Why Dental Crowns May Be The Best Option For Damaged Teeth
Dental crowns can be a good option for anyone with a tooth that is fractured or damaged and needs support. A dentist may use a crown over a tooth that has a lot of decay or is broken in some way to repair the tooth structurally and aesthetically.
What Is A Crown?
Dental crowns are prosthetics designed to cover and protect a damaged, weakened, or aesthetically flawed tooth. They are typically made of materials such as porcelain, ceramic, or metal and are shaped like a natural tooth.
Before a dental crown is put on a tooth, the dentist must repair the tooth as much as possible to ensure it stays together inside the dental crown. If the preparation is incomplete, problems can arise that may mean removing the crown later and potentially losing the tooth.
The process of getting a dental crown typically involves two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay or damage and reshaping the tooth to make room for the crown. An impression of the tooth is made to create a custom-fitted crown. During the second visit, the dentist will cement the crown in place on the tooth.
Materials Used
Dental crowns tend to be one of the more expensive dental procedures, but they can also provide significant benefits when it comes to protecting and strengthening damaged teeth. There are several material options when making crowns, but you should talk to your dentist to determine what is right for you.
Metal crowns are often the lowest priced, and porcelain or ceramic run in the middle. The most expensive option is zirconia crowns, but they are also the most durable. They are also extremely biocompatible, making them a good option for people with metal allergies that could react to other crown materials.
Cost Of Crowns
Dental crowns are expensive, and the procedure can often cost thousands of dollars from start to finish. If you have dental insurance, you need to check your coverage to see if crowns are covered.
Some insurance companies will only pay for dental crowns if there is no other way to save the tooth, so your dentist may need to submit paperwork declaring the procedure medically necessary. If a dental crown is the best option, your dentist will help you get the procedure approved, or you may be able to make several payments for the work with your dentist's office.
For more information, contact a local dental office, like Highland Family dental.
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