Dental crowns are restorative treatments designed to protect and strengthen damaged teeth. A crown acts as a “cap” that covers the visible portion of a tooth, creating a new, durable surface. Crowns are a versatile solution for broken and worn down teeth, or teeth severely affected by decay. At our offices in Harker Heights, Bellmead, Waco, and Killeen, we provide custom dental crowns to improve your oral health.
What Dental Crowns Can Do
Crowns are highly effective for improving the look and function of teeth. They serve many purposes, such as:
- Covering large fillings: When a tooth has a large filling, it’s at risk of breaking under pressure. A crown can reinforce the tooth, keeping it strong and intact.
- Protecting teeth after root canals: Root canal treatment removes infected pulp, leaving the tooth more fragile. Crowns protect these teeth, preventing cracks or further damage.
- Capping dental implants: For single missing teeth, dental implants are topped with crowns that match the look and feel of natural teeth.
- Supporting dental bridges: Crowns anchor traditional bridges, which replace multiple missing teeth. The crowned teeth hold the bridge securely in place.
- Strengthening damaged teeth: Crowns can cover cracks, chips, or worn surfaces, preventing further issues and improving the look of your smile.
Types of Crowns
Dental crowns are available in a variety of materials, each with unique benefits:
- Metal Crowns: Made from gold, silver, or other strong alloys, these crowns are durable and ideal for back teeth. However, they are more noticeable because of their metallic color.
- Porcelain Crowns: These closely mimic the appearance of natural teeth. Porcelain crowns are strong and blend seamlessly into your smile, making them a popular choice for visible teeth.
- Ceramic Crowns: Often used for same-day treatments, ceramic crowns also look natural. However, they may not last as long as porcelain.
- Zirconia Crowns: Zirconia is an extremely strong ceramic material. These crowns are durable and aesthetically pleasing but can be more expensive.
- Inlays and Onlays: Partial crowns are used when a tooth is too damaged for a filling but doesn’t need a full crown. Inlays cover the surface between the tooth’s cusps, while onlays extend over the edges.
What to Expect During Treatment
Before getting a crown, your dentist will ensure your teeth and gums are healthy. We will treat any infections first to provide a stable foundation for the crown.
- Step 1: Preparing the Tooth: The process begins by numbing the tooth to prevent discomfort. The dentist then shapes the tooth by removing damaged areas, ensuring the crown will fit securely. Impressions of your teeth are taken to create a crown that matches your bite and smile.
- Step 2: Temporary Crown: While the permanent crown is being made, you’ll wear a temporary crown to protect the tooth. Avoid hard or sticky foods to keep the temporary crown in place.
- Step 3: Final Placement: At your next visit, the dentist removes the temporary crown and checks the fit of the permanent one. After confirming the crown’s color, shape, and alignment, it’s cemented in place and polished for a natural finish.
How to Care for Dental Crowns
We will provide home-care instructions so you can maintain your crowns after treatment. It will take some time to get used to your new crowns, which adds new structure to teeth and help create an even bite. If you notice any bite problems days after treatment, please let us know so we can adjust your crown.
Feeling sensitivity or discomfort directly after treatment is normal. We recommend eating soft foods after treatment to help you get accustomed to your new bite.
While crowns are durable, hard or sticky foods can still damage them like natural teeth. We also recommend avoiding nail biting, chewing on ice, and using your teeth as tools. Bad oral health habits can damage your crowns.
Crowns do not require special cleaning. You can brush and floss your crowns just like natural teeth. Brush and floss at least twice a day for two minutes each time.
Dental Crown FAQs
If you are receiving a dental crown for the first time, you may have several questions about what to expect. We encourage our patients to learn more about each dental procedure they need. Please review the top questions and answers we receive regarding dental crowns. Contact one of our four dental offices if you have additional questions.
Does insurance typically cover dental crowns?
Dental insurance typically provides partial coverage for dental crowns, but the extent can vary between plans. Most insurance policies categorize crowns as a major procedure, often covering 50% of the cost after the patients meet their deductible.
However, coverage may depend on factors such as the crown’s material, the tooth’s location, and whether the procedure is medically necessary. Please get in touch with your insurance provider to understand your coverage and review your out-of-pocket expenses.
How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns typically last about 5 to 15 years, depending on various factors. The longevity of a crown is influenced by oral hygiene practices, bite habits, and the material used. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns often endure for about a decade, while all ceramic crowns may last slightly longer. To maximize your crown’s lifespan, maintain excellent oral hygiene, avoid grinding your teeth, and schedule regular dental check-ups.
Will getting a dental crown hurt?
Getting a dental crown is generally not a painful experience. We will use numbing medication during to make sure you are not uncomfortable or in pain. You may experience some sensitivity or mild soreness after the anesthesia wears off, especially if you’ve had a root canal.
However, you can manage this discomfort with pain relievers. These symptoms will subside within a few days. Most patients find that the long-term benefits of a restored, functional tooth outweigh any temporary discomfort. Your Fusion Dental dentist will prioritize your comfort throughout the process.
Are there any alternatives to dental crowns?
While a dental crown is a standard restorative option, a few alternatives exist for those seeking different solutions. Dental inlays and onlays offer more conservative treatment, preserving more of the natural tooth structure.
For less extensive damage, dental bonding can effectively repair chips or small cavities. Dental veneers provide an aesthetic solution for visible teeth when the tooth’s root is still healthy. After a dental exam, your dentist will recommend the best option.
Can I still get a dental crown if I don’t have much tooth structure left?
Receiving a dental crown with limited tooth structure is often possible; however, it depends on the specific condition of your tooth. Your dentist may need to use various techniques to build up the remaining structure, such as dental bonding. Building up the tooth will help to create a stable foundation for the crown.
In some cases, patients need a root canal before crown placement. However, we can use dental implants to replace the tooth after extraction if there’s insufficient tooth structure. Your dentist will assess your tooth and suggest the best treatment plan for your unique case.
Get Tooth Crowns Today
Do you need to cover a damaged or worn tooth? Call Fusion Dental and Braces for restorative dental care with dental crowns today. We serve patients in Harker Heights, Killeen, Waco, Hewitt and the surrounding areas.
Please let us know if you have questions about tooth crowns. We’re here to help you find the right treatment for you.