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All Family Dental - Are crowns better than fillings
A dental crown is a “cap” which is placed over a tooth that has been broken, treated by root canal, stained, damaged by decay, or is misshapen. Individually crafted and custom-fitted dental crowns blend in with the tone and contour of your natural teeth and can last for more than 15 years. Sometimes crowns are also used to hold a dental bridge or top off a dental implant or they may be applied for certain cosmetic modifications or aesthetic purposes.
What’s The Process Of Getting A Crown?
Typically, a dental crown treatment involves two appointments with a dentist.
Here is how we go about it:
Examining and preparing the tooth
Much like other dental procedures, it all begins with an oral assessment where the dentist ensures your teeth are cleaned and ready for a seamless placement. If a tooth is fractured or extensively compromised by decay, the affected regions will be eliminated, allowing the dental cap to effectively shield the tooth from future deterioration.
Shaping the Crown
Following that, using dental molding material, we’ll capture a mold of your teeth, which will serve as a blueprint for crafting pure porcelain crowns. In the interim, we’ll equip you with a provisional dental cap to wear until your next visit. If there’s a gap from a missing tooth and you’re considering a dental implant, an impression of the implant site and adjacent teeth will be taken. This mold will guide our lab in creating a bespoke crown tailored just for you.
Placing the Crown
During your follow-up visit, we’ll take off the provisional cap and introduce the definitive crown in its place. This crown will be anchored either with robust dental adhesive or an inconspicuous fastener. To round off the procedure, we’ll refine the crown’s finish and tweak as needed, prioritizing your comfort and its secure fit.
Cost Of Dental Crowns In Oakdale
So what goes into determining the cost of a dental crown?
- The type of crown and the material that is used.
- The location and complexity of the procedure.
- The number of crowns that may be required.
- Combining the crown with other dental appliances like bridges.
- Supplies and equipment that are required for your specific treatment.
Remember, no dental practice can provide an accurate quote over the phone. Ultimately, your needs are as unique as your smile. It’s important to speak with a dentist and undergo an oral exam to find out all your treatment options and to receive an accurate quote. If you have dental insurance, we would be happy to supply you with a quote to submit to them so you can find out your out-of-pocket costs before you make a decision.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
– Lifespan: Dental crowns typically last between 5 to 15 years, but with optimal care, some can last even longer.
– Maximization: To maximize the lifespan, maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily, avoid chewing on hard items like ice or hard candy, and see your dentist for regular check-ups.
No, dental crowns cannot be whitened like natural teeth. Unlike natural teeth, crowns don’t respond to whitening agents. If a crown becomes discolored, it may need to be replaced or professionally polished by a dentist. To maintain its color, it’s best to avoid staining agents like coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco.
Yes, it’s common to experience some level of discomfort or sensitivity immediately after a crown placement. This sensitivity, often triggered by cold or hot temperatures, usually subsides after a few days. If it persists or becomes severe, it’s essential to consult your dentist.
The need for a dental crown is determined based on the extent and location of tooth damage, decay, or cosmetic concerns. Crowns are often recommended when there’s significant structural damage to a tooth, or after root canal therapy, as they encompass and protect the entire visible portion of the tooth. On the other hand, minor damages or cavities might be addressed with fillings, inlays, or onlays. A comprehensive dental examination and consultation with your dentist will provide the best guidance.
Common materials include:
– Porcelain or ceramic: Matches the natural tooth color and is typically used for front teeth.
Gold or metal alloys: Highly durable and resistant to wear, suitable for back teeth where strength is paramount.
– Porcelain fused to metal: Combines the strength of metal with the aesthetic appeal of porcelain but can sometimes show a metal line at the gum.
– Zirconia: Known for its strength and natural appearance, becoming increasingly popular.
– Composite resin: Less expensive but might wear down over time.
Choosing the right material often depends on the location of the tooth, aesthetic desires, the patient’s bite, and budget considerations. Your dentist will provide recommendations based on your specific needs and preferences.