Understanding Dental Crowns
Hello, I'm Dr. Turner at Turner Family Dental. We're located in Dallas, Texas. Today I'm going to talk to you a little bit about dental crowns.
What are dental crowns?
Dental crowns are a covering that we put over teeth. Sometimes it's for cosmetic purposes, and sometimes we do it just to protect the teeth. Anytime a tooth may have a fracture or if there's any compromise to the biting surface of the tooth, we want to cover it with the crown to make sure that we support it. It's great for the longevity of teeth that may be a little weaker than others. It's excellent for eating and ensuring that you are able to maintain functionality.
What is the alternative to dental crowns?
The alternative to dental crowns is to basically not do anything at all. Anytime we recommend a dental crown, it's typically because there's some sort of compromise to the teeth. If we don't proceed, you run the risk of fracturing the tooth, losing the tooth, and it becomes quite difficult to eat without those back teeth.
What are the types of dental crowns?
There are several different types of dental crowns. There are gold crowns, porcelain crowns, and zirconia crowns, all of which are good options and warranted in different situations. The gold crown is a common crown that we used to use years ago, and some people still prefer them now for teeth that endure more force. Gold crowns are very sturdy and suitable for most of the back teeth. Occasionally, some people want them cosmetically for the front teeth.
Zirconia crowns are a good alternative to gold crowns. Zirconia crowns can be used in areas that also take high force. They're great for many of the back teeth. Zirconia crowns look like porcelain crowns but are as strong as gold crowns, making them a great alternative for patients who desire both aesthetics and durability in their back teeth.
When are dental crowns recommended?
In most cases, dental crowns are recommended after root canal treatment. However, if you have root canals on some of the front teeth, it may not always be necessary. We typically recommend it because anytime you've had a root canal done, it compromises the integrity of the tooth. We want to ensure we support it for longevity.
Reasons for crowns:
- Broken or fractured teeth
- Cosmetic enhancement
- Decayed teeth
- Fractured fillings
- Large fillings
- Tooth has a root canal
What is the process for getting a dental crown?
If you are interested in having a dental crown done or if you need one, the first step is to come in, and we will take an impression of that tooth so we can prepare a temporary for you. Then the doctor will come in, anesthetize you, and prepare that tooth for the crown, and you'll leave the office that first day with a temporary.
After that appointment, you'll return, and we'll have your permanent crown. We try it in, make sure you like it, ensure it fits well, and then we cement it permanently, and you're back in business.
Does dental crown placement hurt?
The dental crown placement does not hurt. The only time you'll feel a little discomfort is typically when we're giving you the anesthetic, which is right at the beginning of the procedure. Other than that, it's easy to get through and totally worth it.
Are there consequences to getting a tooth crown?
There aren't any negative consequences for getting a tooth crown. However, when you're getting a dental crown, we will have to reduce a little bit of the tooth structure to get a solid material to cover that tooth.
If we are not able to reduce enough of that tooth structure, it compromises the integrity of that crown. We want to ensure there is plenty of tooth reduction to provide a nice, solid crown that will last for years.
What about crowns for children's teeth?
When it comes to children's teeth and crowns, I'm sure you've seen the stainless steel crowns and sometimes the white crowns with kids. It is worth it because those teeth need to be retained to hold the space for the permanent ones.
Often, people think, "They're just baby teeth; we're going to lose them." And you are, but we have to hold that space for the permanent tooth to come in.
Do crowns look like normal teeth?
Crowns do look like normal teeth in some cases, especially those we are working on in the front. We do our best to match the existing teeth. We can also do the same for the back teeth. The back teeth can look natural unless you choose to have gold crowns, in which case they are very shiny and gold.
How do you take care of a dental crown?
Taking care of the dental crown is crucial once you get it. You must keep your regular dental visits and ensure you're flossing and brushing regularly, even more so now that you have a dental crown.
You've made the investment in your mouth, so you need to maintain good home care. A dental crown, if well cared for, can last a lifetime. Typically, we say anywhere from 10 to 15 years is the normal lifespan of a crown.
Does insurance cover dental crowns?
For the most part, yes, insurance does cover dental crowns.
At Turner Family Dental, your dental health is our priority. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call our team at (469) 757-2553, or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!