What is a Dental Crown?

A crown is a cap or cover that is placed over a damaged or missing tooth. Dental crowns can be made of a range of materials including metal, porcelain, ceramic, or composite resin, and may be placed in order to protect a weak or damaged tooth or to improve the appearance of your smile by covering up a misshapen or discolored tooth. Crowns can also be used to secure a dental bridge or dental filling or to hold together a tooth that has cracked into multiple pieces.

How do you prepare for a Dental Crown?

Receiving a dental crown typically requires multiple dentist appointments. During your first visit, X-rays are taken and the tooth where the crown is going to be placed is examined. If there is significant decay, a root canal may be required. A mold of the tooth is taken in order to create a well-fitted crown.

Why would I need a Dental Crown?

Reasons for getting a dental crown include:

• • Protect a tooth that is weakened by decay or following a root canal
  • Hold together two or more pieces of a cracked tooth
  • Restore a tooth that has been broken or severely worn down
  • Support a filling when the tooth is worn away too much to hold it in place
  • Improve cosmetic appearance by covering a discolored or misshapen tooth
  • Cover a dental implant

What can you expect during a Dental Crown procedure?

After the tooth has been prepared during the first appointment, you may be fitted with a temporary crown until a permanent crown can be made, typically within a few weeks. During your second visit, the temporary crown will be removed and your dentist will check to make sure that the permanent crown is the correct color and size, and fits the tooth without negatively affecting your bite. The crown is then adhered in place with dental cement under local anesthesia. Some small changes to the shape of the crown may be necessary to adjust the fit.

What is the followup and recovery like for a Dental Crown?

Aftercare includes many of the basics of dental care – regular brushing and flossing, avoiding foods that may damage your teeth, and other normal oral hygiene practices. Contact your dentist if the crown cracks, breaks, or feels loose. A crown that is properly fitted and cared for should last around 10-15 years.

What are the potential costs for a Dental Crown?

The cost of a dental crown may vary depending on the material used in its construction, and whether additional procedures such as a root canal are necessary in order to prepare the tooth for placement. In cases where they are medically necessary, crowns are usually covered by dental insurance.

What are the potential risks for a Dental Crown?

It is not uncommon for crowns to be somewhat sensitive to heat or cold. It is also possible for a crown to chip, break, or fall out. In rare cases, some people have had an allergic reaction to crowns constructed from metal. If any of these occur, contact your dentist immediately.

Are there related procedures to a Dental Crown?

Crowns are often used as part of other procedures to strengthen or replace damaged or lost teeth, including dental bridges and dental implants.