Dental Crowns

dental-crownWhen your teeth’ size, strength, and shape are altered, you can put in place dental crowns to improve their appearance. Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that are cemented into the entire tooth portion above the gum line.

There are different types, including:

  • Metal crowns. Metal crowns have a high content of base-metals and gold or platinum. They last long because they can withstand biting and chewing forces. They are mostly used for out-of-sight teeth such as molars.
  • Ceramic crowns. Ceramic crowns are preferred because they are suitable for people with metal allergies and provide a better color that matches the natural teeth compared to other types of crowns. Ceramic or all-porcelain crowns are preferred in the esthetic smile zone.
  • Composite resin crowns. These crowns are made from a composite resin material. Composite crowns are often used on baby teeth or as a temporary means.
  • Combination crowns. For instance, you can have porcelain fused to a metal crown.

In the same breathe, there are both temporary and permanent crowns. Temporary ones are those that are meant to stay in your mouth for a short time, mostly as you wait for your dentist to put in a permanent crown at your next appointment.

Your dentist will recommend porcelain fused to metal or a different type of crown based on factors such as which tooth is being crowned, your preference, shape, biting forces, bruxism, how the tooth shows when you smile, and the color of your natural tooth.

Why do You Need a Dental Crown?

A crown serves various purposes. For instance, it can hold together a cracked tooth and protect it from decay or support a tooth filling. A crown may be necessary after root canal therapy. They may also be crucial for the restoration of already damaged teeth or to hold dental bridges in place. They also cover dental implants and discolored teeth.

The Cost of Dental Crowns

The costs range depending on the material, how extensive the prep work is (for instance if a root canal has to be done), and the tooth’s size to be crowned. They could range between $800 and $1500 for different crowns, but alternatives such as gold crowns are even more expensive and can go as high as $2500. Once an oral evaluation is completed by the dentist, they will present a thorough treatment plan with the exact cost of the procedures, taking your insurance benefits into account, and will even submit insurance claims on your behalf.

Procedure for Putting in the Tooth Crown

The first step will be the dentist preparing the tooth. This is done by removing the crown’s outer portion so that the dental crown will fit. It is at this stage that any additional support structure will be added and any decay removed. Next, a digital scan is taken of the tooth and surrounding teeth, then a temporary crown is put in place as you await a permanent crown.

The model impression is then used to make the crown in the laboratory and during your next appointment, the dentist will put the crown in place and make any necessary adjustments until the end result is pleasing to you and the dentist.

Care for Dental Crowns

Caring for dental crowns is the secret to prolonged life. First, ensure that you brush your teeth at least twice daily, preferably with toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Remember to floss and avoid chewing hard foods that may cause cracking.

Dentists recommend night guards for patients who grind their teeth at night. The guard helps protect the dental crowns from damage. They also recommend the use of products that have been approved by the American Dental Association and have their seal of acceptance. If you have a temporary crown, be careful with it as the adhesive will only hold temporarily. This means you should avoid hard foods and brush gently as well. Ensure that you visit the dentist regularly and call if anything unusual such as the crown coming off happens before you get the permanent crown.

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Plans

Dental Savings Plans

No insurance, no problem! North Point Dental Associates offers multiple in house annual savings plans to accommodate our uninsured patients. The plans are effective for 12 months and can be renewed annually. There is a onetime membership fee to sign up and no other monthly expenses for the plan. This is not dental insurance, but rather allows you to receive discounts on all services and get some preventive services such as exams, cleanings and x-rays at no additional cost.

Child

$349 / Yr
  • Two professional cleanings per year
  • Two professional exams per year
  • 1 Set of Routine X-rays
  • 2 Fluoride treatments
  • 1 Emergency exam per year
  • 20% Off other dental services*

Perio

$1,549 / Yr
  • 4 Quadrants of Scaling/Root Planing (Deep cleaning)
  • 3 Perio Maintenances per year
  • Two professional exams per year
  • 1 Set of Routine X-rays
  • 2 Fluoride treatments
  • 1 Emergency exam per year
  • 20% Off other dental services*

Perio Maintenance

$649 / Yr
  • 3 Perio Maintenances Per year
  • Two professional exams per year
  • 1 Set of Routine X-rays
  • 2 Fluoride treatments
  • 1 Emergency exam per year
  • 20% Off other dental services*