Common Dental Crown Questions Answered
If you are in need of dental care and considering a crown, you may have questions about the procedure. Some of the most common dental crown questions we receive from patients and prospective patients include questions regarding cost, types of material, timeline and more. Your dental health should be your top priority since your oral health can impact your overall health. It’s important not to put off necessary treatment due to concerns over cost or anxiety.
At Douglas Hamill DDS, we make dental care affordable and have flexible financing options that fit any budget. If you or someone you love is considering a dental crown or other cosmetic treatment, keep reading to get answers to your most common dental crown questions. We want you to have the answers you need to make an informed decision about your health. Schedule a free consultation today to learn more.
What are dental crowns?
A dental crown is a cap that is placed over the tooth to protect it from fracturing after the installation of a filling, significant restoration, or a recent root canal. Crowns can also have cosmetic appeal and can be matched to the shade of your existing tooth so most people wont even be aware that you have a crown.
Dental crowns are needed when the teeth have physically and superficially deteriorated. Crowns enforce teeth and reduce the appearance of discoloration. In the majority of our patients, crowns usually last seven to 10 years. However, with careful, routine maintenance, we have seen crowns last far longer than a decade. You should treat a tooth with a crown the same as you treat your other teeth; you must brush it, floss it, keep it clean, and avoid foods that negatively affect dental health.
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What types of dental crowns are available?
Aside from cost, this is probably the most common of the dental crown questions we receive. Recent advances in dental care and technology have introduced many new options for crowns. Dental crowns used to largely consist of a porcelain sheen over a metal inside; now, however, most crowns are made of the more aesthetically pleasing porcelain. Of particular note is a crown made from a ceramic called yttria-stabilized zirconia, which is especially strong and durable. This type of crown is also made to match the color of your existing tooth, so most people won’t even know you have a crown.
Will I need a root canal if I get a dental crown?
Some dentists prefer to perform root canals on patients before they install crowns. This is not the philosophy of our office, though; we like to avoid the root canal if at all possible. Our office always tries to install crowns without root canals if they are not needed right away.
How much do dental crowns cost?
Cost of treatment is one of the most common dental crown questions we receive. A dental crown is typically more expensive than a filling is but typically lasts longer. Crowns are ideal, especially if you have a large cavity or your tooth has been made more fragile or brittle due to repeated dental treatment.
At Douglas Hamill DDS, our office works with patients to make crowns as affordable as possible. We collaborate to devise payment plans and even offer CareCredit; it all depends on what our patients are able to pay and when. Most insurances will cover dental crowns after you have received dental work from the same dentist for at least one year.
Still Have Dental Crown Questions?
If you want to know more about dental crowns, or have additional dental crown questions, we invite you to contact our office to arrange a free consultation with our Amherst Dentist. With over 20 years of experience, we welcome the opportunity to put a smile on your face. We have recently reopened post-covid-19 and are treating all patients at this time. Schedule an appointment today and let our experience work for you!
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