The team at Prime Family Dentistry understands the importance of taking care of your natural teeth. We work with our patients to help them build proper oral hygiene habits to support healthy teeth and gums. However, we understand that sometimes things happen that are beyond your control.
If you have a tooth that is severely damaged/decayed and a standard dental filling will not help, you may need a crown. Dental crowns are also suitable for teeth that are significantly worn down, cracked, or weak.
If your tooth has been treated with root canal therapy, experts recommend that you get a dental crown on it to protect it from future damage. Finally, if you have a dental implant, a crown will be used to replace the visible portion of the tooth.
What are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped covering that is placed on a tooth that is severely damaged/decayed. It is designed to protect the tooth from further damage.
What Type of Dental Crown Should I Choose?
There are several types of dental crowns, including:
- Porcelain
- Composite resin
- Metal
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal
- Zirconia
How Do I Know I Need a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns are recommended for patients who have significant damage/decay or who require root canal treatment to salvage the natural tooth. It may also be used to replace a missing tooth with a dental implant or as a support for an implant-retained dental bridge.
Dental Crown Procedure
There are several steps involved in the dental crown procedure, which usually takes 2 appointments.
The first step is the consultation exam. During this visit, we will take x-rays and perform a full examination to determine if you would benefit from a dental crown. We will discuss your oral and overall health, as well as your oral care routine. Then, we will show you samples of dental crowns and help you match the color to the surrounding teeth.
Next, the tooth will be prepared for the crown. In some cases, the enamel will need to be filed down to create space. If the tooth has an infection, root canal treatment may be needed to remove the decayed pulp. Typically, local anesthesia is used, but we can accommodate patients who require sedation.
The next step is to take some impressions of the affected tooth which will be used to fabricate your crown. This will ensure that the crown will fit properly.
If your crown is being fabricated in an off-site lab, it will take a week or two. Therefore, a temporary crown will be placed on the tooth to protect it while you wait. This step will be skipped if you are getting a same-day/chairside crown.
When the permanent crown is ready, the temporary crown will be removed, and the tooth will be cleaned and checked. Then, the crown will be placed to check the fit. Sometimes, some minor adjustments will need to be made. Once it fits perfectly, it will be cemented in place.
How Much Does a Dental Crown Cost?
The cost of a dental crown ranges from around $500 to $2,500+, depending on a few different factors. In some cases, your dental insurance will cover a portion of the treatment. However, if the crown is being placed for cosmetic reasons, most will not.
Factors Influencing the Cost of Dental Crowns
There are several factors that influence the cost of a dental crown, including:
Type of dental crown material
The material that the dental crown is made of has an impact on the cost. A porcelain crown is more expensive than one made of composite resin.
Complexity of the case
The complexity of the case makes a difference in the cost of the procedure. If you have a severely damaged tooth that requires a lot of prep work, the cost will be higher than if it is a simple crown placement.
Dentist's experience and reputation
The experience and expertise of the dentist will impact the cost of the procedure. If you are working with a dentist that has been in the industry for some time and has been through extensive training or has performed many dental crown procedures, their fee will be higher than a dentist that is just starting out.
Is a Dental Crown Covered by Insurance?
Dental crowns are considered a cosmetic restorative procedure. While they are used to restore a tooth, they may also be used for cosmetic reasons only.
If the dentist recommends a dental crown for restorative reasons, most dental insurance providers will cover a portion of the treatment. However, if it is recommended for aesthetic reasons, most will not.
If you do not have dental insurance or if your provider does not cover it, we offer financing through CareCredit. They offer low- and no-interest plans, which allow you to split the fee up into easy-to-manage payments that fit within your budget.
Do You Need a Dental Crown? Find Out With A Consultation at Prime Family Dentistry in Stone Ridge
The American Dental Association recommends that you visit the dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and exam. However, if you have an issue between those visits and believe that your tooth may need a dental crown, schedule your consultation today.
Dental Crown FAQs
Prime Family Dentistry believes in informed consent. This means that we want to make sure that you understand your condition and the recommended procedures. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. Below are a few of the most common questions that we get about dental crowns.
How long do crowns really last?
Dental crowns last an average of 5 to 15 years, depending on several factors:
- Experience/expertise of the dentist
- Lifestyle habits (smoking, using teeth as tools, etc.)
- Oral care habits (brushing/flossing, visiting the dentist regularly)
- Condition of the underlying tooth
- Grinding/clenching teeth
Can you eat after getting a crown?
Yes, you can eat after getting a dental crown. However, it is recommended that you wait until the anesthesia wears off. When you do eat, try to stick to a soft food diet for a day or two and avoid biting down directly on the crown.
Are crowns permanent?
No, dental crowns are not permanent. You will need to consider replacing it every 5 to 15 years.
Do teeth grow back after the crown?
The crown is placed on the tooth to protect it from damage, preventing extraction. In some cases, a crown is used with a dental implant to replace a missing tooth. The natural tooth will not grow back or restore itself if it is a permanent tooth.