Dental crowns are one of the most versatile tools a dentist has. They can treat a myriad of different restorative and cosmetic dental problems. Mill Creek Dental provides dental crowns as part of our restorative dentistry services. It’s our goal to give you a healthy, bright smile that you’re proud of.
Dental Crown Treatment in Canton, TX
Before any restorative procedure, we schedule a consultation in our office. The dentist examines your mouth and discusses your smile goals, budget, and oral health concerns. We want to ensure that a dental crown suits your unique needs. Every patient is different. If we proceed with a dental crown, we’ll discuss the process and let you know what you can expect.
To start the process, we’ll remove and shape the tooth structure so that the dental crown will fit over your natural tooth. For success, it needs to look and feel natural. We then take impressions of the prepared tooth to send to the lab for fabrication. While your permanent restoration is being made, we’ll fit you with a temporary one. It takes around 2-3 weeks for the crown to be complete.
When we get your restoration, you’ll come back into the office. We’ll fit the crown around the prepared tooth and make adjustments. Once you’re happy with the crown’s fit, we’ll permanently bond it to your tooth. A crown is the same size as the rest of your teeth, so it’ll feel natural in your mouth. It does take a week or two to adjust to the new restoration.
What Dental Crowns Do
There’s a good reason why dental crowns are so popular. They’re one of the most versatile tools a dentist has. Not only do they treat restorative concerns, but they also provide cosmetic benefits.
Fixing Cosmetic Concerns
We all experience tooth discoloration. Typically, we treat it with professional teeth whitening. However, this solution doesn’t always work. Deeper stains and discoloration caused by trauma don’t respond to traditional techniques. We can make a dental crown any shade of white that you want. It covers your existing tooth so that no discoloration is visible.
Misshapen and deformed teeth are often something patients consider a cosmetic problem. And while they are, they can also have functional issues as well. Each tooth in your mouth is important. If there’s an issue with one, it can impact how you speak and eat. You may have a lisp or other speaking issue or be unable to break down certain foods properly when you eat. A dental crown matches your natural teeth’ size, shape, and shade, restoring full function.
Stabilizing Your Natural Teeth
When you get a root canal, we remove infected dental pulp in the tooth’s center. Once the tooth is cleaned, we refill it with a biocompatible resin and seal it from further infection. Sometimes, this doesn’t restore the tooth’s full function. A dental crown provides some structure to the tooth and restores its functionality. It also provides an extra layer of protection against bacteria getting back into your tooth.
A traditional dental bridge uses two natural teeth on either side of the span to support the restoration. This puts a lot of pressure and stress on them, causing them to wear down faster and be more prone to damage and tooth decay. We recommend using a dental crown on these teeth to strengthen them. Instead of your natural tooth structure taking on all of the pressure, the dental crowns do, keeping your teeth healthy.
Treating Damage and Decay
Dental crowns are often the last line of defense when your teeth have severe decay or damage. Preserving the natural tooth structure is ideal for optimal oral health. Losing the natural tooth root leads to jawbone deterioration. Tooth decay eats away portions of your tooth. When the decay is too severe for fillings to treat it, a dental crown is the next solution. It strengthens the tooth and gives you back the portions of the tooth lost to decay.
If you’ve shattered a tooth, a crown can hold all the pieces of it together. This allows you to keep your tooth root. When a large piece of your tooth breaks off, the sensitive nerves and tissue in the tooth’s center become exposed. Nerve endings cause pain and it’s easier for bacteria to infect the inner tooth. A crown covers this sensitive area back up. It also covers any sharp edges that developed when it broke that could harm the soft tissue in your mouth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn the answers to our new and existing patients’ questions about tooth crowns.
Is a porcelain crown the same as a dental crown?
Yes, a porcelain crown is a type of dental crown. Tooth crowns can be made from porcelain, metal, or both. They cover and protect damaged teeth but can be made from different materials. We’ll recommend the best material based on the tooth’s location and your needs.
How long does a crown last on a tooth?
A tooth crown can last anywhere from 4 to 15 years and sometimes even longer. Its lifespan depends on factors like oral hygiene, the material we use, and chewing habits. Taking good care of your crown helps it last as long as possible.
Does dental insurance cover dental crowns?
Most dental insurance plans cover crowns, but coverage varies. Typically, they’re considered a major procedure, so insurance might pay at least 50 of the cost. Some dental plans have waiting periods or annual maximums. It’s best to check your specific policy details. We can help you understand your benefits and estimate your cost before treatment.
How bad can a tooth be and still get a crown?
As long as there’s enough healthy tooth structure left, we can often place a crown. Even if a tooth is badly decayed or broken, a crown can restore it after proper preparation. Some cases may require us to perform a root canal or build up the tooth before placing the crown.
What lasts longer, a filling or a crown?
Generally, a crown lasts longer than a filling. Fillings might last about 5 to 10 years, while crowns can last 10 to 15 years or more. Crowns cover the entire tooth and provide more protection and durability over time.
How sore will I be after a dental crown procedure?
You might feel some mild soreness or sensitivity after getting a crown. This is usually temporary and should go away within a few days. We will recommend over-the-counter pain medication that can help with any discomfort or soreness.
Restore Your Tooth Today
You can schedule your next dental visit at Mill Creek Dental online or by calling 903-600-9237 to learn more.