Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Dental Crowns (2023)
Have you ever wondered what a dental crown or tooth cap is? We have the answers to all dental crown-related questions in this Dental Crown Guide blog post.
Larry A. Fisher does wonderful dental crown work and has some of the best dental prices in the city. If you need a dental crown, contact our Chicago dentists.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a restoration that covers or “caps” the top of a tooth. A Crown helps to strengthen the structure of your tooth and can improve its appearance.
In some cases, an artificial tooth (dental implant) may be placed along with a dental crown to replace one or more missing teeth in their natural function and appearance.
The “Dental Crown” is a term most people know. Yet Teeth crown, tooth crown, cap, all mean the same thing in the dental world. Most people are somewhat confused about what a dental crown is because it has a few different names.
Why Would Someone Get a Dental Crown?
There are many reasons why someone might need a dental crown. If a tooth is cracked or broken, a crown can help to protect it and keep it from further damage.
A dental crown replaces the enamel covering of a tooth, so an answer to this question is that a tooth needs a dental crown when the enamel no longer performs its function.
Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body and its designed to withstand the thermal, chemical, and mechanical forces our teeth undergo. Sadly, however, it is not invincible.
Crowns can also be used to cover up teeth that are badly stained or misshapen. In some cases, crowns may be needed to support a dental bridge.
5 Reasons Why Some Teeth Need Dental Crowns
There are many reasons why your dentist might recommend a dental crown. Some of the most common include:
To preserve and protect a damaged tooth from further decay before it is too far gone to save with other methods.
To address problems caused by chewing, like damage or alignment issues that cannot be fixed using other means.
Remember the tooth needs a dental crown when the enamel no longer performs its function.
Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body and it’s designed to withstand everything that our teeth undergo.
Sadly, however, Enamel is not invincible. Enamel is susceptible to cracking, acid erosion, and decay (cavities). All of these can lead to the need for a crown.
Main reasons that a tooth may need a Dental Crown.
– #1 – To Fix Large Cavities
Large cavities require more dental filling material than what can be safely and effectively placed within the tooth. As a result, your dentist may recommend that you get a dental crown to cover the tooth and protect it from further decay.
🦷 Read more about the 5 Main Reasons you would need a dental crown.
What Type of Dental Crown Should I Choose?
5 Main Types of Dental Crowns
There are five main types of dental crowns: porcelain, ceramic-fused-to-metal, gold alloy, zirconia, and E-Max Crowns.
The type of crown you choose will depend on the location of the damaged tooth, your budget, and other factors.
Currently, dental crowns are made from a variety of material options. Certain materials provide better cosmetic appearances than others, and some are stronger to withstand heavy forces.
1. Gold crowns 🦷
These dental crowns are usually used for the back teeth. The main advantages are durability and strength. It requires less of your natural tooth to be removed.
Gold alloy dental crowns are made from gold or a gold alloy mixed with other metals such as palladium or platinum. They are very strong, but they may not be as natural looking as porcelain crowns.
COST of Gold Dental Crowns – Range between $700-3000
2. All Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain dental crowns are made from natural tooth-colored porcelain and are the most popular type of crown.
They are strong and durable, and can be matched to the color of your natural teeth.
These are usually used on your front teeth and will provide the most natural look.
Most people will never known if its real or a crown. Zero Metal is used, so that’s nice.
COST of All Porcelain Crowns – Range between $800-2500
3. Porcelain Fused-to-Metal Crowns (PFM)
Ceramic-fused-to-metal dental crowns are made from a metal alloy core that is covered with porcelain.
They are strong and durable, but they may not be as natural looking as porcelain crowns.
There are a few different choices including porcelain-fused and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.
COST of Porcelain Fused to Metal Crowns – Range between $400-1200
4. Zirconia Dental Crowns
Zirconia is a relatively new material that is tooth-colored ceramic like porcelain but with strength properties more similar to that of metal crowns.
There is no dark metallic color in zirconia, and it is extremely hard, virtually impossible to break. Their cosmetic appearance is almost as nice as all porcelain crowns.
Zirconia crowns do, however, have the disadvantage of being less translucent than your natural teeth.
COST of Zirconia Dental Crowns – Range between $800-3000
5. E-Max Dental Crowns
This is a type of all-ceramic dental crown made of lithium disilicate (light and thin) They can be very durable and super strong.
COST of Emax Dental Crowns – Range between $800-3000
🪥 Read about the Advantages & Disadvantages of Different Types of Dental Crowns
What Does the Crown Process Involve?
The crown process involves removing damaged tooth tissue and placing a dental structure that covers the remaining external portion of your teeth.
The procedure for receiving a ceramic crown generally takes place over two visits to your dentist. Your dental insurance usually will cover the costs of getting a crown.
Dental Crown Procedure: What to Expect
During the first visit to our Chicago dental office, your dentist will prepare your tooth for the crown by removing any tooth decay or damage.
Your oral hygiene is important to us and we make sure to help with your brushing skills and will always give you a new toothbrush during your trip to the dentist’s office.
They will then take an impression of your tooth in order to create a custom-made dental crown. You will usually be given a temporary crown to wear while your permanent crown is being made.
At your second dental visit, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and cement the permanent crown in place. With proper care, your dental crown can last for many years.
