A dental crown is a custom-crafted appliance that protects decayed, damaged, and discolored teeth. It provides excellent chewing ability and restores teeth to a healthy appearance.
Dental consumer website www.fairheathconsumer.org estimates tooth colored crowns in our area range in cost from $1085 to $1632 depending on insurance.
About Dental Crowns
Dentists may recommend crowns when patients' teeth have incurred too much damage for a filling to repair. They may also opt for a crown if a patient's tooth is broken or cracked. Dentists also use crowns to restore the appearance of discolored teeth.
Materials for Dental Crowns
Dentists choose appropriate crown materials based on the patient's needs.
- Metal: These crowns are the most durable, especially in patients who grind their teeth. Dentists frequently use them on the molars. Children also typically receive stainless steel crowns.
- Porcelain Over Metal: These crowns have metal durability and a tooth-colored appearance.
- Porcelain: These crowns have a lustrous appearance similar to natural teeth, but they can be more fragile.
- Same-Day CEREC Crowns: Suwanee Family Dentistry offers the convenience of same-day crowns milled from fine ceramic material. These crowns look natural while providing excellent performance and durability.
The Dental Crown Process
Getting a dental crown is a straightforward procedure. First, the dentist takes digital impressions of the tooth and its neighbors to create a perfect fit. After applying local anesthesia for your comfort, the dentist prepares the tooth by removing any damaged or decayed areas and shaping it to accept the new appliance.
Next, the dentist takes another set of digital impressions to shape the interior of the crown. At this point, the crown design goes to the dental lab or the CEREC milling machine.
If you opt for a same-day crown, you will be in and out of the office in as little as two hours. If your crown comes from the lab, it may take several days, so your dentist will send you home with a temporary appliance to protect the prepared tooth.
When the crown is ready, the dentist checks your comfort and bite and then cements it in place. As soon as your local anesthetic wears off, you can eat and drink as usual.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns
How long does a dental crown last?
A crown should last five to fifteen years, though, with exceptional oral hygiene, it could last decades.
How do I care for my crown?
Brush and floss as you usually would, but pay close attention to the area around the crown. If the crown cracks, breaks, or falls off, see your dentist immediately for repair or replacement to prevent tooth infections.
Call Suwanee Family Dentistry
If you have a damaged tooth, you may be a candidate for a crown. Please call our Suwanee, GA, office at 678-714-2380 to schedule a consultation and exam today.