Ever caught yourself mid-chuckle, hand hovering over your mouth? Worried about that dental crown becoming the unsolicited star of your smile?
I’ve been there. Trust me.
Perching in a dentist’s seat can be like dangling on the lip of an abyss, particularly when you’re told to acquire a dental crown. Believe it or not, there’s no need to fear a dental crown!
This post is for everyone who has ever had to mask their laughter or cover up their yawns because they felt self-conscious about that one tooth – yes, this one’s for you!
Let’s dive into why we sometimes need crowns and how they affect our oral health in various ways. Plus, you’ll pick up some top tips on keeping them in great shape for longer! Hold on; this article has a lot of knowledge to impart.
Understanding Dental Crowns
If you’ve ever had a tooth that was not in the best condition or required additional reinforcement, it’s likely that dental crowns have been mentioned to you. But what exactly is a dental crown? Simply put, it’s a cap that encases the entire surface of your tooth, restoring its original size and shape while protecting it from further damage.
Different types of materials can be used in making these lifesavers for our teeth. Some people prefer porcelain or ceramic crowns because they blend with the natural color of their teeth. Others may opt for more durable options like zirconia or metal crowns. Then there’s composite resin which offers good wear resistance and doesn’t break easily.
Tooth structure matters. A healthy tooth structure forms the foundation on which these caps sit securely to give us back our smiles. And let me tell you – having been through this process myself when I cracked my molar last summer – it’s not just about aesthetics; proper fitting dental crowns help maintain oral health by preventing food particles from getting lodged in crevices leading to gum disease or worse…another root canal (Yikes.). So next time someone asks “what’s up with those different types of dental crowns?”, flash them your dazzling smile and share how much thought goes into keeping our chompers happy.
When is a Dental Crown Needed?
Have you ever asked yourself, “Do I require a dental crown?” Let’s discuss when one may be necessary. A dental crown becomes necessary in several scenarios. Primarily, it steps up to save your tooth when it has become weak or severely worn down.
Crowns can swoop in like superheroes for teeth that are suffering from large cavities too monstrous for a regular filling to handle. According to the Mayo Clinic, crowns may be needed if your tooth is on the verge of entering Cracked Tooth Syndrome territory or following root canal treatment.
But wait, there’s more. Crowns aren’t just about repair; they also play an important role after receiving a dental implant. They’re kind of like fancy hats put on top of implants – because even new teeth deserve to look their best.
In some cases, we might recommend crowns purely for cosmetic reasons. Got an oddly shaped or discolored tooth that sticks out? No worries – with our state-of-the-art porcelain and resin crowns at Sherman Oaks Smile Studio, we got you covered.
A Little Help Goes A Long Way
To ensure your oral health stays tip-top while waiting for permanent crowning glory (see what I did there?), we give temporary crowns as part of our comprehensive care plan.
The Takeaway
No matter why you might need one, remember this: getting crowned isn’t about fixing problems but restoring confidence and bringing back those bright smiles.
The Dental Crown Procedure
Getting a dental crown might seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite straightforward. The process usually involves two dental visits.
Preparing for Your Dental Crown Procedure
In the first visit, your dentist will check if a crown is needed. They’ll examine your tooth and surrounding bone to make sure they’re healthy.
If you need a root canal treatment before getting the crown, that happens next. It removes any infection from within the tooth.
Your dentist then reshapes your natural tooth so that the dental crown can fit over it securely. Don’t worry – anesthetic ensures this procedure isn’t painful.
An impression of your mouth is taken to create a perfect match for both size and bite in relation to adjacent teeth.
Crown Placement
- You get fitted with a temporary dental crown while waiting for your permanent one to be made at the lab (usually out of porcelain or metal).
- In about 1-2 weeks time, you return to have your final fitting where our team replaces the temporary with its permanent counterpart which fits seamlessly into place giving off more than just temporary relief.
Same-day Crowns: An Alternative Approach?
Note: At some modern dental offices like ours at Sherman Oaks Smile Studio, we use advanced technology allowing us provide same-day crowns.
This eliminates wait times and gives patients their smile back instantly.
Caring for Your Dental Crown
Your new dental crown is like a fresh coat of armor, designed to protect your natural tooth. But just as knights had to maintain their suits of armor, you too need to give proper care to your dental crown.
