Understanding the Dental Crown and Cap Process
A crown, or a cap which it is also referred to, is required in order to restore a severely worn down, fractured or weak tooth. Caps may also be recommended in order to support and cover-up a tooth with a large filling when not much of the tooth is left. In other instances, capping a tooth is done because a tooth is severely discolored or has an imperfect shape or to make a cosmetic modification in order to enhance appearance.
Crowns are full coverage restorations that are used to cover a tooth that is likely to break, or is too broken down to be restored with a filling. They are most commonly done after root canal treatment, or when a large filling wears out. The larger the hole made by a cavity that has to be treated, the more likely a crown will be needed. Even after a filling is put in a large cavity, a tooth is more likely to break.
Keep in mind that the jaw muscles are the strongest in the human body. Teeth are subjected to tremendous pressures. Crowns ride over the weakened tooth, providing strength and protecting the tooth against breakage. A broken or cracked tooth is a far more serious matter and much more difficult to treat. Crowns prevent this, as well as making for a nice smile.
It takes two appointments to restore a tooth with a crown. In the first any decay is removed from the tooth and it is shaped to accept the crown. Then an impression is made of the tooth for use in fabricating a crown. Between the two visits the crown is made, usually of high-strength porcelain over gold alloy, all ceramic material, or gold. During this time a temporary crown is worn. In the second visit this temporary is removed. Then the permanent crown is adjusted as needed and then cemented in place.
Dental Crown Cost
The exact cost of a dental crown depends on what the crown is for and what type of material is used. For example, a crown for a dental implant might be more expensive than a regular crown. A porcelain crown, which looks more tooth-like in color, might cost more than a metal crown placed on back molars.
During your initial consultation, our highly trained cosmetic dental professionals will ask about your oral expectations and what possibilities exist to obtain your best possible smile. Time required to achieve these dental goals and cost will be discussed prior to proceeding. After these issues are resolved, highly precise and accurate molds will be created for your customized crown. In order to protect the underlying tooth, a temporary cap will be pre-fabricated by our dental lab primarily as a temporary measure and put in place for several weeks until the permanent crown is ready. We will numb the tooth in order to rid the tooth of any decay and the surface will then be shaped in order to obtain proper fit of the crown. The temporary cap will then be adhered and adjusted for proper fit and bite.
Types of Dental Crowns
Crowns consist of various materials and which kind utilized will be dependent upon cost factors, durability requirements and placement of the caps. At times stainless steel crowns are used, metal crowns and alloys such as palladium or a base metal are also used. Metal crowns are long-lasting and withstand forces of biting, chewing and rarely chip. All resin caps are less costly yet may have a tendency to wear down over a period of time or fracture and primarily used as temporaries. Porcelain or ceramic caps are ideal in providing better natural match of color than any other type and a perfect choice for front teeth. Another option of material is gold alloys which comprise of a mixture of gold, copper and other metals. This metal will not wear away the tooth itself and provides a bond which is strong. All options and variables will be further discussed during your initial consultation.
Schedule Your Dental Crown Appointment Today
Here at 3V Dental Associates we pride ourselves in not only all our successes as experienced dental professionals but as dentists who strongly pride ourselves in having our clients be totally informed prior to any treatment plan and rest assured that our clients will be pleased with our finished results. We believe that the more informed our patients are, the more comfortable and confident they will be during any given dental procedure. Give our staff at 3V Dental Associates a call to set up a consultation and be on your way to an enhanced look, elevated confidence and an aesthetic which maximizes your appearance.
