The Best Tooth Restoration
A dental crown acts as a protective “cap” placed over teeth that are cracked, have undergone root canal treatment, are stained, decayed, or irregularly shaped. Each crown is carefully handcrafted and tailored to match the natural shade and shape of your teeth, offering durability that can last over 15 years. In addition to restoring damaged teeth, crowns are also used to support dental bridges, cover dental implants, and make selective cosmetic or aesthetic improvements.
What's The Process Of Getting A Crown?
The process of receiving a dental crown typically involves two appointments to complete the procedure and place the crown securely in your mouth.
Starting The Process
As with most dental procedures, the journey begins with an evaluation. During this initial visit, the dentist will carefully assess and clean your teeth to ensure they are ready for the crown. If the tooth is damaged by decay or a fracture, any compromised areas will be removed to prepare it for the crown, which will help protect the tooth from further harm.
Sculpting The Crown
Next, a mould of your teeth will be created using dental putty. This impression serves as the blueprint for crafting a custom porcelain crown. To protect your tooth in the meantime, a temporary crown will be placed until your final visit. For patients who require a crown on a dental implant, impressions will also be taken of the implant and surrounding teeth to ensure the new crown fits seamlessly. These details will be sent to the lab, where a crown tailored specifically to your needs will be produced.
Applying The Crown
At your second appointment, the temporary crown will be removed and replaced with the permanent one. The crown will be securely attached using strong dental cement or a hidden screw, depending on the situation. To finish, the dentist will carefully refine the crown’s surface for a natural look and feel, making any necessary adjustments to ensure it fits comfortably and functions as intended.
The Cost Of A Crown In Wellesley
The price of a dental crown can differ greatly depending on the unique needs of each patient. For those with standard insurance plans, the average cost of a single crown typically ranges from $200 to $600 or more. If you don’t have insurance, the expense is generally estimated to be between $800 and $1200 or higher. While many patients find the benefits of restoring their tooth’s appearance and function outweigh the cost, the financial aspect is still an important consideration.
What factors influence the cost of a dental crown?
- The type of crown and the material used in its fabrication: The cost will vary based on the type of crown and the materials chosen.
- The location of the tooth and the complexity of the procedure: The position of the tooth and the difficulty of the procedure can influence the price.
- Whether multiple crowns are required: Requiring multiple crowns will increase the overall cost.
- Integration with other dental devices, such as bridges: The need to integrate crowns with other devices may add to the expense.
- Specialised supplies and equipment needed for your treatment: Any additional tools or materials required for the procedure can affect the final cost.
It’s important to note that no dental clinic can provide an accurate cost estimate over the phone. Since every patient’s situation is unique, an in-person consultation and oral examination are necessary to assess your specific requirements and discuss treatment options. If you have dental insurance, we can offer a detailed quote for submission to your provider, helping you understand your out-of-pocket expenses before moving forward with your treatment.
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
The key difference between crowns and fillings lies in their strength, particularly when dealing with teeth that handle heavy chewing forces. Fillings on molars with large biting surfaces may be prone to chipping or coming loose due to constant pressure from chewing or clenching. On the other hand, a crown, which provides a smooth surface that covers the tooth entirely from gumline to gumline, is designed to withstand greater forces and last longer.
Dental crowns serve an essential dual purpose in restoring your smile. Not only do they restore the full function of your tooth, allowing you to bite and chew without discomfort, but they are also crafted to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Each crown is colour-matched and contoured to align perfectly with your existing teeth, often making it hard to distinguish the crowned tooth from the rest of your smile.
A dental post is not the same as a dental implant, which involves surgical placement in the jawbone. Instead, a post acts as a medical-grade support inserted into a prepared root canal to reinforce the tooth’s core and provide stability for a dental crown. Posts are typically used in cases where there isn’t enough healthy tooth structure to support the crown securely.
The process of getting a crown is often compared to receiving a filling. Numbing agents are carefully applied to ensure the tooth preparation is pain-free, and local anaesthesia is used if needed. After the procedure, you may feel some temporary sensitivity or minor gum discomfort around the treated area. If you’re anxious about dental visits, please let us know so we can help ease your concerns and make the experience as comfortable as possible.
Most dental crowns have a lifespan of around 15 years, but with proper care, they can last as long as 25 to 30 years.
Caring for a dental crown is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Brushing and flossing regularly will help maintain both the crown and the surrounding gum tissue. Attending regular dental cleanings and check-ups is also vital to ensuring the long-term health of your crown and overall oral hygiene.
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