Dental Crowns Explained
Dental crowns are custom-made caps designed to cover a tooth that might be damaged, discolored, decayed, or misshapen. They are also used on teeth that have undergone significant procedures, such as root canals. These crowns are tailored to match the color and shape of your natural teeth, ensuring they look and feel like part of your smile. With proper care, a dental crown can last for over 15 years, providing a long-term solution for preserving the tooth’s functionality and appearance.
Crowns have a variety of uses in dentistry. They not only restore the shape, strength, and appearance of a tooth but can also be used to hold a dental bridge in place or cover a dental implant. In some cases, crowns are chosen for cosmetic reasons, to improve the overall look of a person’s smile.
The process of getting a crown involves preparing the tooth, taking an impression to create a perfect match, and then fitting the crown onto the tooth. Modern dental practices and materials ensure that the process is comfortable and the results are durable and aesthetically pleasing. This makes dental crowns a versatile and effective option for addressing several dental issues.
What’s The Process Of Getting A Crown?
The journey to receiving a dental crown typically unfolds over two visits to the dentist’s office and is meticulously carried out by a dental professional.
Initial Examination and Tooth Preparation
The first step involves a thorough dental examination. The dentist will inspect and clean your teeth, ensuring they’re ready for the crown. In cases where the tooth is significantly damaged or decayed, any compromised areas will be removed to make space for the crown, aiming to shield the tooth from further damage.
Creating the Crown
Using dental putty, an impression of your teeth will be made. This mold is crucial for crafting a porcelain crown that fits seamlessly. During this visit, you’ll receive a temporary crown to protect your tooth until the next appointment. If a dental implant is being used to replace a missing tooth, an impression of both the implant site and adjacent teeth will be taken to customize your crown accurately.
Fitting the Permanent Crown
On your return visit, the temporary crown is taken off, making way for your new, permanent crown. This crown is then securely affixed with strong dental cement or, in some cases, a concealed screw. To ensure the crown fits comfortably and functions as intended, it will be finely polished and adjusted as needed, completing your crown placement process.
How Much Is A Dental Crown In Grand Rapids?
The cost of getting a dental crown in Grand Rapids can vary significantly depending on several factors. If you have dental insurance, the out-of-pocket expenses for a single crown can range from approximately $200 to $600 or more. For those without insurance coverage, the cost is generally between $800 to $1200 and could increase depending on specific circumstances. Despite the expense, many find the investment in a dental crown worthwhile for restoring their dental health and appearance.
Factors Influencing the Cost of a Dental Crown Include:
- Type and Material of the Crown: The choice of material, whether porcelain, metal, ceramic, or a combination, significantly affects the price.
- Procedure Location and Complexity: Costs can vary based on the tooth’s location in the mouth and the complexity of the procedure needed to prepare the tooth for the crown.
- Number of Crowns Needed: Multiple crowns will increase the overall cost of treatment.
- Additional Dental Procedures: The need to combine crowns with other dental treatments, such as bridges, can affect the total cost.
- Specific Supplies and Equipment: The unique requirements of your treatment, including the use of specialized supplies or equipment, also play a role in determining the cost.
It’s crucial to remember that no dental office can provide an accurate cost estimate without a personalized consultation. Each patient’s dental needs are unique, and an oral examination is essential to determine the most suitable treatment options and to provide a precise quote. For those with dental insurance, obtaining a quote for submission can help clarify out-of-pocket expenses before making a decision.
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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
Crowns are recommended for restoring broken or decayed teeth, covering misshapen or severely discolored teeth, protecting a weak tooth from breaking, or covering a dental implant.
The procedure is typically performed with local anesthesia, making it pain-free. Some sensitivity or discomfort may be experienced after the anesthesia wears off, but this is usually temporary.
No, dental crowns cannot be whitened. They are made from materials that do not respond to whitening treatments. It’s important to choose a crown color that matches your natural teeth.
Alternatives may include fillings, inlays, onlays, or dental veneers, depending on the tooth’s condition. Your dentist can recommend the best option for you.
Care for a dental crown as you would your natural teeth. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and regular dental check-ups and cleanings.
Many insurance plans cover part of the cost of dental crowns. However, coverage varies, so it’s important to check with your insurance provider.
Delaying a dental crown can lead to further damage of the tooth, including cracks, decay, and even tooth loss, which may result in more complex and expensive treatments.
A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while the permanent crown is being made. Temporary crowns are not as durable and are meant to last only for a short period.
Yes, once the permanent crown is placed and the cement has set, you can eat normally. However, it’s wise to avoid very sticky or hard foods initially.
The cost varies widely depending on insurance, the type of crown, and other factors. With insurance, out-of-pocket costs can range from $200 to $600+, while without insurance, costs can be between $800 to $1200 and up.
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