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Dental Crowns

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What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are designed to protect a damaged tooth and/or conceal cosmetic imperfections. Teeth with extensive structural damage or decay can develop severe dental issues when left untreated. A dental crown offers an effective means of restoring the tooth body after problem areas have been removed by a dentist. Typically, a dental crown is made of porcelain material and fits over the prepared tooth like a sheath, which reinforces the structure of the natural tooth, prevents future decay, and helps avoid the need for a root canal. Cosmetic problems such as chips, cracks, stains, or discoloration can also be corrected with a dental crown for a smile that looks healthy, beautiful, and natural.

Dental Crowns vs. Veneers

While porcelain veneers are primarily used to address cosmetic issues, dental crowns are made to improve both the form and function of the teeth. Porcelain veneers are most often used to improve the appearance of the teeth by adhering a thin shell of porcelain to the front side of each tooth to conceal cosmetic imperfections. When the structural integrity of a tooth has been compromised, a dental crown is often a better choice for reinforcing the natural tooth and preventing further damage, while simultaneously improving the tooth’s appearance.

Dental Crowns vs. Dental Implants

Dental crowns and dental implants both serve very specific purposes, and are sometimes used in combination for certain conditions. For instance, when a patient is replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant, a dental crown is affixed to the top of the implant post to provide stable and natural-looking smile restoration results. With this in mind, not every patient who needs a dental crown will need dental implants. If the original tooth and its roots are healthy enough to save them from extraction, a dental crown can often be placed on the affected tooth to enhance its structure and protection. Crowns are custom-made to cover damaged or decayed teeth, helping to protect them from future impairment and improving their appearance. The dental crown process is typically less invasive than a full dental implant procedure, which may be recommended only in cases of missing teeth or teeth that will need to be extracted.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Crowns?

Porcelain dental crowns are typically recommended to address one or more of the following concerns:

Each dental crown is custom-shaped and color-matched to create a beautiful, consistent smile. Porcelain dental implant crowns, which are quite different from traditional dental crowns, are used to complete single-tooth dental implants, providing a restorations that attach to implant posts to look and function like natural teeth.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Crowns?

Candidates for dental crowns usually have moderate to severe structural problems with a tooth that are caused by decay and/or damage. Restoring the tooth with a dental crown is a more conservative option than tooth extraction, as it allows the natural tooth structure to remain rooted in the jawbone. In some cases of severe damage, Dr. Sameet Sheth may recommend replacing the natural tooth with a dental implant; however, whenever possible, Dr. Sheth will choose to preserve and protect the natural tooth with a dental crown. To find out if you are a good candidate for dental crowns, please contact Restorative and Implant Dentistry of Bayside to schedule a consultation today.

How Is the Dental Crowns Procedure Performed?

Dr. Sheth first conducts an oral examination to determine if you are a candidate for dental crowns. If you are a good candidate for the procedure, he will prep the affected tooth or teeth by removing the damaged portion, make a mold, and send the impressions to a dental lab where the custom crowns can be fabricated according to his specifications. Once the finished crowns are shipped back to our office, they can be fitted and then permanently affixed to the teeth, completing your smile.

How Much Do Dental Crowns Cost?

There is no fixed cost for dental crowns since each procedure is customized to meet the patient’s unique needs. Factors that can influence the final price of porcelain crowns include the location of the affected tooth or teeth, the total number of affected teeth, and the overall complexity of the procedure. Dental financing options, such as CareCredit®, are available for patients who may benefit from flexible monthly payment plans.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

Dental crowns do not have a set lifespan, but there are steps you can take to ensure your crowns last as long as possible. Maintaining good oral hygiene habits, scheduling routine oral exams, and choosing a dentist who works with a high-quality dental laboratory can positively impact the durability of your crowns. Patients who clench or grind their teeth may find their crowns do not last as long, though in some cases a nightguard may be worn to protect the restorations from undue stress. When properly cared for, dental crowns may last for decades.

Choosing a Cosmetic Dentist for Dental Crowns 

One of the factors that can contribute to the longevity of dental crowns is whether the procedure is performed by a skilled cosmetic dentist. When choosing a dentist, consider the following qualifications: 

When researching cosmetic dentists, you can also review patient testimonials and before-and-after photos. These resources can help you envision the type of care and results you can expect from your dental crown procedure. 

Additional Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns 

Are dental crowns painful? 

The dental crown process is not typically painful. The area will be numbed with a local anesthetic during treatment. Patients may feel a certain degree of discomfort as the numbness wears off; however, any temporary pain and/or sensitivity after the crown is placed can often be well managed with over-the-counter medication. 

Will my dental crowns look natural? 

Dr. Sheth is dedicated to providing natural-looking dental crowns that can blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile. Crowns are custom-designed and constructed to resemble the natural shape and color of the patient’s teeth. 

Does insurance cover dental crowns? 

Insurance companies may cover a dental crown procedure if the treatment is restorative, but often will not offer coverage if the crown is being placed exclusively for cosmetic enhancement. We recommend reviewing your insurance policy or talking to your insurance agent to find out whether your coverage includes dental crowns. 

For more information about dental crowns, or to schedule a consultation, please contact our office.