What are dental crowns?
Dental crowns, or what we call caps, are basically a material that goes on top of your tooth and protects your tooth like a helmet.
What types of dental crowns are there?
We have many varieties of dental crowns. They can be gold, metal, some sort of titanium, or a combination of all of them. We can also have all-ceramic crowns, which are mostly used these days. The choice depends on where we're using the crown and what kind of aesthetics we need for the crown that we're making for a patient.
Is a dental crown necessary after root canal treatment?
For the most part, yes. But this really depends on which tooth has had a root canal. If it's a front tooth versus a back tooth, for the front tooth, we don't always recommend a crown after a root canal, but for the back teeth, which experience more force, we almost always recommend a crown. Another important factor is how much tooth structure is left after the root canal. If the majority of the tooth is gone, then we definitely need to put a crown on it, regardless of where the tooth is. But if the majority of the tooth is still there, then we don't necessarily need to put a crown on it.
Can you explain the dental crown procedure?
The dental crown procedure usually takes two appointments. The first appointment is about preparing the tooth to receive a temporary crown, and the second appointment involves delivering the final crown. During your first appointment, depending on the procedure you have done before receiving the crown, we might need to perform different tasks. For example, if you had a root canal done, we remove the temporary filling that the endodontist (root canal specialist) placed, build up the tooth with some filling material, and then prepare the tooth for the temporary crown.
If there is a large cavity, we remove the cavity and any old fillings, refill the tooth with filling material, build it up, and then prepare the tooth for the crown before placing the temporary crown. The temporary crown mimics your initial anatomy but is not as aesthetic as the final crown. It's just an interim solution until you receive your final crown.
The second appointment is about cementing the final crown. Between your first and second appointments, you need to be cautious about what you eat, not because you'll hurt the tooth, but because the temporary crown is held with temporary cement and could come off. Avoid eating anything sticky or crunchy at the place where you have the crown. Once you get the final crown, everything is finalized, and you have a more aesthetic crown with a permanent cement that can last you a long time, depending on other factors.
Does the dental crown placement hurt?
No, it does not. The placement of a dental crown involves getting numb with anesthesia, similar to other dental procedures. You will be completely numb when you replace a crown or when you receive a new crown, so there should be no pain.
Are there any consequences for getting a tooth crown?
There are basically no negative consequences for getting a new crown, but several factors need monitoring. For example, you must clean your crown the same way you clean your natural teeth. You must brush, floss, and maintain good oral hygiene.
The materials used in crowns today have undergone numerous quality checks and are unlikely to cause allergic reactions. Based on your medical history, we can recommend a crown material that will not cause any allergies.
Is it worth putting crowns on children's teeth?
For children, placing a crown has different indications compared to adults. Usually, children's crowns are stainless steel crowns that appear as metal caps on the tooth. They are primarily used to preserve the tooth until the permanent tooth erupts in its place. As children transition from primary to permanent teeth, it's crucial to maintain primary teeth as much as possible, sometimes with a crown, to ensure the teeth erupting are in the right spot and don't lose space for permanent teeth.
Can you get cavities on crowned teeth?
The answer is yes. Many patients think that once they have a crown, they no longer need to worry about brushing their teeth. This is not true. You must continue to brush and clean your teeth because, even though a crown is not as porous as a natural tooth, there is a transition area between the crown and your tooth. You must ensure this area is clean to prevent cavities.
Maintain your oral hygiene by brushing, flossing, and using mouth rinse to keep the area clean and avoid cavities.
How long can you expect a dental crown to last?
The longevity of a dental crown depends on the patient's oral hygiene and various other factors. The crown's lifespan depends on how well the patient maintains it, such as avoiding grinding or clenching. If everything is done correctly and the crown is well-made, it should last a long time, provided all factors are considered and oral hygiene is maintained.
Does insurance cover dental crowns?
Many patients ask if their insurance will cover the crown. Should I send the authorization to the insurance and wait for the results before proceeding with the crown? The answer is that there isn't a straightforward yes or no. Coverage can change over time depending on the insurance policy. The best approach is to call us and talk to our office manager, who will review your documents and help you answer this question.
How can I schedule an appointment for a dental crown?
You're always welcome to schedule an appointment through our website or call our office and talk to our front desk to schedule your crown appointment.
If you have any further questions, please give us a call at our office, and we will be more than happy to answer all of them.