What is a crown?
A dental crown, also called a dental cap, is a fabricated prosthesis that is placed over an existing tooth to provide protection, function, and esthetics. Because of the work involved with shaping and fitting a crown the cost for having a crown placed typically starts around the $1200 price point. When it is deemed that a crown is medically necessary for your oral health your dental insurance should cover the costs of the procedure.
Why do I need a crown?
- Protection—teeth that are cracked or broken, teeth that have large fillings or decay, teeth that have had root canals may all need a crown to prevent further damage.
- Function—severely worn teeth, misaligned teeth or teeth used to anchor a bridge may need crowns to allow your teeth to fit together properly and hence function better.
- Esthetics—teeth that are misshapen or severely discolored may also benefit from crown.
Depending on the amount of decay or damage the tooth might not be salvageable in which case a dental implant might be the better option for tooth replacement. There are advantages to either treatment course the cost of a dental implant is more expensive than a crown, but they typically last longer than crowns. It is always best to speak with an experienced dentist near you when trying to decide how to proceed.
Types of crowns
- Full Metal—this type of crown is usually the most cost-effective and longest lasting. Gold is the most commonly used metal which is very gentle on the opposing teeth. If esthetics are a concern, this is not the crown to choose.
- Porcelain fused to metal—this type of porcelain crown combines the strength of metal core with the esthetics of porcelain overlay. By adding the porcelain to the metal it allows color matching of the surrounding teeth.
- Full Porcelain—this type of porcelain crown is the most esthetically pleasing but maybe the most costly as well. Because there is no metal used it can reflect light better and produce a more lifelike result. This type of crown may not be suitable for people who grind their teeth heavily.
Before and After Results for Porcelain Dental Crowns
There are many ways that you can deal with cracked or broken teeth. A porcelain dental crown is a great option to help repair your smile. The results of a porcelain crown can be quite dramatic and beautiful, especially porcelain crowns for the front teeth. These before and after pictures of some of our porcelain crown patients help to show how effective dental crowns can be.
How are crowns placed?
- 1st visit—the dentist will usually administer a local anesthetic (Novocain) and shape the existing tooth that is to support the crown. A mold (impression) is made of the prepared tooth as well as the adjacent and opposing teeth. This ensures that the crown will fit to the other teeth properly. A temporary crown will be placed over the prepared tooth until the permanent one is ready.
- 2nd visit—the dentist may administer local anesthetic. The dentist removes the temporary crown and cleans the tooth. The fit and color are checked and an x-ray may be taken to ensure the fit between the teeth and below the gum is correct. The crown is then cemented with durable, long-lasting cement. The new crown may feel strange at first or the tooth may feel slightly sensitive. These feelings should subside within a week the mouth adapts to the new crown.
Precautions for Temporary Crowns
Temporary dental crowns are made of acrylic or a similar material. They are placed to protect the prepared tooth and prevent the bite from changing while waiting for the permanent crown. Here are some guidelines to help keep your temporary crown in place:
- Always avoid sticky or hard foods with temporary crowns and try to avoid chewing on the side with the temporary crown.
- Brush and keep the tooth clean with floss. Try to pull the floss out the side of the tooth to prevent dislodging the crown.
Some people may experience tooth sensitivity, especially to temperature. Be sure to call your dentist should the temporary crown come off.
How long does a crown last?
The life expectancy of a crown is 5-15 years depending on several factors. Crowns may need to be replaced for a number of reasons such as chipping the crown, wear on the crown or decay around the crown. Remember to care for the crown the way you’d care for the rest of the teeth. Crowned teeth are still prone to gum disease and decay and should be brushed and flossed daily.
How much does a dental crown cost?
The cost of dental crowns in Stratford, CT is on par with the nationwide average.
Generally speaking, dental crowns cost $1000-$2000, depending on the location of the tooth, materials used, and other specific factors.
For example, porcelain crown costs differ from the cost of a full metal crown. And a crown for one of your molars might cost more – or less – than a front tooth crown costs. So if you’re searching Google for, “porcelain crowns cost front teeth” just know that the only way to get an accurate price is to talk with your dentist.
Everyone’s teeth are different, the only way to definitively answer how much a dental crown costs is to first schedule an exam so Dr. Gretzula can recommend the best course of treatment for you.
If you have had a root canal, broken or cracked tooth or a large filling that needs replacing, you might need a dental crown. Please call us immediately at 203-377-9300 to schedule an appointment.
“Dr. Gretzula is great!! My dentist of over thirty years passed away and for the first time, I was in need of a good dentist. I just happened upon Dr. Gretzula and her staff and it was great. I was in need of some fairly major work and they were very friendly, knowledgable, accommodating and helpful. Not to mention the crown she put in looks and feels amazing! I plan on having my whole family make the move. Highly recommended!!”
