Dental Crowns: All That You Want to Know About

Dental crowns are the most effective solution for broken, damaged, or cracked teeth. They protect weak teeth, prevent broken teeth from further damages, and support teeth with large fillings. 

Read on to learn more about dental crowns.

What are dental crowns?

A dental crown is essentially a "cap" that is tooth-shaped and positioned over a tooth to cover and restore its size, shape, strength, and enhance its appearance. Crowns, when properly cemented into place, cover the entire visible part of a tooth that lies above the gum line.

When is a crown needed?

Your dentist may recommend a dental crown: 

• To save a weak or decayed tooth from breaking further 
• To keep the parts of a cracked tooth together
• To support and cover a tooth with a large filling that has very little natural tooth left
• To restore a broken or a badly worn down tooth
• To cover severely discolored or misshaped teeth
• To hold a dental bridge in place
• To make a cosmetic adjustment
• To cover a dental implant

What are onlays and 3/4 crowns?

These are variations of traditional dental crowns. The difference between onlays and 3/4 crowns and conventional crowns lies in their coverage of the underlying tooth. A traditional crown gives coverage to the entire underlying tooth, while onlays and 3/4 crowns cover them to a lesser extent.

How much do dental crowns cost?

The cost of a cosmetic dental crown varies depending on different factors, such as your locality and the type of crown you need. For instance, porcelain crowns usually are more expensive than gold crowns. Likewise, gold crowns are costlier than porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. Typically, the cost ranges from $800-$1700 per crown. 

How long do dental crowns last?

On average, the life of a dental crown is between five to fifteen years. The life of your dental crown will depend on factors like how well you practice good oral hygiene and the extent of its wear and tear. Try to avoid habits that reduce the life of your dental crown. These habits include chewing ice, biting fingernails, clenching or grinding your teeth, and opening packages using your teeth.

Does a crowned tooth require special care?

No. However, always remember that a crowned tooth does not mean that your teeth is protected from decay or gum disease. For that, you will have to practice good oral hygiene, such as flossing daily and brushing your teeth at least twice a day around the crown region where the gum meets the tooth. Also, make sure to rinse your mouth at least once daily using an antibacterial mouthwash.

If you want to learn more about dental crowns and how they can help you achieve the best smile, contact us at (515) 276-0202.