Dental Crowns – What to Expect

If you are wondering how dental crowns work, you have come to the right place. Dental crowns are ideal for replacing cracked, chipped, weak, and severely discolored teeth. They are tooth-shaped caps that are placed on the damaged tooth to help restore the structure of the tooth and improve its appearance. Dental crowns help to enhance your smile and improve your self-esteem. The crown is cemented into place to encase the visible part of the damaged or discolored tooth above the gumline. You may also require dental crowns if you have large cavities that threaten the health of your teeth.

A crown can be temporary or permanent depending on how it is used. For example, a temporary crown can be used during the process of designing and installing a permanent crown. The process will take place over about one or two weeks with a total of two visits to the dentist

The latest advances in 3D imaging technology allow the dentist to design and install dental crowns in a single visit. CEREC or Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics crowns are the latest trend in the industry. They can be created and installed within a couple of hours. You only need one dental appointment to install a modern dental crown. 

The process of creating and installing traditional dental crowns is lengthy and involves several steps. The first step is to take an impression of the damaged or discolored tooth. A temporary crown or bridge will be placed on the damaged tooth until the permanent crown is created and installed. The dentist will send the impression of your tooth to the dental lab where the permanent crown is manufactured and sent back to the dentist’s office. The dentist will inspect the crown and make any required adjustments before cementing the crown to your affected tooth.

On the other hand, the latest CEREC crowns take less than two hours to create and install. The system uses the latest technology with computer-aided design (CAD) software and 3D photography to help the dentist design custom dental crowns to suit your mouth and the surrounding teeth.

The cost of dental crowns varies depending on many factors. In fact, dental crowns can range in price from $1,500 to $2,000. The material used for the crown, the size of your tooth, the reputation of the dentist, and many other factors can affect the price. A gold crown can cost much more in the range of $2,500 per tooth. On the other hand, if the dentist has to perform more prep work, the cost of the crown can increase. Dental insurance may cover part or the full amount of installing dental crowns. You should check with your health insurance provider about what is covered and what is not when deciding to install dental crowns.

Once the dental crown is installed, you should take good care of it. Preventive care can prolong the life of the crown. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is very important when caring for dental crowns. Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth if the crown is sensitive to heat or cold. Daily flossing will help keep the crowns in good condition over time. Care is needed as the crown cannot withstand the same level of pressure or bite strength as a natural tooth, so don’t chew hard foods and ice. Your crowns can crack under pressure. This is very important for people with porcelain crowns. Get a nightguard if you grind or clench your teeth at night. It helps protect the crown and surrounding teeth. 

There can be some complications of having a dental crown in your mouth. Dental crowns can become sensitive to heat and cold, but if the crown is too sensitive to pressure while you are biting then the crown may not be fitted properly. Your dentist will help change the placement of the crown or file down the top of the crown under such circumstances.

Dental crowns are a common and safe option for restoring a beautiful smile, the information above is a basic overview, please consult our dentist to get more in-depth information if needed.