An Overview Of The Dental Crowns Procedure
- By Christine OKelly
- Published 10/30/2008
- Health
- Unrated
Many people will have dental problems sometime during their life. Some may only have a few cavities and minor issues, but others may suffer from significant dental problems that include the need for implants, dentures, oral surgery, root canals, or even the placement of crowns due to a tooth being broken, chipped, cracked, weakened, or worn down. The procedure of placing crowns isn't as complicated as other types of dental procedures like perio surgery and bone grafts, but it does require an experienced dentist.
This article explains the different types of crowns (also called caps) offered today, describes the procedure, and details the costs patients can expect.
The Options
There are numerous types of crowns used in this dental procedure. Each kind has both advantages and disadvantages. Metals like gold and nickel alloys work great because they are strong and durable. They break less and require less removal of the tooth to place than other options. The main disadvantage is their color, although this is not as relevant when placing them on back teeth.
This treatment can be made of ceramic are popular with dentists because they provide a natural appearance closely matching the color of natural teeth. In addition, ceramic are more pliable than metal and can contour to the shape, size, and form of the surrounding teeth. Their biggest disadvantage is that they suffer more from wear and tear than other options.
Not as popular as ceramic or metal, porcelain are usually fused to a piece of metal that makes them more durable than ce
ramic. The disadvantage is that they lack the natural look that ceramic provides because of the metal frame. Most people opt for ceramic in the front and metal in the back.
The Procedure
Typically, a crown can be created and placed in two visits. During the initial visit, you will have x-rays to thoroughly examine the affected tooth. Then he'll remove the portion of your tooth necessary for receiving the treatment in addition to filing down any nearby teeth to make room. Next, your dentist will use a dental putty material to create an impression of your reshaped tooth he sends to a lab that will create your replacement. Before leaving your first appointment, your dentist will place a temporary cover over the affected tooth.
During your second appointment, after your dentist has received your permanent cap from the lab, he will double check the fit and color before removing the temporary cap and placing the permanent one.
The Costs
Caps vary in cost depending on the type of material and the teeth receiving the treatment. Typically, ceramic is more costly than metal because they take more time, effort, and expertise to create and place. A good average to expect is between $400 and $900 each, but a portion of this cost is usually covered by dental insurance.
A broken or chipped tooth can look unattractive. It can create a lasting impression and come across as distracting. In addition, structurally weak teeth can continue to chip and break when unsupported. A cap can make a person's smile beautiful and provide support for weakened teeth all within two visits. If you have structural damage to your teeth, ask your dentist if crowns are right for you.
This article explains the different types of crowns (also called caps) offered today, describes the procedure, and details the costs patients can expect.
The Options
There are numerous types of crowns used in this dental procedure. Each kind has both advantages and disadvantages. Metals like gold and nickel alloys work great because they are strong and durable. They break less and require less removal of the tooth to place than other options. The main disadvantage is their color, although this is not as relevant when placing them on back teeth.
This treatment can be made of ceramic are popular with dentists because they provide a natural appearance closely matching the color of natural teeth. In addition, ceramic are more pliable than metal and can contour to the shape, size, and form of the surrounding teeth. Their biggest disadvantage is that they suffer more from wear and tear than other options.
Not as popular as ceramic or metal, porcelain are usually fused to a piece of metal that makes them more durable than ce
The Procedure
Typically, a crown can be created and placed in two visits. During the initial visit, you will have x-rays to thoroughly examine the affected tooth. Then he'll remove the portion of your tooth necessary for receiving the treatment in addition to filing down any nearby teeth to make room. Next, your dentist will use a dental putty material to create an impression of your reshaped tooth he sends to a lab that will create your replacement. Before leaving your first appointment, your dentist will place a temporary cover over the affected tooth.
During your second appointment, after your dentist has received your permanent cap from the lab, he will double check the fit and color before removing the temporary cap and placing the permanent one.
The Costs
Caps vary in cost depending on the type of material and the teeth receiving the treatment. Typically, ceramic is more costly than metal because they take more time, effort, and expertise to create and place. A good average to expect is between $400 and $900 each, but a portion of this cost is usually covered by dental insurance.
A broken or chipped tooth can look unattractive. It can create a lasting impression and come across as distracting. In addition, structurally weak teeth can continue to chip and break when unsupported. A cap can make a person's smile beautiful and provide support for weakened teeth all within two visits. If you have structural damage to your teeth, ask your dentist if crowns are right for you.
Christine OKelly
Christine O'Kelly is a writer for Southfield Family Dental Center, a Detroit crowns specialist. In addition to being an expert Southfield crowns practice, they offer Invisalign, implants, tooth whitening, root canal therapy, and bridges.
View all articles by Christine OKelly