What are dental crowns?

Dental crowns are fabricated dental restorations that cover the entire visible portion of the tooth structure. Crowns are made from porcelain, gold or metal alloy, or a combination of both.

What is the procedure for crowning a tooth?

I am excited about being able to provide my patients with the latest technology available for crown and bridge preparation. My patients no longer have to have impressions made with the gooey impression material that is messy, uncomfortable, time consuming and often less than accurate. I offer a digital 3D impression scanner called The itero. It utilizes a laser wand to capture images of the patient's teeth and opposing arches in a computer 3D image that is viewable in real time. This is then sent to the laboratory and they fabricate the crown or bridge to this image and the product that we receive back is virtually perfect in every way. My patients have been extremely pleased with the ease of the scanning process and the perfect fit of the crown during cementation.

When is a crown necessary?

A crown is necessary for several reasons. to strengthen a fractured tooth, or a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy. to restore the shape of excessively worn teeth to improve the visual appearance of the tooth.

How long will a crown last?

Generally the average life of a crown is approximately 10-15 years if care is taken to minimize damage to the structure and proper hygiene is followed. One should avoid eating sticky or chewy food items like caramel or gum. Nuts are also a culprit in the breaking of crowns. Also, it is important to diligently clean around the base of the crown at the gumline and floss carefully between your teeth. A waterpik is a great alternative to flossing and just as effective, as floss has been known to loosen or even pop out cemented crowns requiring a trip to your dentist for re-cementation of the crown.

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

Teeth are vital, living structures. During a root canal, the nerves and blood vessels that supply the tooth are removed making the tooth non-vital. A tooth that has undergone endodontic therapy becomes brittle and can fracture easily. Therefore, a crown is necessary to provide stability to the tooth structure.

Does insurance cover the cost of a crown?

Insurance generally pays 50% of the dentist charge for a crown. Some companies pay a bit more, some less. It is up to the patient to inquire about their exact insurance benefits.