Decay, injury, genetics, wear and tear, and other factors can all compromise the integrity of teeth. In some cases, badly damaged teeth must be extracted. Most of the time, however, it is possible to save them via restorative treatments — such as dental crowns in Boca Raton, FL. As a highly trained restorative dentist, our dentist takes pride in designing high-quality crowns that look beautiful, function flawlessly, and stand the test of time. Continue reading this page to learn more about this smile-saving treatment.
A dental crown is a custom-designed tooth-shaped “cap” that covers a tooth’s crown — everything that is visible above the gumline. Crowns can be made out of various materials, including porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, gold, silver, and more.
Crowns are quite versatile, allowing them to be used for several purposes. Most often, they are used in restorative dentistry to reinstate the health of a tooth, like one that has suffered a large break or has significant decay. They can even prevent a weakened tooth from breaking by providing an added layer of protection. It is not uncommon for them to be used in combination with other procedures as well, like root canal therapy. Working as part of a bridge or with a dental implant, they can also help to replace missing teeth altogether. They are occasionally used in cosmetic dentistry because they can be customized to look natural.
The crown process begins with us reshaping the tooth so it will fit well beneath its restoration. This usually involves removing a bit of enamel. Don’t worry — anesthesia and sedation can ensure that you are comfortable during this part of the process.
Once your tooth is prepared, our team takes impressions that will serve as the basis for designing your crown. You’ll wear a temporary crown while a dental laboratory fabricates your permanent one. When your permanent crown is ready, we will verify that its fit is perfect before he uses a special dental cement to secure it in your mouth.
Some of the most outstanding benefits of dental crowns include:
Would you like to learn more about dental crowns and how they may be able to improve your oral health? Contact our dental office today to ask questions or request a restorative consultation.
There is no set cost for dental crown treatment because every mouth is different. Some of the factors that can impact the price of your treatment include:
While there are cheaper alternatives available, it’s important to weigh the benefits against the drawbacks of some choices. For example, while metal crowns can be cheaper, they aren’t as desirable for front teeth because of how noticeable they are. A crown will last many years, so you should generally do what will make you feel the best.
Most dental crowns are considered a major procedure and could be covered up to 50 percent. While many dental insurance plans cover this treatment, it’s still important to check over your policy before treatment. If you need help, we can sit down with you and help you cut through all the jargon to get the information that matters. We’ll also handle any claims you may have so you can focus on restoring your smile.
While insurance can make paying for treatment easier, many patients simply can’t afford it. Dr. Lamberti knows this and is dedicated to helping every patient find an affordable way to receive the treatment they need. That’s why we proudly accept CareCredit for qualifying patients. By using this service, you can finance all your dental work and pay it off in smaller low-to-no-interest payments.
So, don’t let your financial situation stand between you and a desperately needed dental restoration. Reach out to us if you need help and we can discuss your treatment plan and payment details together.
If you are experiencing any of the following, you may need a dental crown:
Caring for a dental crown doesn’t require that you take any special precautions. You simply need to stick to a thorough oral hygiene routine and visit your dentist for regular checkups. Additionally, if you tend to grind your teeth at night, you may need to wear a nightguard in order to prevent the grinding from damaging your crown.
A damaged crown leaves the tooth beneath it more vulnerable to infection and damage. It can also interfere with your bite. Hence, you should schedule an appointment with us as soon as your notice that something about your crown no longer feels quite right. We'll assess the damage and recommend an appropriate treatment. You may need to get the crown replaced with a new restoration.
Metal crowns tend to conduct heat very well, so they might have an impact on dental sensitivity. Porcelain crowns, on the other hand, allow for less temperature transfer to the underlying tooth. With that being said, you may notice some extra sensitivity immediately after a porcelain crown gets placed. That is normal because the crown placement process can irritate the underlying tooth. If the discomfort doesn’t subside within a week or two, call our team for assistance.