If you’ve recently been having issues with your teeth, dental crowns are the best solution to extend the life of your teeth. They are amongst the most common restorations for your teeth. Before getting a dental crown, it’s advisable to speak with your dentist to evaluate all the options.
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps placed on top of your damaged teeth to cover, protect and restore their shape, appearance, strength, and size. Crowns are made out of ceramics, resin, porcelain, and metals. Here’s everything you need to know when considering dental crowns.
When Would I Need a Dental Crown?
Several conditions might necessitate a dental crown. The first is when you have an old crown that’s ill-fitting or damaged. On average, dental crowns last between 5 to 15 years. Their longevity will depend on how you care for them, your bite, and your diet. Unfortunately, they aren’t bulletproof. Crowns can suffer from fractures and recurrent decay. Other reasons for getting dental crowns include teeth with root canal, excessively decayed teeth, broken teeth, small or misshapen teeth, and teeth that prevent proper bites.
Pros and Cons of a Dental Crown
Dental crowns offer adequate solutions to a wide array of dental issues. They can:
- Help support decayed teeth
- Cover a dental implant
- Protect teeth after root canal
- Protect worn away teeth from further damage
- Improve your teeth appearance by changing color and shape
However, dental crowns also have some disadvantages. They include:
- The teeth may become more sensitive
- They are prone to decay
- During a procedure, the tooth is shaved slightly to avoid feeling bulky
Is It Painful to Get a Crown?
Getting a dental crown isn’t painful. Your dentist numbs your mouth with an anesthetic to prepare your tooth for the crown. Before installing the crown, they might shave down the tooth and clear away any decay to guarantee that the crown fits. After this, they can take an impression of your tooth using a digital scan or a mold and fit it once it’s ready. The procedure doesn’t have an extended healing period, but you might feel some sensitivity and discomfort days after getting the crown.
Cost of a Dental Crown
The cost of dental crowns in Irving, TX, will depend on the type. Most PPO plans will cater for 50% for dental crowns. However, without insurance, the crowns will cost roughly as follows per tooth; $875 to $1,400 for porcelain fused to metal crowns, $800 to $3,000 for ceramic crowns, $800 to $1,400 for gold and metal crowns, $300 to $500 for stainless steel crowns, and $600 to $1,300 for all resin crowns. Again, these are rough estimates, but give you a good idea of what to expect for your budget when investing in getting crowns.
Dental crowns are great solutions when you want to extend the lifetime of your teeth. They can last between 5 to 15 years, but their lifespan will depend on wear and tear. It’s recommended to practice good oral hygiene and avoid using your teeth to open packaging, biting on fingernails, chewing ice, and clenching or grinding your teeth.
Ready to talk with a dentist and get your teeth checked to consider getting a dental crown? At Coolbreeze Dentistry we treat our patients like family, helping them feel comfortable in our office with friendly staff and skilled dentists and hygienists. Contact us to request an appointment or call (972) 432-8811. We look forward to helping you feel more confident and happy with your smile.