Are misshapen, weak, decayed, or discolored teeth keeping you from the healthy smile you deserve? With a combination of proper dental pre-treatment and the placement of a custom dental crown, our dentists can transform the health, function, and appearance of your tooth.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crown restorations are tooth-shaped porcelain prosthetics that can cover a damaged tooth to restore strength, proper function, and aesthetics, while a dental implant crown serves the purpose of replacing a missing tooth. By placing dental crowns, our dentists help patients to enjoy outstanding function and a renewed appearance in their smiles. Dental crowns can offer a number of improvements to your smile and provide great protection from further damage.
Eastern Virginia Family & Cosmetic Dentistry has been serving patients for more than three decades and we offer a wide range of state-of-the-art general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry options you can rely on. We’d love to have the opportunity to reward you with improved dental health and a smile you can be proud of. If you think dental crowns may be the solution to your dental needs, contact our office today.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Crowns?
Aesthetic Benefits
The dental crowns provided by our Chesapeake doctors are cut from top-grade porcelain to give your smile the most natural, attractive look. Decayed, yellowing, or damaged teeth can tarnish the appearance of your smile and your face, but with dental crowns, we can make your teeth look healthy and attractive.
Oral Health Benefits
Damaged teeth that go untreated only continue to degrade, and can result in tooth loss. Placing strong, durable dental crowns on your existing teeth preserves your remaining tooth structure while protecting it against more damage or decay.
Dental Crowns vs. Porcelain Veneers
While a dental crown is primarily used to restore strength, function, and natural aesthetics to a damaged tooth, porcelain veneers are typically chosen with the sole purpose of improving the appearance of a single tooth or the entire smile with long-lasting results. A custom dental crown is designed to cover the entire surface of a treated tooth, essential “capping” the remaining healthy portion of the tooth. Porcelain veneers differ in that they are very thin shells of porcelain that conceal only the visible portion of the tooth to change the way it looks. Teeth treated with veneers only need to have a small portion of the tooth removed to accommodate the veneer, which makes it a conservative procedure. For more help on finding out whether porcelain crowns or veneers are right for you, we encourage you to contact our practice to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced cosmetic dentists.
Who Is a Candidate for a Dental Crown?
Generally speaking, damaged or decayed teeth with enough healthy structure remaining to support a restoration, can be suitable dental crowns. A comprehensive consultation with one of our cosmetic dentists will determine if dental crowns are right for your needs. If the extent of damage or decay in your tooth is severe, removal of the tooth may be the best option. When extraction is necessary, your dentist can explain your options for tooth replacement, which could be a dental implant, custom dental bridge, or another solution.
It’s possible that combining multiple treatments at a time may help you achieve the results you desire, so ask us about a smile makeover or full-mouth reconstruction.
How Is the Dental Crown Procedure Performed?
Dental crowns are custom-crafted to closely match the color and proportions of your natural teeth, and can be designed to either restore dental implants or cap a tooth that has been treated for damage or decay.
If you wish to restore a tooth with a crown, the procedure will begin with a local anesthetic to optimize your comfort. Your tooth’s outer structure will be gently filed down to make room for the restoration. Once your tooth is prepared, an impression will be taken so that the crown will fit the tooth and be in harmony with your smile. In some cases, a traditional impression will be taken, but in most cases the doctors use a digital impression to reproduce the preparation. Using CEREC® technology, the doctors create the crown out of high-quality porcelain and oftentimes the final restoration can be cemented the same day, eliminating the need for a temporary and a return delivery appointment.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
The length of time a dental crown will last depends mainly on the material the crown is made of, how well it is placed, and whether it is properly cared for by the patient. Today’s high-quality ceramic materials are extremely durable, and when a ceramic crown is designed and placed by an experienced cosmetic dentist the results can last for up to 10 years or more—and in some cases even decades. Proper daily dental hygiene (brushing and flossing twice daily), as well as regularly scheduled professional cleanings and exams, are key to maintaining the health of the tooth and eliminating any problems early to avoid the need for crown replacement. Your dentist will discuss the ceramic materials that are available, explain the benefits and drawbacks of each option, and give you an idea of how long a particular type of crown may last.
What Is Dental Crowns Recovery Like?
Recovery after getting a dental crown is typically quick and comfortable. Most patients can return to normal activities immediately after their procedure. It’s common to experience mild sensitivity or soreness in the gums or tooth for a few days, especially if anesthesia was used. Over-the-counter pain relievers and avoiding hard or sticky foods can help minimize discomfort. Once the crown is placed, it may take a short time to adjust to your new bite. Maintaining good oral hygiene and attending follow-up dental visits can help ensure proper healing and crown longevity.
How Much Do Dental Crowns Cost?
Since every dental crown procedure is customized, there is no set cost for this type of care. There are a variety of decisions and factors that can impact the total price of dental crown treatment, including:
- Type of crown (material)
- Location of the treated tooth
- Complexity of the case
- Any necessary dental or periodontal treatments
- Crown fabrication technique
Once the full treatment plan has been developed, you can receive a precise quote of how much your dental crown procedure will cost. If you have dental insurance, a knowledgeable member of our team can check your benefits and calculate your out-of-pocket costs. For patients who do not have insurance, we offer our own Dental Benefit Plan that can provide some cost relief for a wide variety of our dental services. Lastly, we offer financing through CareCredit® a widely used and respected third-party lender that can make paying for treatment more affordable and convenient.
Additional Dental Crown Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a crown and a filling?
Tooth-colored fillings repair small areas of tooth decay or damage by filling the cavity with materials like composite resin. It helps restore the tooth’s shape and function while preserving most of its natural structure. A dental crown, on the other hand, covers the entire visible portion of a tooth. It’s generally used when a tooth is severely weakened, cracked, or has extensive decay that a filling can’t support. Essentially, fillings can fix minor issues, while crowns provide fuller protection and strength for more damaged teeth.
Can I eat normally with a dental crown?
You can typically eat normally with a dental crown once it’s fully set and any initial sensitivity subsides. Crowns are designed to function like natural teeth, allowing you to bite and chew comfortably. However, it’s best to avoid very hard, sticky, or chewy foods, especially right after placement, to prevent loosening or damaging the crown. Good oral hygiene and routine office visits can help keep your crown strong and your bite healthy for years to come.
How should I care for my dental crown?
Caring for a dental crown is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss gently around the crown, and rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash. Avoid biting hard objects like ice or pens to prevent damage. Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings are also important to ensure your crown and the surrounding teeth stay healthy.
Learn More About Dental Crowns
Your oral health directly affects your overall health, and protecting your smile from damage and decay is essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you are interested in learning more about how dental crowns could benefit your smile, contact our office today to schedule a consultation.