Why would a dentist recommend a dental crown?
A dental crown is recommended when the tooth is no longer strong enough to support pressure and being able to chew on it could cause it to crack more or break more. Oftentimes, teeth that have had large fillings placed on them to the point that they're not strong anymore need a dental crown to make them strong again. There are also other reasons that dental crowns can be used.
How are dental crowns different for different types of teeth?
There are different types of crowns for different teeth depending on the patient. We have all natural looking crowns that look like ceramic or tooth colored and then we have some that are a combination of ceramic and metal underneath for strength. There are some that are all metal, maybe for some back teeth that need the strength of metal sometimes we may make those. The doctor usually recommends what is in the situation is best for that tooth or teeth.
Can front teeth crowns look natural?
Yes, they can. It depends on how closely we can match the color, the shape, the texture of those teeth that we are trying to match. It has to do with the skill of the lab as well as the recommendations of the doctor.
Can a root canal and crown be done in one visit?
Most situations we don't recommend doing the root canal and the crown at the same visit. We want to make sure the root canal tooth is settled down and no longer painful or uncomfortable after that procedure before proceeding with the crown.
What is the procedure associated with getting a tooth crowned?
There are several steps. Firstly, we want the patient to be completely numb and feel no discomfort. Then we prepare the tooth, reshaping it to fit the dental crown. The dental crown is sort of like a helmet on top of a tooth. It is very hard and strong and it holds the structure of the tooth together so it doesn't crack or break.
Can kids have dental crowns?
In most cases, baby teeth will not get a typical dental crown. They might get a stainless steel crown which is sort of a temporary crown till those baby teeth fall out. Permanent teeth in children might need a crown, but we may wait till they're a little older so that the crown will look natural.
Is it painful to have a dental crown placed?
It is not painful. The patient is usually numbed with a local anesthetic and then prepared for the dental crown. On the second visit when the crown is placed, it's a very quick and painless visit.
How long does a dental crown last?
A dental crown usually lasts 10 to 15 years but it could be more or less depending on the patient. It depends a lot on how well the patient may take care of their mouth, what they're putting in their mouth, what they're eating, how frequently they're eating, how well they brush and floss.
What causes tooth pain under a crown?
Pain under a dental crown rarely happens but yes it could happen. In some cases, decay may have started under the crown, or the nerve inside that tooth may have died which may be causing some pain.
What can be done about cavities under a dental crown?
If decay is detected under the crown, the crown usually will have to be removed, the decay cleaned up and filled, and then a new crown will have to be made for that tooth.
Does dental insurance cover crowns?
In most cases, most dental insurances do cover a part of the crown, all depending on the type of insurance you have. So there's usually a part that the insurance will cover and there's a part that the patient will have to pay for.
When should I schedule a dental crown procedure?
Schedule a procedure when the doctor recommends a dental crown. Some patients are very well educated about that and they may already know that they need a dental crown because they've been told and educated about it quite well before.
If you have any more questions about dental crowns, please call us here at Montpelier Family Dentistry at (301) 812-4599.