What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a type of restoration used to cover the tooth to protect it. It's also known as a cap, and many people are familiar with this term. A dental crown is used because the structure of a tooth can be compromised by a crack, a cavity, or extensive previous work. If a tooth needs a root canal, there are many reasons why a tooth may need a cap, also known as a crown. In short, a dental crown is a restoration that covers the whole tooth to protect its structure from fracturing, cracking, or breaking.
What is the alternative to a dental crown?
It really depends on the situation. Sometimes we can do a filling. Other times we might opt for a partial crown, which doesn't cover the whole tooth, just the compromised part. This is more conservative and preserves more healthy tooth structure.
However, when we recommend a crown, it means the tooth's structural integrity is compromised. The goal is to avoid losing the tooth or needing more invasive treatment like a root canal or extraction. Those are some alternatives to a dental crown.
What are the different types of dental crowns?
There are multiple types of dental crowns. Some are made fully of porcelain, others from an acrylic material called resin, and some from metal. There are crowns combining porcelain and metal. The choice depends on what's needed to protect your tooth. For example, for the molars, which do all the chewing and grinding, we often recommend something with metal because it holds up better and longer. Porcelain can fracture, whereas metal can't.
For the front of the mouth, we recommend porcelain to maintain a natural look. Resin crowns are more for temporary situations, such as when orthodontic work is needed before placing a permanent crown. These are used for temporary purposes. Those are the different types of dental crowns.
Is a crown necessary after a root canal?
I often get asked if it's absolutely necessary to have a crown after a root canal treatment. In most situations, yes, and here's why. After a root canal, the tooth becomes more brittle. Research shows that teeth in the back of the mouth are likely to fracture within six months if they don't receive a dental crown.
For the front of the mouth, where there's less pressure and force, we can often forego a crown, but for the back of the mouth, a crown is necessary to prevent fractures and breaks.
What is the dental crown procedure?
Once it's determined that a crown is needed, the first step is to numb the tooth. We then shave off a little bit of the tooth to replace the enamel with a stronger material that won't fracture or break. Some practices, like ours, can make a permanent crown the same day because we have an in-house lab.
Occasionally, we need to send it to a specialized lab. In that case, we make a temporary crown to protect the tooth while waiting for the permanent one. When you return, we remove the temporary crown, clean the tooth, and cement the permanent crown in place. Then you're free to go home and eat as you please.
Is it going to hurt when shaving down the tooth?
In most situations, it doesn't. If the tooth is already cracked and hurting, there might be some sensitivity afterward. Our goal is to get to the tooth before it hurts because if it's not hurting, it's a good sign that nothing has reached the nerve. This reduces the likelihood of needing a root canal. We aim for a painless process for our patients.
Are there any consequences to getting a tooth crowned?
There can be some complications because nothing man-made is perfect. However, when weighing the odds, the problems that can occur from not getting the crown outweigh potential complications, which aren't guaranteed. Some possible complications include tooth sensitivity and bite adjustment issues, which might require more than one visit. Most complications are short-term and not permanent.
Are dental crowns only for adults?
No, crowns can also be used in children. If a child gets a cavity on a baby tooth too early, we can cap it to preserve the tooth until it's the right time for it to fall out. This is important because losing a baby tooth too early can affect the position of adult teeth. Caps or crowns are perfect for preserving baby teeth.
Will a dental crown look like my normal tooth?
At Inspire Dental, the answer is yes. We customize every crown's color and shade to match your natural teeth, often using photos and special scans to ensure a perfect match. The greatest compliment is when a patient can't tell they have a crown. We aim for the crown to look and feel natural.
How long does a dental crown last?
The average life of a crown is about 10 to 15 years, but with proper care, they can last much longer. Proper hygiene, brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups can extend a crown's life. However, if not cared for, a cavity can form, shortening its lifespan. Crowns can last a long time, but not forever.
How do I take care of my dental crown?
Flossing, brushing, and regular dental checkups are crucial. We clean the seal around the crown and use enamel reinforcers to maintain its integrity. The main reason a crown needs replacement is due to cavities, which are preventable. Our goal is to educate and help you prolong the life of your crowns.
What is the cost of a dental crown and will my dental insurance cover it?
Most dental insurance plans cover crowns, but the percentage varies. Some cover 50%, others 80%, and some even 100%. However, there's usually a waiting period of 5 to 10 years before insurance will cover a replacement. It's important to take care of the crown to avoid early replacement costs.
How can I schedule an appointment at Inspire Dental?
At Inspire Dental, you come first. Whether you need dental care or simply have questions, call us at (210) 972-0768 or email [email protected] to schedule your visit. Our team is here to help you every step of the way.