Dental Crowns in Enfield
If you have a tooth that’s suffering, you might think you need to have it extracted — but don’t be so hasty! A dental crown may be able to save that part of your smile, restoring its form and function. In our practice, we make full use of dental crowns in Enfield to prevent extractions whenever possible. If you ever suspect that you need a new restoration, or that one of your old restorations is failing, please contact us so we can talk about how to get your oral health back on track.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made tooth cover that your dentist in Enfield places over the entire part of your tooth that is above the gum line. Crowns can be made of various materials, including gold, silver, porcelain, and porcelain fused to metal.
Metal crowns are very sturdy and may last for a long time, but many patients dislike them because they look nothing like natural teeth. For improved aesthetic value, most people prefer all-porcelain crowns. The color of porcelain is very close to that of natural teeth, and it reflects light in much the same way as teeth. It is also quite strong, so a porcelain crown can last for a decade or longer if it receives proper care and no unfortunate incidents befall it.
When Is a Crown Necessary?
There are several situations in which your “dentist near me” in Enfield may recommend that you get a dental crown:
- You need to have a root canal, and a crown will be necessary to protect the tooth after the procedure.
- A tooth has faced such severe decay or damage that, without protection, it is in great danger of suffering from further problems.
- You have a missing tooth and are going to get a bridge. Crowns will be used on the teeth adjacent to the empty space in order to support the artificial tooth between them.
- You are unhappy with the way one of your teeth looks and would like a crown to improve its appearance.
- You have cracked tooth syndrome, in which microfractures in a tooth cause extreme sensitivity. A crown may be able to shield the tooth and relieve your pain.
What Is the Process of Installing a Dental Crown?
It usually takes at least two visits for your dentist to install a crown. On the first visit, we’ll prepare the tooth. We may have to fill it or file it down so it will be able to fit well under the crown. Then, we’ll take an impression of the area, which a laboratory will use to create a crown that will fit in your mouth and provide you with a strong bite and attractive smile. We’ll give you a temporary crown to safeguard your tooth until your permanent, custom crown is ready.
When you come back for your second visit, we’ll use a special cement to attach the crown. You may just walk away with a restored smile and heightened confidence!
Understanding the Cost of Dental Crowns
The cost of dental crowns depends on a few factors. When you visit us for a restorative consultation, we will share some specific numbers with you. If you are concerned about being able to pay for your treatment, let us know. You may be able to use your dental insurance or third-party financing to manage the cost of your care.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Dental Crowns
A few factors that can have a bearing on the cost of dental crowns include:
- In some cases, all we have to do to prepare a tooth for a crown is reshape it so it will fit well beneath its restoration. In other cases, we must perform root canal therapy or other services.
- Crowns can be constructed out of various materials, such as different types of metals, porcelain, ceramic, and porcelain fused to metal. Each type of crown comes with its own price, as well as its own set of pros and cons.
- The crown-making process. Laboratory fees and other expenses involved in making the crown will influence the total cost of your care.
Keep in mind that it is important to be wary of so-called “bargains” for dental care. You want to be sure that you are receiving high-quality treatment that is likely to provide comfortable, long-lasting results!
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Crowns?
Dental insurance is usually willing to cover at least a portion of the cost of dental crowns. Typically, crowns are classified as a major procedure, so around 50% of their price is covered, up to the amount of a policy’s annual maximum. Keep in mind, though, that if your crown is purely for cosmetic services, it might not be eligible for any coverage at all. Our team welcomes insurance, and we will be happy to help you understand how your benefits may apply.
Other Options for Making Dental Crowns Affordable
In addition to insurance, there are a few provisions that might make it easier for you to afford your crown:
- Most patients qualify for low-interest or no-interest financing through CareCredit, a third-party company that specializes in helping patients pay for medical and dental services. The application process is fast, and you may be able to choose a monthly payment amount that works with your budget.
- Essential Dental plan. This discount plan is designed for patients without insurance. Signing up is easy, and you can start using your benefits right away.
Are you eager to learn more about dental crowns and their cost? Get in touch with our team — we are ready to answer your questions!
Dental Crowns FAQs
If you believe you could benefit from a dental crown, our Enfield team is prepared to serve you. Before you contact us to book an appointment, though, you might be eager to learn more about this treatment and what it involves. We know that many people prefer to do their research online, so to assist you in your quest to gather information, we have provided the following list of FAQs. If your specific questions are not mentioned here, give us a call. We look forward to chatting with you.
What Are Dental Crowns Made Of?
Dental crowns can be constructed of various materials. Here at Four Town Dental, we sometimes use:
- Temporary crowns are usually made of stainless steel. Permanent crowns may contain gold, silver, nickel, chromium, palladium, and other metals. Because metal crowns are incredibly durable, we often use them to restore molars.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM). PFM crowns have a metal lining and an outer porcelain shell, so they are both beautiful and durable. However, the outer porcelain may eventually wear away to reveal the color of the underlying metal.
- All porcelain. All porcelain crowns tend to be the most aesthetically pleasing crown option. We often use them to restore front teeth.
Are Dental Crowns Permanent?
A dental crown may last for 10 – 15 years before it needs to be replaced, so while the treatment is certainly long term, it is not permanent. You can help your crown last as long as possible by taking good care of it. For example, you should adhere to a solid oral hygiene routine and attend regular dental checkups.
Keep in mind as well that, although crowns are not permanent, they do require a permanent commitment. That is because when we are preparing a tooth for a crown, we usually have to remove some of its enamel. The enamel will never grow back on its own, so the tooth will always need something to protect it.
How Do You Know When a Dental Crown Needs to Be Replaced?
Your crown might need to be replaced if:
- The tooth beneath it is in pain.
- The crown feels loose.
- You are having difficulty chewing.
- There are visible signs of wear or damage to the crown. For example, a PFM crown might develop a dark line at its base.
When you visit us, we will inspect your crown and let you know for sure whether it needs to be replaced.
Do Dental Crowns Get Cavities?
Dental crowns do not get cavities. They are not vulnerable to decay like natural enamel. However, the teeth beneath crowns can still get cavities. If plaque and bacteria sneak under a crown, they can attack the underlying dentition and cause damage.
You can greatly reduce the risk of cavities on your crowned tooth by taking some simple precautions:
- Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day. Be sure to clean along your gumline.
- Eat a balanced diet that does not contain too much sugar or starch.
- Visit us for a checkup and cleaning every six months.