An integral part of a smile makeover often includes placing a crown on implants or over damaged teeth. Crowns also help maintain your general health and well-being. Crowns don’t interfere with your eating either, because they’re cemented into place, allowing them to last for years. Your family dentist at CitiDental, dentistry center in Queens knows your dental health, so you know your procedure will be done right.
When to Consider a Dental Crown
When a tooth is crooked, badly stained or broken, your Queens dentist may recommend that you get a dental crown. Also referred to as a dental cap or tooth cap, a crown is an ideal solution that improves your damaged tooth’s shape, appearance and functionality.
Teeth Crowns and Implants
Implants serve a variety of purposes. They stabilize your jaw after losing teeth. They encourage jaw bone regeneration and securely hold teeth replacements. After the surgical procedure of placing the implant is complete, your cosmetic dentist, who also serves as your family dentist attaches the dental crown over the implant.
What is a Dental Implant?
According to the Mayo Clinic: “A dental implant is a metal post that replaces the root portion of a missing tooth. An artificial tooth (crown) is placed on an extension of the post (abutment) on the dental implant, giving you the look of a real tooth.”
Dental Caps: Ideal Tooth Replacements
There are a number of reasons why your cosmetic dentist may recommend a dental cap. The most common reasons include:
- Holding a decayed or cracked tooth together
- Restoring a broken or worn-down tooth
- Correcting unattractive, misshaped or discolored teeth
- Covering an implanted post
- Attaching a tooth bridge
- Preventing additional decay after you have a root canal
Your pediatric dentist also might recommend teeth crowns for children to protect their baby teeth from further decay or for teeth that can’t be saved by fillings. When you get a tooth cap, you end up with a tooth that looks better and is much stronger.
Dental Cap Preparation
The crown procedure requires more than one visit. Your CitiDental dentist may take x-rays to determine that your tooth’s is healthy. Otherwise, you may need to undergo a root canal or other restorative treatment.
What to Expect During the Procedure
The dentist removes decay and part of the tooth enamel. Then he makes an impression of your tooth to ensure a proper fit and look. You may get a temporary crown while the permanent crown is being created. On your second visit, usually taking a few weeks later, your permanent crown is cemented into place.
Materials Used to Make Dental Crowns
Crowns are made from a variety of different materials. Your Queens dentist takes into account your lifestyle and budget before recommending the best kind of dental crown to suit your needs. Your tooth cap fits comfortably and looks natural, as your cosmetic dentist always considers your dental health and your appearance.
Common Crown Materials
The most common materials used to create teeth crowns include:
- Composite resin: Ideal when dental crown cost is a factor, resin crowns are the most affordable option. But they’re more prone to wear or fracture over time. Your dentist is committed to finding the most affordable solutions that serve you best.
- Ceramic or porcelain: The most natural-looking crowns, they are easier to match to the color of your teeth. They won’t wear down, but are subject to cracking under stress.
- Metal alloys: Metal primarily is used for molars and back teeth because they’re stronger and can withstand the pressure of chewing. Metals commonly used include gold, nickel-chromium and platinum. They’re the longest-lasting of all crown materials.
Risks of Dental Cap Procedure
As with any dental procedure, there are risks, although in the hands of the experts at CitiDental, they remain very slight. You may experience some minor discomfort in the preparation stages, especially if you’ve undergone a dental implant surgery. You may be sensitive to cold or hot for a while. Infection can set in if you don’t carefully follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions.
Potential Risks and Complications
You could develop an abscess in the tooth, which requires immediate treatment. Finally, rare allergic reactions pose potential complications. Some patients are allergic to various types of metal, for example, or other materials used for dental crowns.
Dental Crown Cost
Your dental crown cost depends on the material used and how many teeth require tooth caps. Teeth crowns vary in price, but often are at least partly covered by insurance. Your dental crown cost also may be higher if you need additional procedures like implants or root canals.
Is a Dental Crown Worth the Investment?
But the investment is worthwhile, since dental caps can last for up to 15 years. You care for crowns just like you care for your other teeth. Bi-annual checkups and cleanings, and daily flossing and brushing are important. Try to avoid tooth grinding, biting your fingernails, hard food or ice can damage your crowns, so avoid them.
