If you have a root canal, do you need a crown?

Yes, it is a standard of care to place a crown on the tooth after it has had a root canal.

Are the non-metal crowns as strong as metal crowns?

There are many non-metal crowns that are almost as strong as metal ones. For some patients that grind and clench their teeth a lot, non-metal crowns are usually not recommended.

Does insurance cover the cost of a crown?

Most insurances will cover about 50% of the crown fee, if the crown is fabricated to restore function of the tooth or tooth has had a root canal.

 How do I take care of my dental crowns?

It is very important to brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day and see your dentist for regular check ups and cleanings to help prevent decay. It is best to avoid very hard crunchy foods that can crack the porcelain. You also would want to avoid very sticky chewy foods that can pull your crown off.

When is a crown necessary?

Usually crowns are necessary when there is too much tooth structure missing due to an old filling, a large cavity, etc.  Also, if the tooth has had a root canal, it becomes very brittle and can fracture if it is not protected by a crown.

How long will a crown last?

Average crown lilfe time is approximately 5 years, but I have seen them last as long as 20 years. It is important to continue brushing and flossing to prevent new cavities from developing around and under a crown.

Why do crowns fall?

Unfortunately, nothing in dentistry last forever. Crowns are glued to the tooth with dental cement. Over time the bond between the tooth and the crown breaks down, resulting in the crown falling off.  Also, very sticky foods can create enough force to pull the crown off even if the cement bond is still good. One of the most common reasons for the crown coming off, is new decay under the crown which softens the tooth and in turn results in failure of the cement bond.