Understanding Dental Crown Choices
Dental crowns can cover a damaged tooth but are also used as artificial teeth in dental implants. They can do a lot to restore your smile to its previous glory while protecting your teeth and preventing re-infection. Dental crowns have improved with technology and newer materials too.
Composition of Dental Crowns
Patients opting for an All-on-4 get a whole set of teeth replaced.
Dental crowns today are made of several materials and the choice of which one to use is up to the dentist and the patient. They can be made of metal, like gold, a composite of resin and porcelain, or ceramic porcelain.
Each type of crown has a different cost and durability so it pays to do some research. Dental crowns typically last between five and 15 years but some last much longer.
Dental Crowns Can Look Like Natural Teeth
Modern dental crowns can look like your own teeth. The porcelain and resin composites can be matched to suit the shape and shade of your other teeth so no one will know the difference. Gold crowns are the most expensive and highly visible but are also the most durable, which is why they are often used for back teeth where most chewing occurs.
Installing a Dental Crown
A dental crown is typically used to cover a tooth after a root canal or to restore a decayed or damaged tooth. It fits completely over the tooth like a hat. That requires extra space between other teeth so the dentist will shave down the damaged tooth for the cap to fit in the mouth.
Cost of Getting a Dental Crown
The cost of getting a dental crown can vary depending on the material used for the crown and whether the crown is customized in the dental office or at a lab. Either way, the crown is made from teeth impressions taken in your mouth. We can talk to you about the types of crowns and why you may need them after giving you an exam. Call or book online for an exam and consultation today!
Crowns FAQs
What is the purpose of a dental crown?
A dental crown is also called a cap. It’s placed over a damaged, decayed, or root-canal treated tooth to protect it and give the tooth chewing and bite function.
What materials are dental crowns made from?
Crowns can be made from porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, porcelain-fused-to-metal, zirconia, and composite resin.
How long does it typically take to get a crown?
It typically takes two visits unless the dentist can craft the crown on-site. The tooth is prepared in the first visit and impressions are made. A temporary crown is installed. The permanent crown is placed on the second visit.
What are the benefits of a crown?
A crown protects a weakened tooth, restores function and improves appearance.
How long should a dental crown last?
Crowns are known to last more than 10 years but some can last for several decades.
What do I do to maintain a crowned tooth?
Good oral hygiene like brushing and flossing helps maintain your crowned tooth, as does dental check-ups. Avoid bad habits like trying to open things with your teeth or chewing hard things like ice.
Can I get a crown on the same day?
Yes, but it depends on the dental office and whether it has digital scanning and milling to fabricate a crown the same day.
Are there any risks with crowns?
Yes there are some risks including tooth sensitivity, the need for an adjustment, the possibility of the tooth underneath still decaying. A crown can fail or loosen.
