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Experience Dental - Dental Crowns FAQs
Experience Dental - Do I need multiple appointments for a crown?
Experience Dental - Can I choose the color of your crown?
A dental crown is a protective cover that fits over a tooth that’s cracked, has had a root canal, is discolored, decayed, or misshapen. These crowns are custom-made to fit your tooth perfectly and blend in with the color and shape of your natural teeth, lasting for more than 15 years. Crowns are also used to hold dental bridges in place, cap dental implants, and can be a great option for cosmetic improvements.
What Is The Process Of Getting A Crown?
Examining and Prepping the Tooth
The process starts with a thorough dental examination, during which the dentist will evaluate and clean your teeth to prepare them for a seamless crown fitting. If the tooth is fractured or significantly damaged by decay, the affected portions will be removed to ensure the crown can properly protect the tooth from further harm.
Shaping The Crown
Next, dental impressions are made using putty to create a precise mold of your teeth. This mold serves as the blueprint for designing your custom porcelain crown. In the meantime, a temporary crown will be placed to protect your tooth until your next appointment. If you are replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant, an impression of the implant site and surrounding teeth will be taken. This ensures the lab can craft a crown that fits your unique dental structure perfectly.
Placing The Crown
At your follow-up visit, the temporary crown will be removed, and the permanent crown will be carefully fitted. It will be securely attached using strong dental cement or a hidden screw, depending on the type of crown. To finish, the crown will be polished, and adjustments will be made as needed to ensure it feels comfortable and remains stable.
Cost Of A Crown In Thornton
The cost of a dental crown can vary significantly depending on individual circumstances. With a standard insurance plan, the expense for a single crown typically ranges from $200 to $600 or more. For those without insurance, the cost generally falls between $800 and $1200 or higher. While many patients find dental crowns to be a straightforward choice for restoring oral health, the cost can be an important factor to consider.
Factors that influence the cost of a dental crown include:
- The type of crown and the materials used
- The complexity and location of the procedure
- The number of crowns needed
- Whether the crown is combined with other dental devices like bridges
- The tools and materials required for your specific treatment
A dental practice cannot provide an exact cost estimate over the phone, as every patient’s needs are unique. A consultation and thorough oral exam are necessary to determine treatment options and provide an accurate quote. If you have dental insurance, we can offer an estimate for submission to your provider to clarify your out-of-pocket expenses before proceeding.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether a crown is necessary after a root canal depends on the location of the tooth. Molars and premolars, found in the back of the mouth and used heavily for chewing, typically require crowns. Front teeth like incisors and canines, which are less involved in chewing, may not always need a crown.
The main advantage of a crown over a filling is its superior durability, particularly for teeth with larger biting surfaces. Fillings on molars are more prone to chipping or loosening due to the pressure of chewing or clenching. Crowns, which encase the entire tooth from the gumline to the top, are designed to withstand greater force and last longer.
A dental post is different from a dental implant, as it is placed within a root canal-treated tooth instead of the jawbone. Made of medical-grade material, a post is cemented into the tooth to reinforce its structure and provide a stable foundation for a crown when there is insufficient healthy tooth structure.
The process of getting a crown is often comparable to receiving a filling. The area is carefully numbed, and local anesthesia is applied to ensure a pain-free experience during the procedure. Afterward, you may feel minor sensitivity or gum soreness around the treated tooth, but this typically subsides quickly. If you feel anxious about dental visits, let us know – we’re here to ensure your experience is as comfortable as possible.
Crowns typically last around 15 years, but with proper care, they can remain functional for 25 to 30 years or longer.
Caring for a dental crown is similar to maintaining a natural tooth. Regular brushing and flossing help keep the crown and the surrounding gum tissue healthy. Consistent dental cleanings and checkups are also vital for maintaining good oral health.