At Ridge Family Dental, we believe that the power of dental care can transform not just your teeth but your confidence and happiness. Your smile is an important part of your sense of self and wellness. A beautiful smile is also a healthy and confident smile. Our dental team is here to help you find and maintain a brighter, more radiant smile.
Unfortunately, we can’t always have the best dental health. As a result, we need certain dental appliances to restore and protect our smiles. One important tool we can use to create a dazzling smile is a dental crown. Dental crowns are not just a solution to dental issues. They are like artists who sculpt your smile into a masterpiece. Crowns are also a common restorative dentistry treatment that many patients inquire about.
The “Crown” Jewel of Your Smile
Dental crowns are like little caps that cover your teeth. We can create them from a variety of materials, such as porcelain, ceramic, or metal alloys. Our team can place these covers over damaged or weakened teeth to restore their shape, size, strength, and look.
Why Might You Need a Dental Crown?
Life happens, and so do dental challenges. Dental crowns can come to the rescue for several reasons.
- Fractured or Cracked: Whether due to an injury or biting into something hard, a fractured tooth can cause a lot of pain. It can also compromise the look of your smile.
- Extensively Decayed: When a cavity is too large for a filling to restore the tooth effectively, a crown becomes the guardian that shields it from more damage. A crown can prevent bacteria from entering your tooth.
- Weakened by a Root Canal: Following a root canal procedure, a tooth may become brittle. A dental crown provides the reinforcement it needs to endure daily chewing and biting. Without a crown, your tooth could be prone to breaking.
- Misshapen or Discolored: Sometimes, a tooth may not have the ideal shape or color. A crown acts like a cosmetic magician, enhancing the look of your pearly whites.
Dental Crown FAQs
Dental crowns treat various dental concerns. Read the answers to these commonly asked questions to learn more.
Are dental crowns uncomfortable?
Not at all. The process of getting a dental crown is painless. We can use local anesthesia to ensure your comfort during your procedures. After the initial placement, you may experience mild discomfort for a day or two. However, we can easily manage this pain with over-the-counter pain relievers.
How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns are durable and can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years. They can last even longer with the proper care. If you have good oral hygiene, you can improve the lifespan of your crown. Additionally, you should avoid chewing on hard objects because a crown can crack. Furthermore, regular dental check-ups can contribute to the longevity of your dental crown.
Can a tooth crown fall off or become loose?
Tooth crowns can fall off or become loose. This can happen if the underlying tooth structure weakens and the dental cement deteriorates. Significant wear and tear on the crown can also cause this. If your crown becomes loose or falls off, contact our office immediately. Prompt attention can often re-secure the crown and prevent further damage to the tooth.
How long does it take to prepare a tooth for a dental crown?
Preparing a tooth for a dental crown usually takes 60 to 90 minutes. During this time, we will first numb the area with local anesthesia. Then, we’ll shape the tooth by removing any decayed or damaged parts and reducing its size to accommodate the crown. After shaping the tooth, Dr. Sverdlov will take an impression or digital scan of the tooth to create a custom crown. We will often place a temporary crown while you wait for the permanent one. This is typically ready in a couple of weeks.
Does insurance cover dental crowns?
Most dental insurance plans cover crowns if they are medically necessary. Many plans typically range from 50% to 80% of the cost. Some plans have waiting periods or annual limits. On the other hand, insurance companies usually do not use cosmetic crowns. Check with your provider to understand your coverage, any limitations, and out-of-pocket costs you may incur.
Am I a good candidate for a dental crown?
Dental crowns are the last resort for patients with severe decay or damage. Since we practice conservative dentistry, we’ll take every step possible to save the tooth root. However, there are times when a crown can’t save your tooth. In this instance, we’ll need to extract the tooth instead.