If you need a dental crown in Allen, Fairview, or McKinney, TX, you may have some questions about dental crowns. You might wonder if they’re right for you or how much they cost. We’ve put together this FAQ list with the most common questions asked by patients when they’re getting a dental crown from Dr. Feng. Continue below to learn more about this type of restorative treatment and how it can improve your life.
There are a variety of materials you can pick from for your dental crown. They can be made from either gold, stainless steel, porcelain, or zirconia. The most common type of crown is the porcelain crown. That said, the type of dental restoration that is best for one person may not be so for another. It is best to speak with your dentist first to see which type of material will be best for you.
Getting a dental crown can have a little discomfort, but it’s not painful. Before the procedure, your dentist will numb the area with a local anesthetic, clean the tooth, and then make a mold of your tooth to create the crown. You might feel pressure while the mold is being made, but that’s all! You’ll get a temporary crown immediately after the mold is taken so that you’re comfortable until your custom-fitted permanent crown is ready. When the permanent crown is ready, it will be cemented into place in one appointment.
If your dental insurance covers dental crowns and the treatment is not used for cosmetic purposes, a typical policy will cover up to 50% of the treatment. This means that if you meet your deductible, you will be responsible for the remaining cost of the procedure. When you visit your dentist for a consultation about dental crowns, your dentist will be able to let you know what your plan covers and what the expected cost is.
While the crown itself cannot get a cavity, it doesn’t mean that the tooth structure beneath the crown is not susceptible to bacteria or cavities. To prevent this, it’s still important to maintain good oral hygiene and to schedule regular visits with your dentist to reduce your risk of tooth decay.
Depending on the treatment recommended, a dental crown can repair numerous dental concerns without the need for root canal therapy. However, if you undergo a root canal treatment, it is possible that you may need a dental crown if there is any significant damage to the tooth’s structure.
If you wait too long to get a crown, there could be further damage to your tooth, your tooth could crack, or you might need a root canal to save the tooth. In severe situations, your tooth can split, resulting in the tooth not being able to be saved, and you will need a tooth extraction.
Even if it is more affordable to extract a tooth than to repair it with a crown, tooth extraction is usually a last resort when it comes to treatment. A root canal or crown is often preferable to extraction because you should always want to try to keep your natural teeth if possible.
Try to avoid sticky, chewy foods (such as gum and caramel, for example), because they might stick to your crowns and pull them out – especially if you have a temporary crown. To help prevent the crown from being broken or dislodged, avoid chewing hard foods such as raw vegetables.
Crowns do not require any special care after they have been placed on top of the damaged tooth. With proper care, dental crowns can last 10 years or longer. But remember that crowns do not guard the underlying tooth against decay or gum disease. A tooth that has a crown on it requires the same care as any other tooth, so it’s important to practice good oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing each day.
If you have questions about a dental crown procedure, restorative dentistry, common dental crown myths, or want to know how we can help restore your natural smile, contact us at our Fairview, TX dental office to schedule an in-person consultation with us today – 972-468-1440
Our dental office is located in Fairview, Texas, and our patients visit us from across the surrounding areas, including Allen, Plano, McKinney, and Lucas.
