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So, you’ve been told by your dentist that you’ll need a crown. But what exactly is a crown? And what are they used for? We’ll help answer those questions and explain everything you need to know about having a crown placed.
A crown is a cap that can be placed over a damaged tooth to both heal the tooth and provide a natural aesthetic look for your smile. Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, like:
- Porcelain
- Porcelain fused to metal
- Ceramic
- Metal
- Zirconia
- Composite resin
- A combination of materials
Do I Need a Dental Crown?
You may need a crown if you have a cavity that’s too big to be filled. The crown will cover up the cavity and allow it to heal. A crown may also be needed if your tooth is:
- Cracked or chipped
- Severely worn down
- Weakened or fragile
Dental crown placement is a common procedure that is very safe and effective for treating these issues. You should feel comfortable talking to your dentist about your options to make sure a crown is the right choice for you. At Smile Fort Worth, Drs. Harlin, Wilkinson, and Collins have extensive experience with diagnosing and treating large cavities and damaged teeth.
Our whole team will create a friendly and professional environment for your procedure. We know not everyone loves visiting the dentist. That’s why we prioritize your comfort to make your experience as comfortable and stress-free as can be. Things like warm blankets, headphones, and lemon-scented warm towels help keep our patients at ease while we make their teeth shine.
How is a Dental Crown Placed?
At Smile Fort Worth, we place crowns through a process that takes a couple of appointments but maximizes your satisfaction with the look and feel of your crown.
- Your dentist will examine your tooth, possibly taking x-rays or making a mold
- Part of the tooth’s outer layer is filed down and removed
- An impression is made of the trimmed-down area
- Your dentist will place a temporary crown on the tooth to keep it protected
- The impression is sent to the lab where the crown will be made to mold to your tooth
- Later, when the crown comes in, you’ll come back, and your dentist will cement the crown to your tooth
How Much Does a Dental Crown Cost?
The cost of a crown procedure can vary depending on the material used for the crown, the region you live in, and the amount of dental work required before placing the crown (for example, if you need a root canal). Generally, crowns can range in price from $800 to $1500. Dental coverage may cover all or part of the crown procedure, so check with your insurance company to see how much you will be paying out of pocket.
The cost of a crown procedure can vary depending on the material used for the crown, the region you live in, and the amount of dental work required before placing the crown (for example, if you need a root canal).
Generally, crowns can range in price from $800 to $1500. Dental coverage may cover all or part of the crown procedure, so check with your insurance company to see how much you will be paying out of pocket.
The proper material for your situation can be determined by factors like:
Your tooth’s location
How much of your tooth shows when you smile
The health and strength of your gum tissue
Amount of natural tooth remaining
Color of surrounding teeth
You may have multiple options available to you that can affect the price of your procedure. Your dentist will be happy to discuss these options with you to find the best fit for you.
Are There Complications I Should Be Worried About?
It’s important to be aware of side effects your crown could cause. Having a crown placed is a safe and effective procedure, but complications could happen.
The most common side effect is mild tooth sensitivity after your procedure, especially sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. This is normal and should fade away in a few days to a couple weeks. If your tooth feels very sensitive when you bite down — or you feel pain — the fit of the crown may be off. You can talk to your dentist about adjusting the fit of the crown or filing it down to make sure you have a symmetrical bite.
Some crowns may be vulnerable to chipping. Your dentist may be able to fix small chips in the crown. If your crown becomes chipped, feels loose, or is knocked out, call your dentist quickly. A damaged crown leaves your natural tooth below vulnerable to damage or decay.
How Can I Take Care of My Crown?
A well-cared for crown should last between 5 and 15 years. Taking good care of your teeth and gums is the best way to extend the life of your crown. These steps will help keep your crown healthy and in place:
- Carefully brush your teeth twice daily. If your teeth are sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, you may consider using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth
- Floss daily
- Avoid chewing hard foods on your crown
- Let your dentist know if you grind your teeth at night. They may suggest using a night guard to protect your crown and teeth
A Smile Worth Protecting
Plan Your Next Visit to Our Office.
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