Dental crowns are used to improve the look of the teeth, as well as to improve the health of your mouth. It’s essentially a tooth-shaped cap that is inserted over the tooth in order to restore its function, size, and form. Find out more about the process of putting a crown on a tooth and whether you’ll need one.

What Are Dental Crowns Made of?

Different types of materials are used to make dental crowns. These include porcelain fused to steel alloys, composite resin, ceramics, and porcelain. Crowns are typically colored to match the color of your teeth. Your dentist will take into consideration these elements to determine the ideal crowns for your teeth:

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• The shade or color of the tooth
• The role and the location of the tooth
• Your personal preferences
• The position of the gum tissue
• The amount of your tooth that can be seen when you smile

When Is a Dental Crown Needed?

A tooth can be repaired using dental crowns in the following circumstances:

• For covering a crooked or discolored tooth in order to improve your smile
• To protect the tooth that is weak from damage, breakage, or chips
• To safeguard the tooth that was restored, If you’ve had the root canal procedure
• To repair the tooth that has been damaged
• To treat the cavity that is too big for filling
• To ensure that the dental bridge in its place
• To make cosmetic changes

How Is the Dental Crown Procedure Performed? How Long Does It Take?

The process of putting on a dental crown requires two visits to the dental office. The procedures involve:

Preparing Your Tooth for a Dental Crown

The process typically takes approximately 50 to 90 hours to finish. The first step is to take out any decay that is present and take measurements of your tooth’s exterior part to make sure the crown is fitted perfectly and accurately. Your dentist will then build the inside of your tooth in case the crown needs additional support. After shaping your tooth, the dentist will then take an impression with a digital scanner, paste, or putty to design the crown.

Receiving the Temporary Crown

Your dentist will make an interim crown to protect the tooth being prepared while your permanent crown is being constructed, which can be less than two weeks. Your tooth can become sensitive to cold or hot temperatures when you wear an interim crown, so avoid eating sticky food as well as chewing gum. You might even get the dental crown that same day if the dentist has the equipment readily available to make the crown.

Receiving the Permanent Crown

The temporary crown will replace by an actual one that is placed within your mouth once it is time. Prior to putting in the new crown, your dentist will test the size and the shade that the crown has. If everything is in order, the crown will then be cemented into its proper position. The process is typically completed in between 20 and 30 minutes.

How Much Do Crowns Cost?

The actual cost of dental crowns will vary based on where you reside and the type of crown you choose. Crowns for dental implants could be more expensive than conventional crowns. A porcelain crown could cost more than a metal crown. Because many insurance policies typically cover crowns to a certain extent. Ensure that you consult with your dental insurance provider prior to having the procedure. Certain dental offices offer different payment options in-house for patients, making the procedure cost-effective.