Dental Crowns – Midland, TX
Strong, Beautiful Restorations for Individual Teeth
If you have a badly harmed tooth, you may fear that extraction is your only option. However, your tooth may be saved with a dental crown in Midland. Our team does everything possible to rescue individual teeth through this restoration, bringing back each tooth’s appearance and function all at once. Could a dental crown help your smile? Make an appointment with us to learn how we can rebuild your teeth.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown, sometimes referred to as a cap, is a hollow dental prosthetic that covers the entire visible part of the tooth above the gums. This structure enables the crown to:
- Compensate for damaged or decayed structure.
- Cover a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment.
- Hold a slightly fractured tooth together.
- Correct small or misshapen teeth.
- Restore a dental implant.
- Attach a dental bridge to the abutment teeth or those that are on either side of a missing tooth.
The Dental Crown Process
As with many other treatments, getting a dental crown usually begins with numbing your mouth. Then, we’ll prepare the tooth by taking a small portion of the outside enamel off, performing root canal therapy, or removing any damaged structure. Once the tooth is ready, we will take impressions of your entire mouth and send this information to the dental lab for fabrication. Meanwhile, you’ll wear a temporary crown over the tooth for its protection. When your custom crown is complete, you’ll come back to have it securely bonded and tweaked to feel comfortable in your bite.
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Crown
When it comes to a dental crown, you can enjoy many benefits, especially preserving your natural tooth in many cases. Instead of losing it entirely, a dental crown shields the underlying, in-tact structure and enables you to continue using the tooth.
Other benefits include the following:
- Crowns are most often made of realistic materials that look natural.
- Crowns are durable, allowing you to use your teeth to maintain a balanced diet.
- Crowns typically last about 10 years but can go up to 15 years with proper care.
- Crowns require the same maintenance as real teeth—daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Crowns
Before getting a dental crown, you may wish to know the exact amount that it will cost you. We’ll be happy to share that total with you after we’ve put together your personalized treatment plan. Compared to fillings, dental crowns are more expensive; however, they still cost less than other more advanced restorations like a bridge or denture. If you have the chance to get a dental crown, you should move forward with this more affordable restoration.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Dental Crowns
At Boyles General Dentistry & Implant Center, there isn’t a set price for dental crowns because we consider several factors in the cost. First, the number of dental crowns you require will impact your total. Second, the type of crown and the location affect how much each one costs. Molars, which usually must be more durable to withstand chewing, may require a more robust crown. Front teeth, on the other hand, need to be made of porcelain to have a more realistic look.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Crowns?
The good news is that most dental insurance policies include coverage for dental crowns. In fact, they usually pay for about half of the total cost, which means you’ll only have to pay the other half out of your own pocket. When we’ve created your treatment plan, we’ll look closely at your insurance plan and see what benefits you have available and help you take full advantage of coverage you’re entitled to.
Options for Making Dental Crowns Affordable
In addition to working with dental insurance, our practice makes every effort to reduce the financial burden. For example, if you don’t have dental insurance, we offer an in-house savings plan that not only provides preventive care but also includes a discount on restorative services like crowns. Also, we accept payment through Sunbit, a third-party financing company. With low-interest financing available, you can afford your dental crowns and pay over multiple months instead of completely upfront.
Dental Crowns FAQs
Here are some responses to common inquiries about dental crowns. If you have questions regarding your situation or crown, feel free to ask us during your appointment.
What Are Dental Crowns Made of?
Dental crowns can consist of various materials, but we mainly use ceramic porcelain and gold for these prosthetics. These materials have proven to be durable and strong. In addition, crowns made from porcelain reflect light like real enamel, which means they appear identical to the real thing! When we create your treatment plan, we can discuss what material(s) we need in your specific case to rebuild your smile.
Why Does My Tooth Need to Be Reduced to Get a Dental Crown?
When a crown offers additional protection for a tooth, it may seem counterintuitive to take away enamel. However, this small portion of structure must be taken away to make space for the crown. Otherwise, the prosthetic would not fit comfortably over the tooth. It would press against and be larger than neighboring teeth. While this may mean that you have temporary sensitivity with your short-term crown, it will mean that your custom crown will be better in the end.
Will Others Be Able to Tell I Have a Crown?
If you get a porcelain crown, we take our time selecting the color to match the surrounding teeth. We want it to blend in seamlessly and not attract the wrong kind of attention. We usually get your input on the shade choice to make sure we get it right. Because the crown is crafted to your specific mouth, it should fit your bite perfectly and look just like your other natural teeth. Only a dentist should be able to tell that you have a prosthetic crown.
How Long Is the Crown Process?
Receiving a dental crown typically requires two separate appointments with a few weeks in between. During this time, the dental lab will fabricate your custom crown specifically for your mouth. As a result, even if the temporary crown doesn’t fit perfectly, your crown will! The first appointment usually takes about an hour, perhaps more depending on what kind of procedure you’re undergoing. The second should be less. Before you leave with your brand-new crown, we want to make sure it feels and looks natural.