what is a dental crown?
When one tooth is worn down or damaged, it may be saved with a crown. Sometimes called a "cap," dental crowns are custom made to cover the affected tooth and are colored to blend with your natural teeth for an attractive finish. At Riley Dental in Haslet, TX, a crown can treat a large area of decay, strengthen a damaged tooth, hold together a crack, or mask discoloration. Our dentist, Dr. Luke Riley, creates dental crowns with a wide choice of materials to meet your specific needs, including eMax, all porcelain, zirconia, and zirconia covered with porcelain. Make an appointment with Dr. Riley to find out how a crown may repair or strengthen a damaged tooth while also boosting the total health of your mouth.
What Are The Benefits of Dental Crowns?
If you have teeth weakened by decay or trauma, dental crowns may help restore your dental health, improve your smile, and stave off further complications. At Riley Dental, Dr. Riley and our talented team in Haslet, TX will review your teeth and help you choose the right type of crown procedure for your individual needs and cosmetic goals. Some of the benefits of dental crowns include:
- Repairing cracked or broken teeth
- Fixing teeth that are worn or eroded
- Rejuvenating discolored or odd-shaped teeth
- Restoring teeth that have been treated endodontically
- Crowns are custom-made to fit your mouth
- The procedure is largely painless thanks to nitrous oxide and local anesthesia
- Long-lasting results and materials
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am i a candidate for a dental crown?
Crowns may be wanted or required for several different reasons. A crown may be placed to cover a weak, decaying tooth to prevent it from chipping, or it may hold together a cracked tooth. Dental crowns may also fix a loose or worn-down tooth. They may be used to strengthen a tooth with a lot of decay that will not take a tooth-colored filling, mask discolored or misshapen teeth, or serve as part of a dental bridge. Crowns may be glued over your tooth or connected by an implant. The crown's material is selected with consideration to where it is being placed. Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) or metal are typically stronger, which makes them better suited for the less visible teeth in the back. Ceramic or porcelain crowns are better for the visible teeth and are customized to match the size, color, and shape of your teeth. At your consult, Dr. Riley will discuss your choices and help you choose the best dental crown for your needs.
how does a dental crown work?
In your consult, Dr. Riley will create dental impressions so your crown can be made to fit your tooth. In some cases, a temporary dental crown may be used to cover your tooth as your permanent crown is being crafted. As soon as your dental crown is made, the treatment area will be given a local numbing anesthetic. More sedation techniques may be used if you have dental anxieties or fears. When the anesthesia has taken effect, Dr. Riley will prep your tooth by cleaning away debris and decay and then lightly filing the enamel to create space for your dental crown. Your dental crown can be either glued to your tooth or connected to an implant. Once it is set, Dr. Riley can adjust the crown's fit so it is comfortable.
how long is recovery after getting a crown?
You will be able to leave our office once the procedure is done and get back to your day. Dr. Riley or a member of his team will discuss how to care for your crown, including any foods that should be avoided and cleaning instructions. During your annual exams at Riley Dental, Dr. Riley will evaluate your dental crown and adjust it to keep it comfortable. He will determine when your crown should be replaced; however, with good care, it may last for several years. If you have any issues with your crown (if it falls out or is loose), call our office right away. Don't try to repair it or re-attach it, because this may cause an infection or bad fit.
does insurance cover dental crowns?
Depending on your dental insurance, part of your costs may be paid. Once we talk to your insurance provider, we will be able to better calculate your personal costs. We will also discuss our many payment options along with third-party financing via CareCredit to help make your procedure affordable. At your consult, Dr. Riley will help you choose the best crown material that suits your needs and budget.
Dental Crowns FAQ
What does a dental crown fix?
Dental crowns are used to restore teeth that are:
- Worn down
- Chipped
- Discolored
- Decayed
- Cracked
- Misshapen
Do dental crowns look natural?
Yes, they can. Dental crowns made from porcelain or zirconia have the color and appearance of a natural tooth. Dr. Riley can choose a shade that will blend in seamlessly with your natural smile.
Is getting a dental crown painful?
No, it isn't. With local anesthetic, sedation options, and Dr. Riley's experienced hand, getting a dental crown placed is done efficiently and comfortably. During your consultation with Dr. Riley, if pain is a concern, talk to him about anesthetic and sedation options that can help ensure your comfort for the entire procedure.
How long do crowns last?
Crowns are made from different materials, but on average, you can expect most crowns to last up to 10 years, and in some cases 20 years or longer with proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups.
How long does it take to have a crown placed?
Most dental crowns are placed in two appointments with Dr. Riley. During the first appointment, he will make impressions of your teeth, and the tooth will be prepped. While your customized dental crown is being made at the lab, you will wear a temporary crown. Then you will return when your crown is ready and have it placed in a quick, easy procedure.
Can dental crowns be whitened?
No, dental crowns cannot be whitened with traditional teeth whitening treatments. The crown's color is determined when it is made and cannot be altered later. If you are considering teeth whitening, it is advisable to do so before getting crowns to ensure a uniform color match.
Restore your natural-looking smile
A damaged or missing tooth may be treated with a dental crown at Riley Dental. Talk to Dr. Riley about how a dental crown can shield your tooth from continued harm and help to keep your mouth healthy. Available in different materials to suit your needs, a custom crown can blend with your teeth to keep your smile beautiful. Contact our team in Haslet, TX to make an appointment with our dentist, Dr. Riley.