Do I Need a Crown?
Crowns are ideal when a filling is not practical because of too much tooth damage, or following root canal therapy. Our dentists will recommend crowns when a tooth needs extra protection due to circumstances such as:
The procedure for crown preparation and placement typically requires two appointments.Aggressive tooth wear
Large areas of decay
Following root canal treatment
Cracked teeth
Moderate to severe fractures
On top of single dental implants
Covering your tooth with a porcelain, gold, or metal crown limits the risk of fractures and pain from using compromised teeth. Their design—depending on where located in your mouth—serves both a functional and cosmetic dentistry role, in that they help your smile appear whole again.
Advantages of Crowns
Permanent crown designs allow you to extend the lifetime of your tooth while preserving function and appearance. Their strength offers better protection for teeth that don’t qualify for something smaller, such as a dental filling. They also reduce your risk of tooth loss.
The designs of today’s crowns mimic the color of natural teeth, which is especially important when addressing front teeth. Their shape and materials are carefully crafted in a way that it provides our patients with a solution they can smile about.
Types of Dental Crowns
The different types of dental crowns to choose from. The materials are selected based on which tooth requires treatment and where it’s located in your mouth. Ultimately, your health and long-term success are our top priorities.
Porcelain Fused to Metal Crowns
A traditional style of porcelain crowns, these “caps” have a metal base under an outer layer of porcelain. PFM crowns are typically more affordable than zirconia crowns, but there may be a risk of the porcelain chipping off of the metal base if you are a heavy grinder
Ceramic Crowns
An aesthetic restoration option, all ceramic crowns provide a safe cover for teeth that may not qualify for porcelain veneers, onlays, or fillings. Instead, a durable ceramic material is used to create a special “shell” around the entire tooth, hugging it up to the gum line. Our family dentist will match the ceramic material to that of your adjacent teeth so that you can smile with confidence.
Zirconia Crown Designs
Zirconia materials are extremely durable and capable of withstanding heavy biting forces throughout your mouth. These dental crowns look almost identical to ceramic materials. They can be used on top of a natural tooth or dental implant.
Temporary Stainless Steel Crowns
When you’re waiting for your permanent crown to be made at a lab, you will need a temporary cover to minimize sensitivity to the prepared tooth. In this case, metal crowns made out of hypoallergenic stainless steel are usually preferred, especially for younger patients. As a temporary crown, stainless steel crowns are not recommended for long-term wear in adult patients. However, children typically wear stainless steel crowns on damaged teeth until their mouth is fully developed and it can be replaced with another restoration
Gold Crowns
Back teeth tend to experience intense weight and chewing pressure compared to front teeth. For a back tooth where porcelain is at risk of fracturing, gold may be preferred. Especially if the crown isn’t visible when you smile. Since gold conforms closely to a patient’s natural tooth and is fairly pliable, it is capable of withstanding heavy wear without giving out to normal use
Temporary Resin Crowns
Typically, temporary crowns are made of an acrylic-based material or stainless steel and can be used as a temporary restoration until a permanent crown is constructed by a lab
The Crown Treatment Process
The procedure for crown preparation and placement typically requires two appointments.
During your first visit, our oral care provider will prep your natural tooth to create room for a new crown to comfortably slip over the surface above the gumline. Your prepared tooth is gently reduced and numbing medication is used to ensure your comfort at all times. It may be a little tender for a few days, but an over-the-counter pain reliever is all that you should need to manage mild discomfort
We’ll fit you with a temporary crown while the permanent version is crafted in a lab. Our Mesa/Tucson/Surprise dentist will dictate the size, color, and shape of each permanent crown for optimal results.
You’ll return for your second visit about two weeks later. At that point, our family dentist will remove your temporary crown and try in the permanent version. If everything fits appropriately, we will use a special type of bonding material to cement the final dental crown into place
If you’re having root canal treatment, the first “prep” phase is completed at the time of your endodontic therapy, eliminating the need for a third appointment
Caring for Your New Crown
To ensure your new crown lasts for several years, you’ll want to care for it properly.
Carefully brush and floss around each tooth and crown daily. While crowns are not capable of developing decay, it’s possible for plaque to accumulate around the edges of restorations and weaken the tooth underneath. Gently wrap your floss in a “C” shape and rub up and down the side of your crowns, cleaning just under the gums as well. Brush your crowns twice a day along with your other teeth, for two minutes at a time.
Some people are concerned that flossing will pull off dental crowns and bridgework. In reality, failure to floss could lead to compromised dental restorations, increasing the overall price of oral health care.
If you tend to clench or grind your teeth, our dentist recommends wearing a night guard while you sleep. This will ensure added protection against fractures or damage to your crown, reducing future costs and treatment.
Plan to visit our dentist in Mesa, Tucson, or Surprise twice a year for a professional cleaning and exam.
In instances regarding dental implants, we will place the fixed crown after your implant has fully integrated, which may take a few months.
Cost of Dental Crown Treatment
The investment in dental crown restorations preserves your tooth for several more years. In most cases, insurance will cover at least a portion of your oral care needs. Our clinic coordinators will also coordinate financing options for your convenience. You’ll know exactly what you can expect, well before your treatment time is scheduled. Being that pricing can fluctuate based on which tooth is involved and the materials used, starting with a consultation is the best way to get a price quote.