of Health , 92% of Americans have some degree of tooth decay with an average of approximately three decaying or missing teeth.

Fortunately, with a trip to the dentist, you don't have to end up with missing teeth. Instead, your dentist can repair your decayed or damaged teeth with dental crowns.

If you're considering getting a dental crown , you probably have questions about the procedure, post-procedure pain management, and more.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about dental crowns and what you can expect from the moment you ask your dentist about the procedure.

When Do You Need a Dental Crown?

Dental crowns are essentially caps that cover damaged teeth. This protects your gumline and any remaining roots from exposure. It also ensures that your teeth won't shift in reaction to a new gap or vacant space in your gums, causing misalignment and cosmetic issues.

If you have a cavity that has become too large for a traditional filling, you will need to get a crown. People who should also consider getting a crown are those who have cracked, weak, or worn down teeth.

Many patients want to know how much a dental crown will cost, but there are several variables that can affect your final bill. Generally, you can expect that your dental crown will cost anywhere between $800 and $1500 , although certain materials will raise the price beyond $1500. Note that these prices are before your dental insurance covers part of the cost and does not reflect your copay.

The biggest factor that will affect the cost of your dental crown is the material. Dental crowns are made from:

• porcelain
  
• metal, including silver and gold
  
• zirconia
  
• composite resin
  
• ceramic
  
• a combination of the above
  

In addition, the cost will be affected by the kind of crown you get and the procedure you use. These include, but are not limited to:

• a temporary crown that stays in place while your permanent crown is constructed
  
• a one-day crown procedure where your crown is designed, milled, and installed all during the same procedure
  
• an only or 3/4 crown which covers only a portion of the damaged tooth

Some insurance plans will cover the entire cost of your dental crown as long as you stick to a certain material. Consult your insurance policy and discuss your best options with your dentist. Some of the other factors that will determine the best material for you are the position of the tooth, the visibility of the tooth, the color of the surrounding teeth, and the particular function of the tooth.

There are several benefits you can enjoy with dental implants. They include:

• Convenience
  
• Better smile
  
• Better speech
  
• Better comfort
  
• Better comfort
  

• Convenience

As a result of all these factors, you'll have improved self-esteem and won't feel as much shame or discomfort over your teeth anymore.

The basic dental crown procedure involves identifying and opening the cavity or assessing the damage. Then, the damaged tooth is trimmed to create a base for the dental crown. Finally, the crown (or temporary crown) is installed.

Let's take a closer look at what this process looks like.

The Multi-Day Procedure

First, your dentist will examine and prepare the tooth in question. They may take an X-ray to get a better sense of what is going on inside the tooth and in the roots.

Then, your dentist will remove part of the outer layer of the tooth by filing it down. Local anesthetics are used to avoid any discomfort.

An impression is taken at this point and used to create the mold for your dental crown. In the meantime, you are fitted with your temporary crown using a removable adhesive.

When your permanent crown is completed, which could take up to a few weeks, you will return to have your permanent crown installed.

The Same-Day Procedure

In the same-day procedure, your tooth is examined and prepared in the same fashion as described above. However, rather than using X-rays, most dentists will use digital images to get a better sense of your tooth's shape and damage.

Digital scans are taken of the images and your dentist is able to use them to create your crown in the office. Same-day crowns are usually ceramic, so if you wanted something like a porcelain crown, this may not be the best procedure for you.

Once the crown is complete, which tends to take up to two hours, it is installed and you are ready to go. Overall, this entire procedure tends to take three to four hours.

After the procedure is complete, you will need to take care of it and prepare for any slight discomfort. Some people may notice some temporary sensitivity to cold and heat, but this will go away after a few weeks.

Brush your teeth twice a day and switch to a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth if necessary. Floss twice a day, including in the spaces around the crown, to keep your gums healthy.

You will want to avoid hard or sticky foods for a few weeks and you may want to avoid some hard foods altogether. For example, anything as hard as ice could cause some crowns to crack, especially porcelain crowns.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

Dental crowns last, on average, anywhere from 5 to 15 years. Taking good care of them will prolong their lifespan. Certain materials will also last longer, but again, it is more important that you take care of them.

It is not impossible for a crown to chip or come loose, although this is unlikely. You will also want to be on the lookout for gum disease, which can become exacerbated by a crown that isn't taken care of.

If you're considering getting a dental crown, it is helpful to know what to expect. That's why GKS Family Dental put together this helpful guide and is happy to discuss any further questions you may have about dental crowns.

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