Dental Crowns & Tooth Crowns
What are Dental Crowns, Tooth Crowns, and Tooth Caps?
Dental crowns, which are also known as tooth crowns, dental caps, or tooth caps, are custom made covers or caps that fit over the top of a damaged, decayed, or misshapen tooth. They can be made out of porcelain, ceramics, resin, or metals and are used to restore the normal appearance and function of a tooth. Crowns are also used to protect teeth that have been weakened by large fillings or decay. They can also be used to hold a dental bridge firmly in place, cover a dental implant, or restore a tooth after a root canal.
Dental Services Provided in Communities
What is a Dentist?
The procedure for placing a dental crown on a tooth usually involves at least two visits to a dentist. The purpose of the first visit is for the dentist to prepare the tooth by removing any damage or decay and then take an impression of the tooth to which will serve as a model for the crown. The patient will then need to wait a week or two for their crown to be made from the impression that was taken, but to give the patient a usable tooth to use while they wait, they will be fitted with a temporary crown until the permanent one is complete. On their second visit, the dentist will take the temporary crown off and permanently cement the custom made crown in place.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Crowns are strong and dental sources will often say they can last for 5 to 15 years with proper care. However, some will go so far as to say that when taken care of properly, dental crowns can last for up to 30 years. A lot of factors play into this, though, including the material it is made out of, the amount of wear the tooth is exposed to, and an individual’s personal hygiene habits.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Dental Crowns?
Are Dental Crowns a Good Idea?
Some of the potential benefits of getting a dental crown or tooth crown can include:
- Provides protection: a crown can protect a damaged tooth from cracking or breaking any further.
- Strengthens the tooth: a dental crown can provide extra strength to a tooth that has been weakened by a large filling or decay.
- Durable and strong: when properly cared for, crowns can last for 5 to 15 years.
- Natural look: a tooth crown can nicely improve the appearance of your smile by easily matching the natural color of your existing teeth.
There are, however, some disadvantages to dental crowns. These can include:
- Irreversible process: to properly fit a crown solidly onto your existing tooth, the dentist may need to remove some of your existing tooth structure. The removal of this tooth material is irreversible.
- The cost: dental crowns can be expensive. This can be especially true if you need many crowns or need them made out of more expensive materials.
- A time factor: getting a tooth crown doesn’t happen instantly. The process usually involves at least two visits to your dentist and one to two weeks in order to get your permanent crown.
- Regular maintenance: tooth crowns require the same kind of care as your natural teeth. This means regular brushing and flossing.
- Don’t last forever: in time, any crown will need to be replaced. It could also need to be replaced sooner if it were to be damaged or come loose.
In the end, getting a dental crown is a common dental procedure. Your decision to get one should come down to your specific needs, your circumstances, and the recommendation of your dentist.
What are the Different Types of Dental Crowns
and How Much Does a Crown Cost?
When it comes to dental crowns, there are many different types of material that can be used. The cost of each type of crown can vary depending on what type of material is used, the complexity involved in fitting the crown, and even what part of the country the dentist’s office is located in. Below are some of the common types of dental crowns and their typical price ranges:
- Porcelain crowns or ceramic crowns: these are made out of a ceramic material that looks very similar to natural teeth. This tends to be a very popular choice. However, they aren’t as strong as porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. The porcelain crown cost or ceramic crown cost can range between $800 to $3,000 per crown.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns: this type of crown is stronger than a regular porcelain crown since it has a metal center that is covered over with a layer of porcelain. The porcelain can be used to match the color of your existing teeth. These metal ceramic crowns can range in price from $600 to $1,500 per crown. The downside of this type of crown is that the metal in the crown can sometimes create a greyish look at the bottom of the crown.
- Metal crowns: they can be made out of gold, platinum, or another metal alloy. They are known for being durable and strong, but they don’t look as natural as porcelain or ceramic crowns. A gold tooth cap, silver tooth cap, or another type of metal crown can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,500 per crown. Because metal and gold crowns are so strong, they can be a good choice for molars at the back of the mouth. Some dentists even claim they can last for several decades when cared for properly.
- Zirconia crowns: this is a newer material that does a good job of combining a fairly natural tooth look (similar to porcelain but not quite as good) with the strength of metal crowns. Zirconia crowns are made from a white metal that is similar to titanium. It comes in different tooth shades and costs a similar amount to porcelain crowns.
- Resin crowns: these are made from a composite material that looks similar to natural teeth. Their advantage is that they are not as expensive as other types of crowns. Their prices tend to range from $250 to $800 per crown. So if you’re looking for cheap dental crowns, this is what you’d be looking for. The disadvantage of a resin composite crown is that it’s not as durable as other types of crowns so it may need to be replaced more often.
When it comes to the average cost of a crown, it’s important to be aware that a dental crown price can vary depending on a range of factors including the complexity of the specific set of circumstances in your mouth. Getting an estimate from a number of different dentists is always a good idea before spending a lot of money on a procedure like this.
Related: Whether you’re looking for a dentist in Vancouver, New York, Dallas, Seattle, or even a dentist in Surrey, you can use this site to find a dentist near you who offers crowns at a price you can afford.
What are the Dangers of Dental Crowns?
Placing dental crowns on people’s teeth is a very common procedure that is generally considered to be very effective and safe, but no medical or dental procedure is without risk of some kind. The potential risks or dangers of dental crowns can include the following:
- Cracking or chipping: while crowns tend to be very durable, chipping or cracking is possible if someone bites down on a hard object or something forcefully impacts their face. Cracked or chipped crowns can often be repaired; however, if the damage is great enough, then they may need to be entirely replaced.
- Extra tooth sensitivity: after having a crown put in place, it’s possible that the tooth may be extra sensitive to hot or cold temperatures for a while. It is said that this extra sensitivity should go away within a number of days to a number of weeks.
- Gum irritation: it’s possible that some individuals may experience irritation or discomfort in their gums after getting a crown. Fortunately, this is usually only temporary and your dentist can likely address it with some simple pain medication.
- Allergic reaction: while it is said to be rare, it is possible for someone to have an allergic reaction in response to the materials used in their tooth crown. If you happen to have any known allergies or sensitivities to certain materials, it’s important to let your dentist know before getting any type of crown.
At the end of the day, the risks that are associated with dental crowns are generally considered to be minor and are manageable with proper care. If you’re thinking about getting a crown, you should discuss the risks and any concerns you may have with your dentist.
Dental Crowns, Tooth Crowns, and Tooth Caps – Many Names for a Common Dental Procedure
If you need some dental work done and the upper portion of one of your teeth is no longer strong enough to function well on its own, a tooth crown or tooth cap may be an option that your dentist recommends to you. Tooth crown cost doesn’t have to be too expensive. There are affordable options for dental crowns such as resin crowns, but if you can afford a little more, many people seem to prefer other options such as metal or porcelain crowns. Your dentist, though, will be able to make the best recommendation for you that both fits your need and your budget. With proper care, whatever crown you choose should serve you well and last for many years.