Addressing Common Issues with Dental Crowns
Sometimes crowns can be tricky. They may feel high bite or uncomfortable in the beginning. Don’t worry. Most issues are easy fixes and won’t require another trip back into the dentist’s chair.Regular brushing and flossing will keep crowned teeth happy, but remember: they’re not invincible. Avoid hard foods that could potentially crack them – think twice before you chomp down on that jawbreaker.
If it feels like something isn’t right—maybe the surrounding bone feels tender or adjacent teeth seem irritated—it’s best not let these things slide. Cleveland Clinic suggests making an appointment ASAP if discomfort persists beyond two days after placement of a temporary or permanent crown.
You might have questions about caring for temporary crowns versus permanent ones — trust us; we’ve heard them all. Whether it’s metallic color throwing off your smile game, concerned about chewing forces on resin crowns versus porcelain ones? We got answers.
Remember – regular oral hygiene practices combined with some extra TLC for those shiny new additions can go a long way in ensuring your pearly whites stay strong.
Understanding the Costs of Dental Crowns
Getting a dental crown is an investment in your oral health, but it can be a significant financial decision too. Different components may influence the cost, for instance the kind of material employed and size of the tooth.
How Insurance Can Affect Your Dental Crown Costs
Dental insurance can greatly reduce out-of-pocket expenses for dental crowns. However, coverage varies depending on your specific plan and provider. It’s important to check with your insurer to understand what portion they cover.
The average cost of dental crowns, according to Health Cost Helper, ranges from $800 to $1,500 or more based on various factors like material and complexity of treatment.
Pricing also depends on whether you’re getting a porcelain crown or one made from other materials like metal or resin composite – each comes with its own price tag. The costs might seem steep at first glance but remember: investing in high-quality materials could mean less expense down the line due to increased durability.
Apart from material choices, another key determinant is location – dentists in larger cities often charge more than those in smaller towns because their overhead costs are higher. So if you have some flexibility about where you get treated this could impact total expenditure too.
Comparing Different Types of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are a versatile solution for various dental problems. Different types of dental crowns have their own unique characteristics and benefits.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Porcelain Crowns
All-porcelain crowns are popular because they closely resemble the color and translucency of natural teeth. This makes them an excellent choice for front teeth restorations.
But, despite their aesthetic appeal, porcelain crowns can be brittle compared to other crown types. Chewing hard foods might cause them to crack or chip.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Metal Crowns
Metal-based crowns like gold crowns or porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) ones offer great durability. According to research, these tend to last the longest among all crown types due to their resistance against wear and tear from chewing forces.
The drawback? The metallic color doesn’t blend well with your natural tooth color making it more noticeable, especially if used on front teeth.
Zirconia crowns are another option to consider. They possess great durability, making them suitable for both front and back teeth repairs. Additionally, zirconia crowns can be tailored to blend in with the shade of your real teeth, creating a more uniform look.
These comparisons aim at helping you make informed decisions about which type best suits your needs.
Lifespan Of A Dental Crown
It’s a question we often get asked at Sherman Oaks Smile Studio: how long can a dental crown last? The response isn’t uniform. Factors like the material of the crown, oral hygiene habits, and individual chewing forces all come into play.
The lifespan of a dental crown typically varies between 5 to 15 years. The American Dental Association reports that certain types like gold crowns and porcelain-fused-to-metal ones tend to be more durable. However, no matter what type you have – be it metal crowns or composite resin – proper care is key for longevity.
Avoiding hard foods is crucial as they can cause damage over time. Remember when your mom told you not to open soda bottles with your teeth? She was right. These kinds of actions can shorten the life span of your crowned tooth significantly.
Maintaining good oral hygiene also helps in extending the life expectancy of a dental crown. Regular brushing and flossing ensure that gum tissue around the crowned tooth remains healthy. This prevents any potential issues from cropping up such as cavities forming under the crown or infections developing in surrounding bone due to poor oral health practices.
Last but certainly not least, regular check-ups at our dentist’s office help us keep an eye on things so we can fix them before they become major problems; after all, prevention is better than cure.
FAQs in Relation to Dental Crown
Dental crowns can hang around between 5 and 15 years, but the lifespan sways based on your oral hygiene habits and wear-and-tear.
You’ll feel no pain during the procedure thanks to local anesthesia. Some folks might experience mild discomfort or sensitivity afterward, though.
The price tag of dental crowns can range from $800 to $1,500, with factors like material type and tooth size tipping the scales.
Crowns may cause some temporary sensitivity or require adjustment for comfort. Also, they aren’t invincible – they need proper care just like natural teeth.