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Dental Crowns

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a type of dental restoration and serves as a component in many different types of restorative treatments. Dental crowns are most often made of porcelain, a material that is both strong and non-porous (thus more resistant to staining like tooth enamel) and reflect light in much the same way as a natural tooth. Dental crowns are also known as “caps,” They fit on top of existing teeth or over dental implants.
The crown is a very important part of the tooth structure. Crowns are usually the part of the tooth that people can see. Crowns have different shapes and surfaces for the different functions of each type of tooth. Another very important job of a dental crown is to protect the interior portion of the tooth from bacteria and decay. Crowns are covered with enamel, which is very hard and strong but still vulnerable to damage and decay.

If a tooth is broken, cracked, or damaged, the ability of the enamel and crown to protect the tooth is compromised. Dental crowns are needed in order to protect the inside of the tooth and seal out bacteria and food particles. Otherwise, the tooth is vulnerable to infection and decay and eventual tooth loss or other dental emergencies.
Dental crowns are often needed after root canal therapy and are also used when creating a dental bridge or are placed over a dental implant when replacing a tooth. Dental crowns are also used as an alternative to dental veneers when correcting issues such as broken or chipped teeth.

Sometimes, following a [pulpotomy] procedure, also known as a root canal for a baby tooth, the dentist may recommend the placement of a stainless steel or tooth-colored crown to protect the tooth from further damage or decay. You can learn more here.

The cost of a dental crown depends upon the material used to make it, as well as a variety of other factors. Your dentist will review the procedure requiring a dental crown, and our staff will create a customized treatment plan and work with you to find the best way to ensure the treatment you need will fit comfortably into your monthly budget.
In most cases, a dental crown is considered a part of a major procedure and may be covered at different rates. Our insurance specialists can review your coverage and determine an estimate for what your policy may cover in order to help you maximize your insurance benefits.

Dental crowns are designed to be strong and should last many years with proper care and maintenance. That means brushing for two minutes twice per day and flossing at least once every day, taking care to avoid very hard or sticky foods, which can damage or break dental crowns and regular teeth as well. Another critical step in your maintenance routine for your dental crown and overall oral health is to visit Glance Dental for regular checkups and cleanings every six months.

Where can I get a Dental Crown?

At the Glance Dental location, we offer dental crowns as a service.

I have a temporary crown. Do I need to have a permanent crown?

It is important to note that temporary crowns are just that – the material and cement are designed as a measure to protect your tooth until a permanent crown has been created in a dental lab. If left too long, temporary cement will break down and can allow food particles and bacteria to penetrate under the temporary crown and reach the vulnerable prepared tooth. This can cause decay or infection resulting in a dental emergency or loss of the tooth. Temporary crowns are also not as strong as permanent crowns, so they may break, which will also allow bacteria and food particles to penetrate.

Once a tooth has been prepared to receive a crown, it is very important to return to the office to have the permanent crown placed as recommended by the dentist.

How often do I need to replace a dental crown?

With proper care and follow-up, your dental crown is strong and designed to last for years. Crowns need to be brushed and flossed daily like regular teeth and need to be evaluated every six months by your dentist during your regular exam to ensure that the structure is sound. Typical crown replacement is around 5 years.

 

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