Are you struggling with a painful toothache due to serious decay or a fracture? Good news: our team at Heck Family Dentistry of Lawrence has helped many patients restore the look and function of their smiles with dental crowns. With this custom restoration, we can restore your tooth back to its prime in no time at all. For more information on this treatment, or to schedule an appointment, please contact us today.
Sometimes, damaged teeth no longer have enough tooth structure left to support the bite without the risk of fracturing a tooth. Thankfully, there is a remedy for this situation. This restorative procedure is a dental crown or cap. Crowns can restore a single tooth or give the entire mouth its original (or better than original) beauty and function.
A dental crown can be made of porcelain, zirconium, or gold, depending on the needs and desires of the patient. While these materials restore the tooth to its original form and function, they also protect the healthy remaining portion of the enamel underneath.
Some dental offices offer “a crown in a day.” However, installing a dental crown is a very precise procedure. Working with a quality dental lab ensures the best possible crown and fit. For this reason, we believe the traditional dental crown method to be superior to one-day crowns offered by some dentists. The “crown in a day” method is fascinating, and both our dentists have experience with it. Nevertheless, we believe the traditional method provides you with a better and longer-lasting final product.
Like dental bridges, dental crowns require two appointments. The first appointment involves:
We partner with a quality dental lab to ensure the best final crown. After your first appointment, we send the impressions that were taken to a laboratory. The lab then fabricates the crown and sends it back to our dental office. At your second appointment, we properly place and fit the crown in your mouth.
Dental crowns come with numerous benefits. To begin, they are custom-made for each patient, ensuring that they feel natural and don’t look bulky in any way. Furthermore, the materials used to create these restorations are extremely lifelike, which means that no unwanted attention will be drawn to your smile. Of course, there are countless other benefits as well, including a long lifespan, easy maintenance, and a pain-free treatment process!
Dental crowns are commonly used to preserve natural teeth. Although they’ve been used for generations, it’s normal to have a few concerns before you’re ready to move forward. Your dentist will explain everything during your consultation for a crown . While you wait, here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions to calm your nerves.
A dental crown isn’t considered permanent because it will need to be replaced, eventually. However, they aren’t reversible either. The process of placing a crown requires your tooth to be reshaped. Although this doesn’t harm it, your enamel won’t grow back. Therefore, your tooth must always be covered by a restoration to protect it from additional damage. You won’t have to budget for a replacement often because a crown can last for 5 to 15 years, but it’s not unusual for one to thrive for much longer. You can promote the lifespan of your restoration with a commitment to your home oral hygiene and routine appointments with your dentist . If you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, wear a mouthguard to protect your natural smile and the restoration.
Your crown will not be vulnerable to decay; however, cavities can develop underneath the restoration. The crown doesn’t lessen your risk of decay, so it’s important to brush and floss to prevent bacteria and plaque from accumulating where the restoration meets your gum line. Your dentist will also recommend limiting your consumption of sugary foods and drinks. Don’t forget to have a cleaning and checkup at least twice a year to maintain a cavity-free smile.
Our office uses advanced technology to craft your restoration to meet your exact specifications to feel like your real tooth. It can take a few days to adjust to the restoration, but it will feel completely natural in your mouth in no time at all. It will be made of high-quality, durable material to withstand the pressure of biting and chewing. Although it might feel slightly different when running your tongue across the crown, you’ll quickly forget it isn’t part of your natural smile.
If the restoration is medically necessary, such as to fix a broken tooth, you can use your dental insurance to offset the cost. It’s unlikely your benefits will pay the entire amount, but your dental insurance can pay 50% of the cost after meeting your deductible. Your coverage likely won’t pay for any of the treatment if the crown is only needed for aesthetic reasons. A member of our team will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize any applicable benefits. They’ll explain how your coverage is being used and if there’s any remaining balance. If there is any out-of-pocket expense, they’ll review your payment options, like third-party financing. Rest assured; you’ll know exactly how much you’ll have to pay before committing to anything.
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