Does your dentist recommend getting a dental crown?
Over 26% of adults in the US have untreated tooth decay while 46% have gum disease. What’s great is that, while they’re common, they’re also preventable. Dental crowns can fix most of these problems with no issues.
Dental crowns have many other uses, too. They don’t only affect your teeth but also your overall dental health. If you’re getting one, it’s smart to learn about the details around it first. Keep reading to learn about the procedure for getting a dental crown.
1. What Is a Dental Crown?
As the name suggests, this is an adjustment that the dentist fits over your teeth. You use it to cover an existing tooth rather than replace it. Some dental crowns can cover your teeth while also fill in for a missing tooth.
There are many types of dental crowns used for different locations and functions. Some dental crowns are temporary. Often, a dentist will give you a temporary crown as a short-term solution until you can get a permanent one.
Today, dental crowns have a natural-looking design. People won’t even know that you’re wearing one because of how natural they look.
2. Reasons for Getting a Dental Crown
Dental crowns have a variety of functions with the most common one being tooth protection. If you had a root canal on a tooth, you may need a crown to protect it. Dental crowns protect worn down, cracked, and weakened teeth, as well.
Some people have misshapen teeth, which can affect how they speak and eat. In this case, a dental crown can correct their shapes and provide for easier dental cleaning. You can also get a crown to cover and protect teeth are broken or damaged.
You can also get a crown even if you are missing a tooth. Your dentist will place dental crowns on top of the teeth next to the missing one. Between the crowns will be a dental bridge or a tooth implant.
3. Types of Dental Crowns
Different materials make up different types of crowns. The common materials used to create dental crowns are metal, zirconia, porcelain, and ceramic. You may also find crowns of mixed materials, like porcelain fused to metal or composite resin.
The materials of your crown will often depend on the color of the tooth and how much of it shows when you show your teeth. Dentists will also consider the function of the tooth and how much of the natural tooth remains. This means they’ll use a stronger material if the tooth will crunch down on hard foods, like your molars.
You still get a say on what material dentists will use on your teeth, though. The right material will still get a strong recommendation to help inform you of what your tooth needs.
4. How the Procedure Works
It’s typical for you to take two separate visits to the dentist to complete the treatment. You may need to see your dentist more if you need to get prep work done, like a root canal.
The first thing your dentist will do is to examine and prepare the tooth that will need the crown. You may need to get X-rays of your mouth or a mold first. Next, the dentist will file down the tooth and remove part of its outer layer.
After that, your dentist will take an impression of the tooth and the surrounding teeth. While you wait for it to be ready, you’ll get a temporary crown first. After a few weeks, the crown is ready and you’ll come back to get it cemented into your tooth.
Dentists with better resources can give you a crown on the same day. The dentist will first take digital pictures of your mouth.
They will create the crown using the digital scan from the photos for an hour or two. Afterward, the dentist will cement the crown into place.
5. Caring for Teeth With a Dental Crown
The delayed dental care due to the pandemic is giving many people problems with their new crowns. To avoid dental crown problems, remember to brush your teeth at least twice a day.
While you’re at it, use toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Make it a point to floss every day. Doing these will ensure no organic material will linger long enough to cause reactions on your teeth.
You’ll also want to avoid hard foods. Avoid eating or chewing on nuts, candy, and ice to prevent heavy damage on the crown.
7. Common Questions About Dental Crowns
Do you still have questions about dental crowns? These will answer the common questions people have about them.
Dental Crown Cost
The typical price range for getting a dental crown will depend on the type of material and the size of the tooth.
Some dentists will charge more if you need to undergo other processes. For example, you may need to get a dental implant or root canal first. If your dentist needs to perform more extensive prep work first, you’ll pay a higher amount.
You can use your dental insurance to cover the cost of your crown. It helps to learn if your insurance plan covers certain crowns or all types. You may also want to learn if the insurance will cover the total cost or only part of it.
The Lifespan of a Dental Crown
Some materials used in dental crowns will last longer than others. Dental crowns made of gold or porcelain fused to metal last the longest. The materials that wear down the fastest are resin crowns.
The dental crowns that are in the happy middle include all-ceramic and all-porcelain crowns. The general lifespan range of a dental crown is between 5 and 15 years. Again, it depends on the material, how you take care of it, and your bite force.
Be Ready for Your Dental Crown Procedure
Use this to prepare yourself for the dental crown process today!
We hope this guide helped you become more knowledgeable about getting a dental crown. If you want to read more dental guides, check out our blog. If you have questions about getting a dental crown, feel free to talk to us.