You’ve chipped a tooth. Maybe you ignored a nagging cavity too long, and it finally gave way. Or perhaps a nasty spill left you with a less-than-perfect smile. No matter the reason, you’re now considering crowns for teeth.
It can feel overwhelming to navigate dental procedures, especially if you’re unsure what to expect. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about crowns for teeth, from understanding the procedure and types of crowns available to managing costs and post-procedure care.
Table of Contents:
Understanding Crowns for Teeth
A dental crown is a custom-made “cap” that fits snugly over your natural tooth. Crowns are a restorative measure that can strengthen, protect, and improve the appearance of a damaged tooth. They act as a shield, safeguarding your pearly whites.
Why Would You Need a Dental Crown Procedure?
Your dentist might recommend a crown procedure for several reasons:
- To protect a tooth that’s been weakened—maybe due to decay, a large filling, or a root canal.
- To hold together parts of a cracked or fractured tooth.
- To restore a tooth that’s worn down or broken.
- To improve the appearance of a misshapen or severely discolored tooth.
Crowns for teeth also play a crucial role in other dental procedures. They’re used to:
- Cover and support a tooth after root canal treatment.
- Anchor dental bridges, acting like pillars holding up a missing tooth.
- Top dental implants, replacing the visible part of a missing tooth.
What Materials Are Used to Make Crowns?
You have choices when it comes to the material of your crowns. The best material depends on the tooth’s location, aesthetics, and your budget. Here are some popular choices:
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns (PFM)
These crowns combine durability with aesthetics. The porcelain outer layer is color-matched to your teeth, while the metal substructure provides strength. However, the Cleveland Clinic mentions that, over time, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns may show a dark line near the gums, especially if you tend to have receding gums.
All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain Crowns
All-ceramic or all-resin crowns are an excellent choice for those with metal allergies or looking for the most natural look. They’re often preferred for front teeth because they can be perfectly color-matched to your existing teeth.
Metal Crowns
Often made of gold or other alloys, metal crowns are durable and long-lasting. They are known to be strong and hold up well against chewing forces. However, because they’re the least natural-looking, they’re typically used for out-of-sight molars that aren’t as visible.
Zirconia Crowns
Crafted from a strong and durable type of ceramic, Zirconia crowns offer a great combination of strength and a natural appearance. A 2016 study found zirconia to be the most resistant to cracks and splitting under high bite forces, even compared to other types of monolithic crowns. This makes them a good choice for teeth that do a lot of chewing.
Regardless of the material you choose, your new crown will be custom-made for a precise fit and a beautiful finish.
Dental Crown Procedure Steps
Let’s break down the steps involved in getting a crown. It’s usually a multi-step process. Understanding the crown placement process can ease any anxiety.
The First Office Visit: Examination and Preparation
During this visit, your dentist will prepare your tooth for a crown:
- Examination and X-rays: Your dentist starts with a thorough exam and X-rays to evaluate the condition of the tooth that needs a crown. This ensures the roots and surrounding bone are healthy.
- Numbing and Tooth Preparation: The area will be numbed before your dentist files down the tooth. The amount removed depends on the type of crown selected.
- Taking Impressions or Digital Scans: Once the tooth is prepped, an impression (mold) or a digital scan is taken. Digital technology is advancing dentistry and many practices are transitioning away from messy traditional dental impressions. Using computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology, dentists are now able to get the impressions they need for many dental procedures more efficiently than traditional impressions.
- Placement of a Temporary Crown: You’ll get a temporary crown to wear while you wait for the permanent crown to be fabricated at a dental laboratory. It acts as a protective barrier for the prepared tooth.
The Second Appointment: Placement of the Permanent Crown
During the second appointment, your dentist will place your permanent crown.
- Removal of Temporary Crown & Fitting: During your second visit, your dentist removes your temporary crown. They then make sure your permanent crown is the right fit and that the color looks good.
- Cementing: Once everything checks out, the tooth is numbed again, and your permanent crown is carefully bonded using a special dental cement. This securely seals it in place.
Sometimes a crown can be done in a single, same-day visit using CEREC technology. This depends on the dental office. If this is something you are looking for, ask about CEREC when booking your appointment.
Managing the Costs of Crowns: A Realistic View
Dental procedures can be costly, and crowns for teeth are no exception. However, a crown is an investment in your oral health. It’s important to understand the factors that can impact the price and prepare financially. This can often make a difference in choosing a specific crown type for your procedure.
Understanding the Factors Affecting Cost
Various elements play a part in the final cost of a crown. Here are a few that stand out:
- The Type of Crown You Choose: Different types of crowns come with varying price tags. The more aesthetically pleasing materials, like zirconia or porcelain, may cost more than metal crowns for front teeth.
- The Dentist You Choose: A dentist’s experience and location influence the fee structure for crowns. Make sure to understand your options.
- The Complexity of Your Case: If you require additional procedures, such as a root canal or gum surgery, this will factor into your overall cost.
- Insurance Coverage: Some insurance plans offer partial coverage for crowns. Delta Dental emphasizes that you’ll want to verify the extent of your coverage with your insurance carrier. They will cover various percentages or dollar amounts for specific procedures based on the plan you’re subscribed to. Knowing this information will help you determine out-of-pocket expenses.
Pro Tip: Have an Open Dialogue with Your Dentist.
Once you understand what to expect when you need a crown, speak with your dental provider. They can offer more tailored cost insights specific to your case. This empowers you to weigh the different aspects and choose a solution that perfectly suits both your dental needs and your budget.
FAQs About Crowns
How long do crowns last?
With proper care, a dental crown can last for many years. The average lifespan is around 5 to 15 years. However, some people have crowns that last even longer with excellent oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.
Is getting a crown painful?
Getting crowns is generally not a painful experience. Local anesthesia will numb the area before your dentist begins any work. You can anticipate feeling some pressure during the procedure, but you shouldn’t feel any pain.
Post-procedure sensitivity is common, but over-the-counter pain medications can help. If you feel pain at any time, let your dentist know right away.
Conclusion
Getting crowns for teeth might seem overwhelming at first. But by understanding why they’re needed, the options available, and how to care for them, you can face the process with confidence.
Having an open conversation with your dentist about any concerns or costs will empower you to make informed choices that keep your smile healthy and radiant.