Do I Need a Dental Crown?
Have you ever had a large cavity? How about a cracked tooth? If you’re over the age of 25, you’ve most likely experienced one of the two. Because these issues are so common, dental crowns have come a long way from the gold caps many are used to seeing.
Dental crowns are needed when:
- Teeth are badly cracked or broken
- Weak teeth require protection to prevent damage
- There is inadequate tooth structure to support a large filling
- There is inadequate tooth structure to withstand forces from chewing and biting
- A bridge needs to be attached to the teeth adjacent to a gap
In most cases, when the enamel of a tooth is damaged, a dentist removes the affected portion and reshapes the tooth in preparation for a crown. If the tooth is cracked down to the base, a root canal is performed, followed by a post and core procedure. A crown tops off and seals the job.
Which crown your dentist recommends depends on the amount of treatment needed to address the problem. While some patients prefer gold crowns, porcelain crowns have become a popular alternative, as they provide a similar color and texture to the natural tooth. Thanks to modern technology, pressed porcelain crowns are fused to metal to create additional strength and durability. Once the right dental crown is determined for you, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth, and after a week or two, your crown will be set into place.
Dental crowns can vary in price due to the material choice for each unique situation. The cost can vary from $840-$950, so please schedule an appointment to get more information. With proper care, including regular cleaning, flossing and gum care, your crown can last more than 10 years.
Caring for and Maintaining Your Dental Crown
Dental crowns are designed to last a long time, but they are not impenetrable. They require care and attention just like natural healthy teeth.
Brush and floss your teeth, including your crown, daily, and focus on removing plaque from the area where the gum meets the crowned tooth. Avoid chewing on hard items, like ice or nut shells, to prevent cracking or fracturing your crown. See your dentist at least twice a year so he can check the crown for any signs of a problem.
A properly cleaned and maintained crown can last five to eight years or more.