Restore and Protect Damaged or Decayed Teeth
Dental crowns, also known as caps, are an effective way to restore teeth that are damaged, decayed, misshapen, or have recently had root canal therapy. This simple yet durable restorative treatment covers and strengthens your tooth, providing protection while maintaining a natural look and feel, ensuring your smile remains both healthy and attractive.
How Do Dental Crowns Work?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that is placed over a damaged, decayed, or altered tooth. It is bonded securely to the tooth’s surface to provide protection, reduce discomfort, and prevent further damage. Crowns are designed to match the natural shape and appearance of your teeth, ensuring a comfortable and seamless fit while restoring function and strength to the affected tooth.
The Types of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns come in various materials, each offering unique benefits to suit different needs. Porcelain or ceramic crowns are popular for their ability to closely mimic the appearance and feel of natural teeth, making them an excellent choice for visible areas. Metal crowns, known for their strength and durability, are ideal for less visible teeth that endure heavy chewing forces. All-resin crowns provide a cost-effective option, though they may wear down faster than other types. Whatever crown material you and your dentist decide on, Guelph Family Dentistry is committed to delivering high-quality care tailored to your needs.
There are several types of dental crowns available, each suited to different needs and preferences:
All-Resin Dental Crowns
All-resin crowns provide a natural look and are often a more budget-friendly option compared to other materials. However, they are less durable and may wear down faster over time. While their lower cost might mean more frequent replacements, this affordability can make them an appealing choice for many.
Metal Dental Crowns
Metal crowns, made from materials such as gold, palladium, nickel, or chromium, are known for their exceptional strength and longevity. They are highly resistant to chipping or breaking and are ideal for less visible teeth like molars. The main drawback is their metallic appearance, which does not resemble natural teeth, making them less suitable for front teeth.
All-Ceramic & All-Porcelain Dental Crowns
These crowns are ideal for front teeth due to their natural appearance and ability to blend seamlessly with your existing teeth. While they are not as strong as metal crowns, they are an excellent choice for those with metal allergies and for those seeking a more aesthetic option.
Pressed Ceramic Dental Crowns
Pressed ceramic crowns combine strength and aesthetics, featuring a durable ceramic core and a porcelain exterior that mimics the look of natural teeth. These crowns offer a balance of durability and appearance, making them a long-lasting and realistic choice for various dental needs.
The Dental Crown Process
Getting a dental crown typically involves two visits to the dentist and is a straightforward procedure.
Here’s how the process works at our Guelph office:
Examining and Preparing the Tooth
The process starts with a detailed examination to evaluate the condition of your tooth. Our dentist will clean and prepare the area, removing any decay or damaged sections if necessary. This step ensures that the tooth is ready for the crown, which will protect it from future issues.
Shaping the Crown
After preparation, an impression of your tooth is taken and sent to a dental lab to create your custom crown. While your permanent crown is being made, a temporary crown will be placed to protect the tooth and maintain functionality until your next visit.
Placing the Crown
During the follow-up appointment, the temporary crown is carefully removed, and your custom-made crown is securely placed. Using durable cement or a discreet screw, the crown is fixed in position. The dentist will then make final adjustments and polish the crown to ensure a comfortable and natural fit.
The Cost of Dental Crowns in Guelph
The cost of a dental crown can differ significantly depending on your individual needs and insurance coverage. For those with typical insurance plans, the out-of-pocket expense for a single crown usually ranges from $200 to $600+. Without insurance, the cost typically falls between $800 to $1,200 or more, depending on the type of crown and specific requirements.
Several factors influence the cost of a dental crown, including:
- The type of crown and materials used (e.g., porcelain, metal, or ceramic).
- The location of the tooth and the complexity of the procedure.
- The number of crowns needed to restore your smile.
- Whether the crown is combined with other dental work, such as bridges.
- The specific supplies and equipment required for your treatment.
It’s essential to understand that accurate quotes for dental crowns cannot be provided over the phone, as each patient’s needs are unique. To get a precise estimate and explore your treatment options, schedule an in-person appointment at our Guelph office for a thorough oral examination. If you have dental insurance, we can provide a detailed quote that you can submit to your insurer, helping you understand your out-of-pocket expenses before making any decisions.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether a crown is needed after a root canal largely depends on the location of the tooth. Molars and premolars, located towards the back of the mouth, are heavily involved in chewing and typically require crowns for added strength and protection. Front teeth, such as incisors and canines, which aren’t subjected to as much biting force, may not always need a crown.
Crowns and fillings serve different purposes, particularly when it comes to durability. Crowns are much stronger and more suitable for teeth with large biting surfaces, like molars, that endure constant chewing and clenching. Unlike fillings, which can chip or loosen over time under pressure, crowns provide a continuous, solid surface from gumline to gumline, offering superior strength and longevity.
Dental crowns are designed to restore the function of your teeth while seamlessly blending with your natural smile. They are carefully crafted to match the color and shape of your existing teeth, allowing you to chew comfortably without noticeable differences. Many people find that their crowns blend so well that they often forget which tooth has been restored!
A dental post is a medical-grade post used to support a dental crown, but it is not the same as a dental implant. Unlike implants, which are surgically placed into the jawbone, a dental post is inserted into a tooth that has undergone a root canal. This post helps reinforce the tooth when there isn’t enough healthy structure remaining to securely hold a crown.
The process of getting a crown is similar to getting a filling, and we ensure the area is thoroughly numbed to minimize discomfort. While the procedure itself is not painful, you might feel some temporary sensitivity or gum soreness around the treated tooth afterward. If dental visits make you anxious, please let us know—we aim to make your experience as relaxing and pain-free as possible.
Dental crowns are quite durable and can typically last up to 15 years. With proper care, including good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, crowns can last even longer, sometimes up to 25-30 years.
Caring for a dental crown is similar to maintaining your natural teeth. Brush twice a day and floss daily to keep your crown and the surrounding gum tissue clean and healthy. Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings are also crucial to ensure the longevity of your crown and overall oral health.
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