Dental crowns are a helpful solution for both cosmetic and restorative issues. They can fix many problems and are often used before an extraction becomes necessary for severe dental issues. Our goal is to keep your smile healthy, and crowns are one of the best ways to do that. We offer dental crowns as part of our restorative dentistry services in Denton, Texas.
What to Expect: Dental Crowns Process
The dental crown procedure is pretty much the same, no matter what material is used. First, we’ll have a consultation to decide if a crown is the best option for you. It’s rare for someone not to be a good candidate for a crown.
However, if your tooth is too damaged or decayed, we might need to remove it instead. In some cases, we find that the tooth has less damage than expected, and a filling will work just fine.
If a crown is the best choice, we start by treating any decay. After your tooth is healthy, we’ll prepare it for the crown. This involves removing some of the tooth structure and shaping the tooth to fit the crown. Then, we’ll take impressions of your tooth to create a crown that fits perfectly with your smile. We make sure the size and shape match the rest of your teeth.
When your crown is ready, we’ll first place it temporarily to check the fit. We want to make sure it’s comfortable and works well. If a crown is too loose, it can trap food and bacteria, which could harm your tooth. Once we’re sure it fits properly, we’ll bond it to your tooth permanently.
Dental Crown Materials
There are different materials to choose from for your dental crown. The most popular option is porcelain. Porcelain crowns can be used on any tooth because they look like natural teeth. Porcelain also resists stains, making it an excellent choice for a natural and clean appearance. However, porcelain crowns can be more expensive and harder to repair than other options.
Another material we offer is zirconia. Zirconia is a strong ceramic material that is highly durable. It gives you the best look and is resistant to both stains and damage. The downside is that zirconia crowns are usually the most expensive option.
Although rare, some patients may still choose metal crowns. These crowns are made from various metals, but they don’t blend in with your natural teeth.
Lastly, there are porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns. These crowns combine the strength of metal with the look of porcelain. PFM crowns are stronger than pure porcelain crowns while still providing a good appearance.
No matter what material you choose, we’ll help you find the best crown to restore your smile!
The Many Uses of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are popular because they can fix many dental problems, both cosmetic and restorative.
Cosmetic Uses
We usually treat stained teeth with professional whitening, but some stains won’t go away with whitening alone. Stains caused by medication or trauma may need a dental crown instead. We can match the crown’s color to any shade of white you want. Since crowns cover the whole tooth, none of the discoloration will show.
Misshapen or uneven teeth can cause both cosmetic and functional issues. Patients often want to fix these teeth for a better smile, but these teeth can also make it hard to speak clearly or eat properly. Dental crowns help with both problems.
We can match the size, shape, and color of the crown to fit your smile perfectly. Crowns can also fill in small gaps between teeth, making your smile look more even.
Restorative Uses
Dental crowns are often the last option before pulling a tooth. They’re used when a tooth is too damaged or decayed for other treatments, like large fillings or inlays. A crown helps you feel confident that your tooth is stable, so you won’t have pain when you bite or chew.
After a root canal, we often use crowns to make the tooth stronger. A root canal removes the infected pulp inside the tooth, but sometimes the tooth still needs extra protection. A crown seals off the tooth and restores its full function.
Crowns are also the best choice to complete a dental implant. When we place a crown on an implant, it looks and works just like a natural tooth. Implants offer the best stability because they are placed into the jawbone, and you care for them just like your natural teeth.
Caring for Dental Crowns
Dental crowns can last 15 to 20 years or more with proper care. To take care of your crown, brush at least twice a day and floss once daily. Ideally, you should brush and floss after every meal or at least rinse your mouth with water.
Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching the crown’s surface. Make sure to gently brush around the gumline to keep the area clean.
It’s also important to see your dentist twice a year. During your checkups, we’ll examine the crown for any signs of wear or damage. If we catch any problems early, we can fix them before they get worse.
Some habits can increase the chances of damaging your crown. Try to avoid biting directly on hard or sticky foods, and don’t use your teeth to open packages. Avoid habits like nail-biting or chewing on pens.
If you grind your teeth at night, use a night guard to protect your crown. If you play contact sports, wear a mouthguard to prevent injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much of a tooth do I need for a crown?
We need enough healthy tooth structure above the gum line to place a crown to support it. Usually, we need at least 1.5 to 2 millimeters of tooth all the way around. This provides enough support for the crown to fit securely. If there are not enough teeth, we can often build them up with filling material or perform a procedure to expose more of the tooth.
Will dental insurance cover crowns?
Dental insurance often covers part of the cost for dental crowns. Most plans pay about 50% if the crown is medically necessary. Coverage varies between policies. Some plans have waiting periods or annual limits. We can check your specific insurance benefits. If your insurance doesn’t cover everything, we offer payment options to help manage the remaining cost.
Will I need a root canal before getting a tooth crown?
Not necessarily. You only need a root canal if the tooth’s pulp is infected or damaged. If your tooth is healthy but needs a crown due to a large filling or fracture, a root canal might not be needed. We’ll examine your tooth to determine the best course of action.
Can a dental crown fall off or become loose?
Yes, crowns can occasionally become loose or even fall off. This might happen if the cement wears down or if there’s decay underneath the crown. If your crown feels loose, it’s important to contact our office today so we can reattach or replace it.
Will a crown affect my speech?
In most cases, a crown won’t affect your speech. It’s designed to match the size and shape of your natural tooth. You’ll likely adjust quickly and return to normal speech patterns if there’s any initial difference.
Can dental crowns get cavities?
The crown itself can’t get a cavity since it’s made from artificial materials. However, the tooth beneath the crown can still develop decay, especially near the gum line where the crown meets the tooth. Good oral hygiene is crucial to protect the underlying tooth from cavities.
Schedule a Consultation Today!
Think a dental crown might help your dental concerns? Call our office today to schedule an appointment, or request one online and we will get back to you shortly.