What Are Dental Crowns?
Restore your smile’s function and beauty with dental crowns – a versatile solution for damaged teeth.
The Basics of Dental Crowns
A dental crown is essentially a custom-made “cap” that’s placed over a damaged or weakened tooth. This restoration completely covers the visible portion of your tooth above the gum line, effectively becoming its new outer surface. Crowns are designed to restore a tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance while protecting what remains of the natural tooth structure beneath.
At Haight Family Dentistry in Plano, we provide high-quality dental crowns that look natural and function just like your original teeth. Our goal is to help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile that lasts for years to come.
When Do You Need a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns are incredibly versatile restorations that serve many purposes. You might need a crown if:
Protection for Weakened Teeth
If your tooth has been weakened by decay, large fillings, or fractures, a crown can prevent it from breaking. Think of a crown as a protective helmet for your vulnerable tooth.
Restoration of Broken Teeth
When a tooth is severely worn down or broken, a crown can restore its original shape and function. This is particularly important for teeth that play crucial roles in chewing.
Support for Teeth with Large Fillings
Teeth with large fillings often don’t have enough natural structure remaining to support themselves. A crown provides the necessary strength and protection.
Cover for Dental Implants
Crowns are the visible, functional part of dental implants, sitting atop the implant post that’s anchored in your jawbone.
Anchors for Dental Bridges
Crowns can serve as anchors for dental bridges, helping to replace missing teeth by supporting the bridge structure.
Cosmetic Enhancement
Crowns can improve the appearance of teeth that are discolored, misshapen, or otherwise aesthetically compromised.
Protection After Root Canal Treatment
Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment are often more brittle and vulnerable to fracture. Crowns provide necessary protection for these teeth.
Types of Dental Crowns
Not all crowns are created equal. At Haight Family Dentistry, we offer several types of dental crowns to meet our patients’ varied needs:
Porcelain or Ceramic Crowns
These crowns provide the most natural-looking results because they can be color-matched to your existing teeth. They’re an excellent choice for front teeth or visible areas of your smile.
Benefits:
- Extremely natural appearance
- Metal-free option for those with allergies
- Biocompatible with gum tissue
Considerations:
- May not be as strong as metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal options
- Might wear down opposing teeth slightly more than metal crowns
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
These crowns combine the strength of a metal base with the natural appearance of porcelain.
Benefits:
- Strong and durable
- Natural-looking appearance
- Good option for back teeth that need strength
Considerations:
- Metal edge may become visible at the gum line over time
- Porcelain portion can potentially chip
Gold Alloy Crowns
Made from a mixture of gold, copper, and other metals, these crowns are known for their exceptional durability.
Benefits:
- Extremely durable and long-lasting
- Wear down very slowly, similar to natural teeth
- Require minimal removal of tooth structure
Considerations:
- Distinctive gold appearance not preferred by all patients
- Higher cost than some other options
Zirconia Crowns
A newer option, zirconia crowns offer exceptional strength and a natural appearance.
Benefits:
- Extremely strong and durable
- Natural-looking appearance
- Minimal wear on opposing teeth
- Metal-free option
Considerations:
- Relatively new material with less long-term data
- May be more expensive than traditional options
The Dental Crown Process
Getting a dental crown typically involves several steps spread over two appointments at our Plano dental office:
First Appointment
Examination and Preparation
Your dentist will examine the tooth and may take X-rays to check the roots and surrounding bone. If there is a risk of infection or injury to the tooth’s pulp, a root canal treatment might be performed first.
Tooth Reshaping
The tooth receiving the crown will be reshaped to make room for the crown. The number of teeth removed depends on the type of crown being used. If a large area of the tooth is missing due to damage or decay, your dentist might use filling material to build up the tooth to support the crown.
Impressions
Once the tooth is reshaped, we’ll take an impression of the prepared and surrounding teeth. These impressions are sent to a dental laboratory where your custom crown will be manufactured. This typically takes 2-3 weeks.
Temporary Crown Placement
While waiting for your permanent crown, we’ll place a temporary crown over your prepared tooth to protect it. This temporary restoration isn’t as strong as the final crown, so you’ll need to be careful with it.
Second Appointment
Temporary Crown Removal
When your permanent crown is ready, you’ll return to our office. We’ll remove your temporary crown and check the fit and color of the new permanent crown.
Permanent Crown Placement
Once both you and your dentist are satisfied with how the crown looks and fits, it will be permanently cemented into place.
Living With Your New Crown
After getting your new dental crown, you might experience some adjustment period. Here’s what to expect and how to care for your investment:
Initial Adjustment Period
Your crowned tooth may be sensitive immediately after the procedure as the anesthesia wears off. If the crowned tooth still has a nerve in it, you might experience some heat and cold sensitivity. Your dentist may recommend a sensitive toothpaste to help with this temporary issue.
