Dental crowns, which are a custom designed cap, protect and restore the functionality of a damaged tooth. This common dental procedure is used to protect a tooth and preserve the function of the tooth. It will totally cover the weakened tooth with a custom-designed material.
Identifying the Reason for a Dental Crown
If the decay or other damage is too extensive such that a dental filling or a veneer is not a viable option, or if the tooth has had a root canal, your dentist will suggest the benefits of a dental crown. Whether the objective is to protect a weakened tooth or to create a natural looking replacement for a new dental implant, dental crowns are custom created and fabricated in dental labs.
Your initial exam may include making impressions of your natural teeth as a guide for creating the proper shape and size of your restoration. If your dental crown is part of a smile makeover, these impressions will be used to create a model for designing the new shape, length, and alignment, so that you can preview your new smile before the treatment.
Your dentist will describe the dental crown procedure, as well as your option to include a local anesthesia to numb the immediate area for your comfort, and any sedation, if necessary.
The Dental Crown Procedure
To perform the actual dental crown procedure, your dentist will prepare the tooth by removing some of the enamel of the tooth to make room for the crown and then will make an impression of your teeth to send to a dental lab. A temporary crown is placed at this first appointment to protect the tooth until the permanent dental crown is completed at the lab. Once finished, the final crown will be cemented or bonded in place.
Proper Oral Hygiene to Ensure the Life of Your New Dental Crown
Once your final crown has been placed, your dentist will make suggestions about caring for your new restoration. You should maintain proper oral hygiene habits by brushing twice daily and flossing once a day. These efforts will help remove plaque daily and help prevent decay and gum disease.
It is best to avoid chewing hard foods, ice, or other hard items, since this will damage your new dental crown. It is best to avoid biting your fingernails and grinding your teeth. If you grind or clench your teeth, your dentist will recommend wearing a mouth guard to protect your teeth during sleep.
How Much Do Crowns Cost?
The cost of a dental crown will depend on several factors, the treatment itself, the location of the tooth in your arch, the condition of the tooth to be restored, and the material chosen.
Dental crowns can range in cost from $1,000 to $3,500 and last 10 to 15 years or even longer. In aesthetically demanding cases, it might be helpful to for photographs of previous treatments to visualize your final restoration.
The material chosen will impact the final cost. The three primary choices of materials for a dental crown are porcelain-fused-to-metal, all-ceramic or all-porcelain and gold.
The material chosen is determined by your unique case, your aesthetic demands, your functional requirements, the material durability, and the space available.