Dental Crowns
Buffalo Family Dentist Discusses Dental Crowns
In the following educational dental video, experienced Buffalo dentist Douglas Hamill DDS discusses 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.
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?
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. Most insurances will cover dental crowns after you have received dental work from the same dentist for at least one year.
Contact experienced Family Dentist in Buffalo, Douglas Hamill DDS to schedule a consultation. He has over 25 years of experience in restorative dentistry and prides himself on providing affordable dental care in a professional environment utilizing the latest in dental technology.