Do I Really Need a Dental Crown? Five Things You Should Ask

A dental crown refers to a covering for an existing tooth that may be stained, crooked, broken, or decayed. These caps are often made from porcelain or a mix of porcelain and metal. They’re designed to improve how your damaged tooth looks. They also make them more durable and long-lasting. Have you recently visited an oral health care professional, and they said you need dental crowns? Whether you are looking to restore your radiant smile for cosmetic or functional reasons, here are five things you need to ask your dentist:
 

When Is It Necessary?

Dental crowns may be an excellent option if your tooth is worn, fractured, or weakened due to tooth decay. It may also be needed to cover your tooth with a dental filling or if you have a cavity that’s too large for a filling. Other situations that make dental crowns a reasonable solution are holding a dental bridge or covering a dental implant.
 

How Long Does the Procedure Take? 

Getting crowns is a common dental procedure. It generally involves teeth preparation, taking impressions to fabricate the caps and installation. Getting a traditional dental crown needs a multi-day process with a temporary crown. Some dental clinics offer same-day procedures where you may skip the step where you need to use a temporary crown while waiting for the laboratory to make your actual crown. This entire process usually takes about a couple of hours or so to complete.
 

How Long Does It Last? 

Most dental crowns last five to 15 years on average, depending on various factors. These include how well your dentist placed the crowns and the kind of materials they used. Proper care and maintenance, dental hygiene, as well as certain habits, also matter. Activities like teeth grinding, nail-biting, chewing on hard foods, and using your teeth to open packaging can reduce the crown’s life span.
 

What Benefits Does It Offer? 

A dental crown can offer a host of benefits for the right candidate. A crown can withstand daily use and is generally resistant to breakage, allowing it to last for many years. It also provides support and protection to a cracked, broken, or damaged tooth. Dental crowns are natural-looking. Your dentist will match its color with the rest of your teeth, so they blend nicely.
 

How Much Does It Cost?

The average price for each crown will range between $500 and $2500. The cost largely depends on several factors. These include the affected tooth’s location in your mouth, the type of materials your dentist will use, and your geographic location. If you have typical insurance, they will likely cover a portion of the cost. Statistics show that patients with insurance will probably pay an average of $882 for each crown. If you don’t have insurance, you’ll pay an average price of about $1350 per crown.

 

Find out if you are a good candidate for dental crowns, contact Castro Valley Dentistry in Castro Valley, CA at (510) 674-0900.