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Instead of performing an extraction, Dr. Kuan and Dr. Lam are more than happy to provide dental crowns for patients needing to restore damaged teeth, bringing back their fullest function and appearance. Not only are our dental crowns personalized and customized to your exact needs, but they will last for many years, ensuring you can smile and eat many of your favorite foods with confidence. To get started, simply call our office and we’ll get you scheduled for an appointment!
Dental crowns are customized restorations designed to fit over damaged teeth. Often referred to as “caps”, dental crowns are an incredibly versatile treatment that works to solve many problems at once. Whether your tooth is damaged as a result of decay or injury, you need a dental implant covered to complete your smile, or you have cosmetic imperfections that make showing your teeth difficult, dental crowns are one of the best ways to get the job done.
During your detailed and comprehensive oral exam, our dentists will be able to confirm if you need to have a dental crown placed in order to protect your oral health and prevent future complications. For example, we often replace dental fillings when they are not effectively protecting a tooth, which is the case when a filling takes up two-thirds or more of a tooth’s natural structure. Additionally, a crown is placed following a root canal, which involves creating a hole in the top portion of the tooth in order to access the inner area where the pulp lies. Chances are if you have a tooth that is significantly damaged in some way, a crown will be able to restore it.
During the actual treatment, we remove the issue that damaged your tooth in the first place (ex. tooth decay), then begin modifying the tooth structure so that it can effectively hold a dental crown later. After creating impressions of your damaged tooth, we’ll send these impressions to an offsite dental lab. There, your permanent crown will be created. Since this process takes one to two weeks to complete, you’ll wear a temporary crown for the time being, then come back to our office to have the temporary crown removed and the permanent crown placed.
Dental crowns don’t only prevent the need for an extraction. In fact, they are fully capable of:
If you need a dental crown, it won't cost you an arm or a leg. Although many factors influence the cost of dental crowns, Brush Dental has many financial solutions to keep your restoration within your budget. You won't compromise quality or aesthetics. Your dentist will create a natural-looking crown that can last for years with the correct care, like brushing on a flossing.
There isn't a one-size-fits-all dental crown because every tooth is as unique as fingerprints. Therefore, there's also not a flat fee for a crown. Several things can influence the cost, like:
Your dentist will create your treatment plan with your budget in mind. A member of our dental team will review your estimate and explain the fees, so you'll know exactly what you'll have to pay before committing to anything.
Your dental insurance may cover your consultation and diagnostic services. Your policy includes any medically necessary procedures, including preparatory treatments and your restoration. However, if your crown is elective, your dental insurance may not cover some of the cost. After meeting your annual deductible, your benefits can pay 50% to 80% of necessary services. We will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize any coverage.
In addition to dental insurance, we also offer flexible financial solutions to keep your restoration affordable, like:
In short, dental crowns are not technically permanent, as you will need to get them replaced in the future. However, with proper care and routine visits to your dentist, you can have them protect your tooth for up to 15 years. The underlying tooth will be permanently reshaped though to fit a crown, as your enamel will not grow back. Fortunately, your restoration will be durable enough to prevent further damage later on.
The best way to determine if your dental crown needs replacement is to visit your dentist for an oral examination. They’ll be able to take X-rays and evaluate whether a new crown is necessary. Still, several signs can indicate a dental crown is nearing its end, including:
Just like with a filling, we’ll numb your affected tooth before proceeding with a dental crown treatment. We normally apply a local anesthetic to relieve any discomfort, but we can also provide sedation if you’re feeling anxious or nervous. It’s normal to feel mild sensitivity for a few days after the initial procedure, especially if you’ve had a root canal beforehand. This should go away over time and with some help from OTC pain relievers. However, if your discomfort persists or worsens, be sure to call us right away.
Temporary crowns are only meant to be worn while waiting for your permanent ones to be constructed in a dental lab. They are also less durable and require extra care to preserve them in the meantime. Brushing, flossing, and eating gently are crucial when wearing them, as they are more likely to loosen due to a weaker cement. Permanent crowns, however, are made of stronger and natural-looking materials (porcelain, ceramics, etc.) that are bonded with a more powerful bonding cement. This means you can clean them and eat your meals normally without worrying about dislodging them.
