There are several dental procedures that require a lot of time and money to complete. A crown is a dental procedure that fits into this category as it usually costs upwards of $700 and it can require multiple visits to the dentist. Dental Crowns are used when you have a tooth that is badly damaged or decayed and requires an extreme treatment method. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cover that will be placed over the decayed tooth after the dentist has prepared it for treatment.
Why Are Dental Crowns Needed?
A crown is used for a number of reasons. Most dentists will recommend them to save a tooth from extraction. If you have had a root canal, a crown is used to cover the tooth. This will protect the root from becoming decayed. A tooth that has received a root canal is essential a dead tooth and will start to become grey in color. It can also be vulnerable to decay and it is not as strong as other teeth. A crown covers the tooth to give it back strength, a whiter color, and prevents serious decay concerns. A tooth that has been badly cracked is often covered with a crown. Some people will use a crown to cover teeth that are misshapen or discolored.
When you visit Sunset Dental for a crown, we will take an impression of the teeth that need to be replaced. The impression is used by a laboratory to create a crown that perfectly fits your mouth. We will prepare the tooth that is going to be covered with the crown and you will be sent home with a temporary crown. A temporary crown is weaker and not aesthetically appealing as a permanent crown. It will take a laboratory around two weeks before they can create the crown and send it back to the dentist.
The materials used to construct the crown can determine how long the dental crown will last, and how long it will take a lab to create the crown. Dental crowns can be constructed out of all metal, porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or ceramic. Talk to Sunset Dental about the crown you prefer, and discuss the cost of different crown options.
Am I a Candidate?
To be a candidate for a crown it is important to visit our office. We need to take x-rays of the tooth and examine the root structure. If the tooth is not strong enough for a crown, we will recommend a bridge or a dental implant. Before we can place the crown we need to build a foundation for the crown. This will require a post inside a tooth. We will file down the tooth to make room for the crown to be fitted over the tooth.
Once the permanent crown is ready to be placed on the tooth, we will remove the temporary crown and treat the tooth with medication. This is common for teeth that have not received root canal treatment. The medication helps to calm the nerve of the tooth before it is crowned. The permanent crown will be cemented onto the tooth and can last upwards of 40 years for some people.
Dental crowns need to be treated as a traditional tooth. Daily brushing and flossing of the crown is important to reduce the growth of bacteria. The crowned tooth will be safe from decay, but the gum line is not protected against decay. This is why you need to visit your dentist for regular examinations and cleanings as they can help to prevent gum disease and other issues that can cause a tooth to fail. Contact Sunset Dental Care in Sunset Utah today to schedule your consultation and find out if a dental crown is right for you.