If you have a minor chip or crack in your tooth, you might think of it more as an inconvenience than a real problem. However, once the structure of your tooth is compromised, it’s more vulnerable to infection and additional injury so it’s important to address it sooner rather than later.
Fortunately, Dr. Kalluri can provide a lifelike restoration for damaged teeth with dental crowns. These prosthetics are a popular and effective way to preserve an overly decayed or broken tooth’s appearance and functionality. Continue reading to learn more about them, and feel free to contact us for additional information.
Why Choose Infinity Dental Care for Dental Crowns?
Dentist with a Master’s Degree in Prosthodontics
Advanced Technology for Enhanced Patient Comfort
In-Network with Many Popular Dental Insurance Policies
What is a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that are bonded over an injured tooth to shield it from potential harm and allow you to continue using it normally. They’re usually made from a durable material that can be customized to match the tone of your natural teeth, like resilient ceramic or resin.
They’re often used to:
Protect a severely broken or decayed tooth.
Restore an injured tooth’s functionality.
Cover a tooth that recently underwent a root canal.
Cap dental implants to rebuild your smile.
Anchor a dental bridge in place to close the gaps in your grin.
Mask aesthetic issues like chips, cracks, stubborn stains, or somewhat misshapen teeth.
The Dental Crown Process
Historically, getting a dental crown typically required multiple appointments, but thanks to the development of CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic) technology, that’s no longer the case! With updated equipment, Dr. Kalluri can potentially provide one on the same day as your initial appointment!
First, she’ll examine your mouth to ensure you’re a good candidate. Many patients require additional treatments, like filling cavities or a root canal, to clear up decayed materials first. Then, she’ll numb the area with a topical anesthetic before removing a small amount of enamel from the tooth in question so that your prosthetic fits like a glove.
Then, she’ll make digital impressions of your teeth using CEREC software that’s loaded into a special program that designs your new tooth. This can be shared with a special dental lab to begin creating your restoration or sent to an on-site milling machine to be carved and placed in a matter of hours.
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Crown
There are several advantages to getting a dental crown in Hillsboro, including:
Improved chewing ability. With your new tooth in place, you can enjoy a variety of wholesome foods to support your oral and overall health.
Preserve your grin. These caps allow you to continue to use your injured tooth normally in circumstances that would otherwise require extraction and replacement.
Versatile solution. You can address practical and cosmetic concerns with a single prosthetic.
You can expect your restoration to last 15+ years if cared for correctly.
Easy to clean. Simply brush and floss twice daily, and visit our team for a routine appointment every six months, to keep your enhanced smile in excellent condition.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns work by building up and protecting damaged teeth from additional harm. However, many people put off
their much-needed treatment because they are worried about the cost. During your consultation, we will discuss
the
estimated cost of your treatment in detail so that you don’t run into any surprises. Until then,
here
are some things to take into account.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Dental Crowns
There are various factors that contribute to the cost of dental crowns. Here are the most important ones.
Damage: If your tooth is significantly damaged, you might need another treatment in
addition to
your dental crown to repair it. For instance, if you need root canal treatment in addition to a
crown, you
should consider this cost as well.
Materials: Dental crowns can be made of multiple materials, each with their own
price point. We
use durable, tooth-colored materials, like ceramics and resin.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Crowns?
Generally, dental crowns are considered to be a major restorative procedure. This means that they are
covered up to
50% after the deductible has been met if deemed to be medically necessary. However, every plan is a
little bit
different, so it is best to review your benefits ahead of time so that you know what to expect. At
Infinity Dental
Care, we are proud to be in-network with many PPO plans and will file on your behalf. If you have any
questions
about your plan and what it covers, give us a call so we can help.
Dental Crowns FAQs
Are Dental Crowns Permanent?
Dental crowns will not technically be a permanent solution, as they will likely need to be replaced after a decade or so, depending on your situation. However, the treatment process will be irreversible since it involves our team altering and reshaping your tooth enamel to make room for the restoration, which will not be able to grow back. Once we’ve removed some of the tooth, you’ll need to have it covered with a dental crown to protect it from then on. Your restoration is designed to be durable enough to help the underlying tooth survive for far longer than it would have without it. To maintain your dental crown for many years, you’ll simply need to practice good oral hygiene every day, visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings, and wear a mouthguard/nightguard if necessary.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
In most cases, you might expect a dental crown to last as long as five to 15 years, but this will depend heavily on factors like the material that the restoration is made of and how well you take care of it. Traditional metal crowns can sometimes have a longer lifespan compared to metal-free materials, but the difference is hardly noticeable. The biggest factors for the longevity of your restoration will involve things like your oral hygiene, your diet, and any bad oral habits, such as nail-biting, teeth grinding, smoking, etc. Additionally, dental crowns that protect front teeth might last much longer compared to those used for molars, as the back teeth are more prone to wear and tear from chewing.
How Do You Know When a Dental Crown Needs to Be Replaced?
The best way to know if you need to replace your dental crown is by having your dentist examine your situation and take X-rays of it. Even so, there are certain major indications that your restoration is nearing the end of its lifespan. These usually involve:
Pain: If your underlying tooth is decayed, your dental crown will need to be removed so that we can treat the cavity. We’ll then determine if we can reseat your restoration or provide a new one.
Noticeable wear and tear: If your dental crown looks visibly worn down, damaged, or discolored, then you might consider replacing it, especially if it negatively impacts your self-confidence.
Instability: A loose dental crown is a sure sign that you need a new one, especially if it moves around while chewing something sticky.
What is the Difference Between Traditional & CEREC Dental Crowns?
Unlike traditional crowns that are constructed in a laboratory, CEREC same-day crowns can be made right here at the office. This means you can expect the entire process to be completed in the very same place as it started, and the results can be completed in just a single appointment. You also won’t require wearing a temporary crown, meaning you won’t have to worry about any dietary restrictions that might come with that. Other than this, the results are typically the same with both options.
