Everything You Need to Know About Dental Crowns
Crown placement is the most common dental treatment used today for tooth repair. If a tooth is worn down, cracked, or completely broken above the gum line, a cap (crown) is used to cover the whole remaining tooth. Crown placement can restore a tooth to its original shape and size and can be used for strictly cosmetic purposes in some situations.
Crowns are also used in more complicated procedures, such as dental bridges, implants, or root canals. Crowns are used to replace teeth with implants or bridges when the root has also been lost. Several materials are available for the production of crowns.
What are dental crowns?
A dental crown is a protective covering for the tooth, like a helmet that goes over a tooth. Let's say your tooth broke, or it's about to break, or it had a root canal; then it's going to need a crown, which is the helmet that goes right over the tooth.
Are there any alternatives to dental crowns?
Yes, there are alternatives, but the very best option for a tooth that's fractured or has had a root canal, or is about to break, is always a crown. The alternative is fillings and other types of restorations that are not indicated for those teeth. A dental crown is ideal for certain situations.
Is getting a dental crown procedure long or painful?
In our office, this procedure is long. It takes a couple of hours because we do our crowns here in the office. This means you won't have to come here for a second visit. We take a digital scan of the tooth, and then we process it in our milling machine, which we will show you how that works.
Generally, it's not painful. My patients don't complain because they're very well anesthetized and comfortable during the procedure. I let my patients take control. If they need me to stop, I'll pause as many times as needed. I'm very patient.
What are the different materials used for dental crowns?
We have a couple of materials: a full ceramic crown, which could be a zirconia crown or an EM lithium disilicate, which is an EMAC crown. These are excellent crowns used for different reasons.
We also have crowns that are metal with porcelain over them, which used to be done many years ago but are still available if needed.
- All-resin crowns are less expensive but are prone to wear down over time.
- All-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns are easier to match the color of the remaining teeth.
- Metal crowns are silver, so some patients prefer to use them only on back teeth. Since these crowns are strong, they are a good choice for back teeth, where chewing forces are strongest.
- Stainless steel crowns are mostly for temporary crowns.
- Porcelain fused to metal crowns also match original tooth color, but since they are fused to metal, they are prone to breaking or chipping.
Do crowns look natural?
Absolutely. We match the color and shape to your smile.
Can a crown tooth get cavities?
Yes, a crown tooth can get a cavity, especially where the crown meets the tooth. If you don't clear the plaque by brushing or flossing, then you will probably have a cavity. It's important not to skip the cleanings.
How long does a crown last?
A crown can last anywhere between 10 to 15 or more years. It all depends on your hygiene, how well you brush your teeth, and how often you come for your cleaning appointments.
Is there anything else I should know about taking care of my dental crown?
The crown has to be very well done on my part, ensuring it fits well with no gaps. Your part is to keep it very clean and come in regularly for your hygiene appointments. Then you should have a long-lasting restoration.
Is it necessary to have a crown after a root canal?
Absolutely. A crown needs to be done after a root canal treatment because the tooth becomes brittle without any more blood supply, making it prone to fracturing, especially the premolars and back molars. Some front teeth, if the root canal access is very small, may get away with just a small filling.
Same Day Crowns
Same-Day Crowns make restoring your smile faster and easier than ever. Instead of waiting weeks for a lab-made crown, we use advanced in-office technology like the Glidewell Fastmill to design and craft your custom crown during your appointment. Once your tooth is prepared, a digital impression is taken and your crown is milled right here in our office from strong, natural-looking porcelain or zirconia. In just one visit, you can walk in with a damaged tooth and leave with a fully restored smile—no temporary crowns, no extra appointments, just efficient, modern dentistry
Does insurance cover dental crowns?
Most insurances have some dental benefits. For example, if your plan pays $2,000, that's the amount that will be credited or reimbursed. Anything above that will be an out-of-pocket expense.
Is it worth putting crowns on children's teeth?
That's a good question. I'm not an expert in children, but there are some indications for children that will need crowns.
Call Dr. Alvarez to discuss which crown type would be the best choice for you.
If you live in or near West Palm Beach, FL, and are looking for dental care, contact us at (561) 783-7783 to set an appointment. Our staff would love to talk with you!