Dental Crowns in Buffalo, NY
Experienced Williamsville Dentist Providing Affordable Dental Crown Restorations in WNY
Dental crowns are essentially caps that are placed over the teeth in order to prevent infection and further fortify teeth that have become weakened. Made of porcelain or a metal called zirconium, crowns are durable, easily customizable, and stain-resistant options that can restore teeth to their original or ideal appearance and functionality.
Patients should consider crowns when there is significant damage to a tooth that cannot be repaired through a dental cleaning or covered with a filling, but the tooth itself is still healthy enough to remain in the mouth. Dental crowns can last for one to three decades with regular maintenance, making them a long-lasting alternative to more temporary fixes.
Installing a crown is a simple process. After your dentist has cleaned your teeth and extracted any signs of decay or deterioration, your damaged tooth will be shaped into the form necessary for it to bear a temporary crown. During your follow-up appointment, a permanent crown will be fitted to your tooth, adjusted as needed, and attached to the tooth with cement. The dental crown will provide support to the tooth underneath, staving off infection and further degradation, and you will be able to chew normally soon after the installation. By brushing with toothpaste, flossing, and rinsing with fluoridated mouthwash on a daily basis and scheduling teeth cleaning appointments with your dentist at least twice a year, a crown can last from five to 15 years before a replacement is necessary.
Dental crowns may even be useful in solving tooth pain. A common complaint that our practice hears is that of inexplicable pain in the rear of the mouth, which can be caused by nearly invisible issues with the molars and premolars. A hairline fracture in one of these teeth is often the culprit behind this strange tenderness, and placing a crown over the surface of the affected tooth can reduce or even eliminate the pain. Dental crowns are also suitable replacements for old fillings on the point of disintegration, and they can serve as more economical alternatives for veneers in improving the appearance of stained or irregularly shaped teeth. In addition, crowns can cap off teeth that have recently received sizable fillings or root canal treatment, and they may be durable enough to support dental bridges and other prostheses.
Crowns are available in three different materials: porcelain, metal, and a fusion of the two. Porcelain, as a non-metallic substance, is biocompatible, meaning that it will not have any negative effects on oral or esophageal health. Because it is a ceramic, porcelain also easily matches the natural color of teeth. Zirconium is the most frequently used metal in crowns, though gold and similar high-quality minerals may also be used. Though porcelain is a sturdy material, metals are better suited for crowns in the rear of the mouth, as metal outpaces porcelain in effectiveness in chewing and grinding. A porcelain-metal fusion combines the strength of metal crowns with the enamel-like appearance of porcelain, though a notable drawback of this kind of dental crown is that more of the underlying tooth must be removed prior to implantation.
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.
What types of dental crowns are available?
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.
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?
The cost of your crown depends on a few factors including what type of crown you choose to receive, in terms of material. An example of this would be a porcelain crown will cost less than a gold crown. The cost of crowns can be anywhere from $600 to more than $1700. Most insurance will cover a portion of the cost, if not the entire cost after you have received dental work from the same dentist for at least one year. It is important to check with your insurance company beforehand if you are not sure.
A dental crown is typically more expensive than a filling is. Our office works with patients to make crowns as affordable as possible. We collaborate to devise payment plans and even CareCredit; it all depends on what our patients are able to pay and when.
Is It Painful to Have A Crown Put on Your Tooth?
It is not usually painful to have a crown placed. Local anesthetic is used along with water. Water is used at a high speed for preparation. There will be a temporary crown placed while the final crown is being produced. When the crown is being delivered this appointment does not usually need any anesthetics since it is just an appointment for cementing and fitting.
Are Dental Crowns Permanent?
There are multiple types of crowns some are temporary whereas others are permanent. Your dentist’s office has the capability of making temporary crowns. Most crowns that are permanent are made in a dental laboratory. Crowns that are temporary are made from a base that is acrylic or they are made from stainless steel and are able to be used as a temporary fix until a permanent crown is made in a lab.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
The average time period of a dental crown lasting is around 5 to 15 years. The time period differs due to the amount of wear and tear that the crown is subjected to and how well your oral hygiene habits are. If possible, you can make your crown last longer by not clenching or grinding your teeth as well as biting your fingernails, chewing ice, and using your teeth to open packages.
If you have questions about dental crowns, or would like to schedule your regular check-up, please contact our Buffalo dental office and schedule an appointment today.
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Featured Review
I absolutely love Dr. Hamill and his staff! I have never been so happy and actually excited to go to the dentist. The quality of restoration thru fillings and crowns that he has done for me is stellar. What an amazing gift he has, it’s la work of art. – Jaimeelynn R