Long-Term Care
With proper care, dental crowns can last between 5 and 15 years or even longer. To extend the life of your crown:
- Practice excellent oral hygiene, including brushing twice a day and flossing daily, paying special attention to the area where the crown meets the gum
- Avoid biting on hard foods or objects (ice, pens, fingernails)
- Don’t use your teeth as tools to open packages
- If you grind your teeth at night, ask about getting a nightguard to protect your crown
- Continue regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings
Potential Complications
While dental crowns are generally very successful, some complications can occur:
Discomfort or Sensitivity
Some sensitivity immediately after the procedure is normal. However, if you experience pain when biting down, your crown might be too high and need adjustment.
Crown Comes Loose or Falls Off
If this happens, contact our office immediately. Keep the crown safe and bring it with you to your appointment if possible.
Chipped Crown
Porcelain crowns can occasionally chip. Small chips can often be repaired while the crown remains in your mouth. Larger chips might require crown replacement.
Dark Line at Gum Line
With porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, you might notice a dark line next to the gum. This is the metal showing through and is normal, though some patients have cosmetic concerns about it.
The Cost of Dental Crowns
The cost of dental crowns varies depending on several factors:
- Type of material used (porcelain, metal, zirconia)
- Size and location of the tooth
- Complexity of the case
- Additional procedures needed (such as root canal therapy)
- Geographic location
While dental insurance often covers a portion of the cost for crowns when they’re medically necessary, coverage amounts vary by insurance plan. At Haight Family Dentistry, our team will work with you to understand your insurance benefits and maximize your coverage.
For patients without insurance or whose insurance doesn’t cover the full cost, we offer various payment plans and financing options to make necessary dental work affordable.
Crowns vs. Other Dental Restorations
Understanding how crowns compare to other dental restorations can help you make informed decisions about your dental care:
Crowns vs. Fillings
Fillings are used to repair smaller areas of decay or damage. They fill in just a portion of the tooth.
Crowns cover the entire visible portion of the tooth and are used when there’s significant damage or weakness.
When to choose a crown: When a filling won’t provide adequate strength or protection for your tooth.
Crowns vs. Veneers
Veneers cover only the front surface of a tooth and are primarily used for cosmetic improvements.
Crowns cover the entire tooth and provide both aesthetic improvements and structural support.
When to choose a crown: When the tooth needs structural reinforcement in addition to cosmetic improvement.
Crowns vs. Onlays
Onlays (sometimes called partial crowns) cover just the damaged portion of the tooth and the cusps.
Crowns cover the entire visible portion of the tooth.
When to choose a crown: When damage is extensive and affects most of the tooth structure.
Technology and Advances in Dental Crowns
The field of dental restorations is constantly evolving, with new technologies making crowns more convenient, comfortable, and natural-looking than ever before:
Same-Day Crowns
Advanced CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing) technology now allows for same-day crown creation in some dental offices. This technology uses digital scans to create a 3D model of your tooth, which is then used to mill a crown from a ceramic block right in the office. This eliminates the need for temporary crowns and multiple visits.
Digital Impressions
Traditional impressions involve biting into a tray of putty-like material, which can be uncomfortable for some patients. Digital scanning technology creates highly accurate impressions without the mess and discomfort of traditional methods.
Improved Materials
Modern ceramic materials continue to improve, offering better aesthetics and durability. Today’s tooth-colored crowns are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth while providing excellent strength and longevity.
Why Choose Haight Family Dentistry for Your Dental Crown
At Haight Family Dentistry in Plano, we combine technical expertise with personalized care to ensure you receive the highest quality dental crowns tailored to your specific needs:
Personalized Treatment Planning
We understand that every patient is unique. That’s why we take the time to discuss your goals, concerns, and preferences before recommending the best type of crown for your situation.
Precision and Attention to Detail
The fit and appearance of your crown significantly impact its success and your satisfaction. Our team is meticulous about every aspect of the crown process, from preparation to final placement.
Comprehensive Care Approach
We don’t just treat teeth; we care for people. Our team considers your overall oral health, aesthetic goals, and long-term dental care needs when planning and placing your dental crown.
Comfort-Focused Experience
We prioritize your comfort throughout the entire process, from offering sedation options to creating a relaxing office environment.
Maintaining Your Beautiful Smile
Your dental crown is an investment in your oral health and overall well-being. To keep your smile looking and feeling its best:
- Visit us regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings
- Maintain excellent home care with proper brushing and flossing
- Address any issues promptly to prevent more serious problems
- Consider additional protective measures like night guards if you grind your teeth
A well-cared-for dental crown can provide years of service, helping you speak, eat, and smile with confidence. Our team at Haight Family Dentistry is committed to helping you maintain optimal oral health for life.
Don’t let a damaged or weakened tooth impact your quality of life. Schedule Your Appointment today to discuss if a dental crown is right for you. Our experienced team will guide you through your options and help you make the best decision for your oral health.
For more information or to book your consultation, call Haight Family Dentistry at 972-527-5555.
Haight Family Dentistry
Your trusted dental care provider in Plano and surrounding areas
Call us: 972-527-5555