About 20% of people suffer from trauma to their teeth at some point in their lives. If you have a chipped or cracked tooth, talk to Dr. Monika about dental crowns.
What is a dental crown, exactly? What can you expect from the dental crown procedure? When do you need a dental crown?
Keeping to find out! In this guide, we’ll review everything you need to know before your dental crown appointment. Then, you can prepare beforehand knowing exactly what to expect.
You won’t have to walk into your appointment feeling anxious or uncertain. Discover how a dental crown can benefit your oral health today!
What is a Dental Crown?
First, let’s answer the question that’s likely on your mind: what is a dental crown?
Crowns are tooth-shaped caps that are placed over your teeth. They’re designed to cover your tooth to restore its shape, size, or strength. Crowns can improve the appearance of your teeth and smile.
Once a crown is cemented into place, it encases the visible portion of your tooth.
A dental crown can:
- Secure a dental bridge
- Mask discolored or misshapen teeth
- Protect a tooth that was weakened from decay
- Hold parts of a cracked tooth
- Restore the function and integrity of a worn-down tooth
- Support and cover filling when there’s not enough tooth left
Crowns are created using different materials, including metal and porcelain. Dr. Monika will choose the material based on where they’ll place the crown. The material can vary based on the durability and strength needed in that area.
Make sure to schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Monika. They’ll review your treatment options to make sure a dental crown is right for you.
Types of Crowns
Once Dr. Monika determines you’re an ideal candidate for the dental crown procedure, you can discuss the types of dental crowns available.
Porcelain crowns are the most popular. Many dentists also offer crowns created using:
- Zirconia
- Ceramic
- Metal
- Composite resin
- Stainless steel
They might combine materials as well. For example, some dentists fuse porcelain with metal.
Different factors will determine which materials Dr. Monika chooses, including the:
- Position of your gum tissue
- Color of your surrounding teeth
- Amount of remaining, natural tooth
- How much of the tooth will show when you smile
- Tooth’s location and function
You might need an onlay crown, one-day crown, or temporary crown. Dr. Monika will choose from these types of dental crowns based on duration.
An onlay crown will only cover a portion of your tooth. A one-day crown is designed and created within a single appointment. Temporary crowns are designed to stay for a short period of time.
Dr. Monika will place the crown using an adhesive. You might receive a temporary crown while you wait for a permanent one.
Who Needs a Crown?
Why would you need to schedule a dental crown appointment? Dr. Monika might recommend this procedure to:
- Restore a broken tooth
- Protect a weak tooth before it breaks
- Hold together parts of a cracked tooth
- Cover a dental implant
- Make a cosmetic modification
- Hold a dental bridge in place
- Cover and support a tooth with a large filling
Children can receive crowns, too. For example, a crown could save a tooth that was damaged from decay. If the tooth is too damaged to support a filling, a crown could help.
Crowns can also protect a child’s teeth if they’re at risk for tooth decay.
How Much Does It Cost?
The average dental crown cost ranges between $600 and $2,000. The cost can vary depending on the material Dr. Monika uses. The size and location of your tooth can have an impact, too.
Make sure to check with your insurance company before scheduling your dental crown appointment. They might cover part of the procedure.
The Procedure
You might need to schedule your dental crown procedure between two appointments.
First, your cosmetic dentist will examine your teeth and prepare the crown. They’ll need to take an X-ray of your mouth. They will also examine the root of your tooth and surrounding structure.
If there’s an infection or tooth decay around the area, they might need to complete a root canal first.
Will you experience a lot of dental crown pain? Before Dr. Monika gets started, they’ll numb the area using anesthesia. Then, they’ll file down the tooth that’s receiving the crown.
If you’re missing a tooth, they might use filing material to create additional support.
Once they reshape your tooth, they’ll use paste to make a mold of your tooth. The mold will ensure the crown fits properly. Otherwise, it could affect your bite.
If they’re creating a porcelain crown, Dr. Monika will match the color of your tooth with the porcelain. Then, they’ll send the impression to a lab that will create your crown.
In this case, you’ll receive a temporary crown while the lab creates your permanent one.
The dental crown procedure will continue during your second appointment. After a few weeks, your doctor will receive the permanent crown. They’ll take out the temporary crown to put the permanent one in place.
Then, Dr. Monika will:
- Examine the fit
- Study your bite
- Make sure the color matches
If they’re satisfied, they’ll numb the area to cement your new crown in place.
Caring for Your Crown
After your procedure, you’ll need to properly care for your crown. For example, make sure to brush your teeth carefully twice a day. You might need to use toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
Make sure to floss and remove any food particles trapped between your teeth.
In the meantime, avoid hard foods or ice. You don’t want to damage your crowns.
Try to avoid grinding your teeth together, too. If you grind your teeth at night, consider getting a nightguard.
Potential Complications
You might experience a few complications after your dental crown procedure, including:
- Sensitive to hot or cold
- Allergic reactions
- Chipping the crown
- Gingivitis
If you experience any issues, contact Dr. Monika right away.
Stunning Smile: What to Expect During Your Dental Crown Procedure
Ready to repair the state of your smile? Consider scheduling a dental crown procedure. With dental crowns, you can protect your teeth and restore your smile.
Get ready to start smiling with confidence!
Eager to get started? We’re here to help.
Contact Brushin’ on Belmont today to schedule your dental crown appointment!