5 STEPS INVOLVED WITH GETTING A DENTAL CROWN
1. Initial Exam
2. Preparing the Tooth
3. Impressions and Crown Fabrication
4. Temporary Crown
5. Permanent Crown
In order to make a crown that fits perfectly, your Chicago dentist first prepares the tooth itself. Preparation involves the removal of the enamel layer so that the crown can replace it without making the restoration bulky or uncomfortable.
We also remove any existing decay or filling material. We get down to the healthy tooth structure and rebuild from there.
We will then cover the tooth with a temporary crown for the time necessary to make the final crown. A temporary crown insulates the tooth from uncomfortable sensations and holds the space for the final crown.
Step-by-Step Process for a Chicago Dental Crown
First Visit to Dentist:
🪥 A local anesthetic is applied to ensure your comfort.
🪥 Your Chicago dentist prepares the tooth for the crown by shaping the outer tooth structure and removing any existing decay or filling material.
🪥 Severely broken down portions of the tooth may need to be rebuilt. This will feel like getting a dental filling.
🪥 We make a temp crown that fills in the space and protects the tooth, then affix it to your tooth using temporary dental cement.
This is your temporary crown. Specific care instructions will be provided until we see you again.
Visit 2 (Typically A Fort Night Later… 2 weeks ):
🪥 Local anesthetic is available upon request if the tooth is sensitive. It is not always required for this visit.
🪥 The temporary crown is removed and excess temporary cement is cleaned away.
🪥 We place the final crown on the tooth and confirm the correct fit.
🪥 Any necessary adjustments will be made to the bite until your new crown feels perfectly comfortable.
🪥 We then use permanent dental cement to attach the crown to your tooth.
Chicago Dental Crown FAQs
Is It Painful to Have a Dental Crown Put on Your Tooth?
Generally, NO.
Dental crowns are not painful to have placed on your tooth. However, you may experience some discomfort during the procedure if your tooth is sensitive.
Your dentist will numb your tooth before placing the crown, so you should only feel pressure during the procedure.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
On average, dental crowns last between five and 15 years. However, the lifespan of a dental crown depends on a number of factors, including the type of tooth that it is placed on (front teeth typically last longer than back teeth) and how well you take care of your teeth.
To help your dental crowns last as long as possible, be sure to brush and floss regularly, avoid chewing on hard objects, and visit your dentist for regular check-ups.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Dental Crown?
It usually takes two dental visits to get a crown. During the first visit, your dentist will examine your tooth and take x-rays of it. Your dentist will then prepare the tooth by removing any decay or damaged tissue.
An impression of your tooth will be made, and this will be used to create your crown. A temporary crown may be placed on your tooth until you come back for the second dental visit.
At the second dental visit, which should be scheduled about two weeks after the first visit, the permanent crown will be placed on your tooth.
Your dentist will make sure that the crown fits properly and makes any necessary adjustments. Once you and your dentist are happy with the fit of the crown, it will be cemented into place.
How Should I Care for My Temporary Dental Crown?
It is important to take care of your temporary dental crowns, just as you would your natural teeth. Here are some tips on how to care for them:
-Brush and floss your teeth twice a day. Be sure to floss around the base of the crown so that food and bacteria don’t become trapped there.
-Avoid eating hard or sticky foods that could potentially damage or dislodge the crown. Stick to softer foods like soups, mashed potatoes, and yogurt while you have a temporary crown in place.
-If possible, avoid chewing gum as this can also damage or dislodge the crown.
-If you do experience any discomfort with your temporary crown, contact your Chicago Il dentist right away.
What Is The Cost of Dental Crowns?
The cost of dental crowns can vary depending on the type of crown, the dentist, and the location. Porcelain crowns are usually more expensive than metal crowns.
The average cost of a porcelain crown is about $1,000 for an expensive dentist. Not so with the best Dentist and the best value dentist in Chicago, Larry Fisher! Contact us to be blown away by the difference in price!
Benefits and Risks of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are a type of dental restoration that encases the entire tooth in order to protect it from further damage. The tooth cap or dental cap can make a big difference in how you look but there are always pros and cons to everything.
While dental crowns offer many benefits, there are also some risks associated with this procedure. For example, crowns can cause gum irritation and tooth sensitivity.
Additionally, if the crown is not fitted properly, it can come loose and fall out. Which in my experience is the biggest con.
Benefis of Dental Crowns
- Dental crowns can help to improve the appearance of teeth.
- Dental crowns can help to protect damaged teeth.
- Dental crowns can help to prevent further damage to teeth.
- Dental crowns can help to restore chewing function.
- Dental crowns can help to support dental bridges.
- Dental crowns can help to hold dental implants in place.
- Dental crowns can be used in conjunction with root canal therapy.
- Dental crowns are made from durable materials that can last for many years.
Risks of Dental Crowns
- Crowns can cause gum irritation.
- Crowns can cause tooth sensitivity.
- Crowns can come loose and fall out if they are not fitted properly.
In Summary, What Should I Consider When Getting a Crown?
When considering dental crowns, patients should consult with their dentist to discuss the best dentistry option for their smile.
There are many factors to consider, such as the type of tooth being crowned, the location of the tooth, and the patient’s budget.
In Need of a Good affordable Chicago Dentist? Look no further! Contact us today for your next Chicago Dental Crown needs.
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