
Perfectly Seamless Tooth Restoration
All Family Dental - Are crowns better than fillings
When a tooth is fractured, treated with a root canal, discolored, damaged by decay, or has an irregular shape, a dental crown serves as a protective “cap” to restore it. Individually designed and expertly fitted, these crowns blend naturally with your teeth in both color and shape, often lasting for over 15 years. They can also be used to secure a dental bridge, finish a dental implant, or enhance aesthetics for cosmetic purposes.
What’s The Process Of Getting A Crown?
Usually, getting a dental crown involves two visits to the dentist.
Here’s how the process works:
Examining and Preparing the Tooth
As with most dental treatments, the process starts with a thorough oral evaluation to ensure your teeth are clean and ready for the crown. If a tooth is cracked or severely damaged by decay, the compromised areas will be removed to prepare the tooth for a crown, which will protect it from further harm.
Shaping the Crown
Next, we use dental molding materials to create an impression of your teeth. This impression acts as a guide for crafting custom porcelain crowns. In the meantime, we’ll fit you with a temporary crown to wear until your next visit. If you have a missing tooth and are considering a dental implant, an impression of the implant site and surrounding teeth will also be taken, helping our lab design a crown that fits you perfectly.
Placing the Crown
At your second appointment, we’ll remove the temporary crown and place the permanent one. The new crown will be secured with durable dental cement or a discreet fastener. Finally, we’ll polish and adjust the crown to ensure it fits comfortably and looks natural, leaving you with a restored smile.
Cost Of Dental Crowns In Oakdale
What determines the cost of a dental crown?
- The type of crown and the materials chosen.
- The procedure’s complexity and the tooth’s location.
- The number of crowns needed.
- Whether the crown is paired with other dental restorations, such as bridges.
- The tools and materials required for your specific treatment.
It’s important to note that no dental practice can give an exact quote over the phone. Your dental needs are as unique as your smile. Scheduling an appointment with a dentist for an oral exam is essential to explore your options and receive an accurate cost estimate. If you have dental insurance, we’re happy to provide a quote for you to submit, so you can understand your out-of-pocket expenses before moving forward.
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: Most dental crowns last between 5 to 15 years, though with proper care, some can last much longer.
- Maximization: To extend the life of your crown, practice excellent oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily, avoid biting or chewing on hard objects like ice or hard candy, and schedule regular dental check-ups.
No, crowns cannot be whitened in the same way as natural teeth. Unlike natural enamel, crowns do not react to whitening treatments. If discoloration occurs, the crown may need to be replaced or polished by your dentist. To preserve its color, avoid common staining agents such as coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco.
Yes, mild discomfort or sensitivity is common after a crown is placed, particularly to hot or cold temperatures. This typically resolves within a few days. If sensitivity persists or becomes severe, it’s important to contact your dentist.
The decision to use a dental crown depends on the severity and location of tooth damage, decay, or cosmetic concerns. Crowns are generally recommended for significant structural damage or after root canal treatment, as they protect the entire visible part of the tooth. For smaller issues, fillings, inlays, or onlays may be sufficient. A dental examination and consultation will help identify the best treatment option.
Common materials include:
- Porcelain or ceramic: Ideal for front teeth, as they closely match natural tooth color.
- Gold or metal alloys: Extremely durable and well-suited for back teeth where strength is essential.
- Porcelain fused to metal: Offers the strength of metal with the aesthetic appeal of porcelain, though it may reveal a metal edge at the gum line.
- Zirconia: Strong and natural-looking, increasingly preferred for its durability and aesthetics.
- Composite resin: A more affordable option but prone to wear over time.
Choosing the right material depends on factors such as the tooth’s location, your aesthetic goals, bite alignment, and budget. Your dentist will recommend the best option based on your specific requirements and preferences.
Google Verified Patient Reviews
