It’s not uncommon for patients to sustain tooth damage due to an unexpected injury or unforeseen issue. For teeth that have been compromised, a dental crown is often one of the best possible solutions. Whether you need one for restorative or cosmetic purposes, a dental crown is certain to restore your smile to a beautiful and complete state that’ll have your confidence soaring! Keep reading to learn a little more about dental crowns in McKinney and their capabilities, or feel free to give us a call to schedule a consultation or request additional information.
To put it simply, a dental crown is a custom-made cap that’s meant to fit over the biting surface of a compromised or damaged tooth above the gumline. It can be made from a variety of materials including tooth-colored ceramic and zirconia, among others. Crowns are an incredibly versatile restorative solution and can be utilized in the following situations:
The process for receiving a dental crown is relatively straightforward, and we’re happy to walk you through every single step. When you come in for your consultation, we’ll first examine your mouth to determine if a crown can be used to address your situation. If you’re deemed an eligible candidate, we’ll begin the process by removing a thin layer of enamel from the tooth in question to prepare it for the crown—but this is nothing to be worried about, and simply allows the crown to lay flush with your surrounding teeth once it’s secured!
Dental crowns are one of the most common treatments that we conduct here at Marble Dental McKinney, but if you’re still on the fence about them, here are some of their priceless benefits:
How much will your dental crown cost? This is likely to be one of the first questions on your mind when we recommend the treatment. There’s no universal price tag for dental crowns since there are multiple factors that can affect the final cost; as such, our team will need to examine your mouth and learn more about your situation before creating an estimate for you. Rest assured that we’re here to help you get the care you need at an affordable price!
Just like when you receive a filling, we’ll numb your mouth around the tooth that’s receiving a dental crown. It usually just takes a topical anesthetic, but sedation options are also available for patients with dental-related anxiety. This means you shouldn’t feel much discomfort at all during the tooth preparation phase! Even though you’ll be numbed for the first appointment, you might not require an anesthetic for the final crown placement. It’s also not uncommon to experience some sensitivity for a few days following the restoration, though this can easily be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
The short answer here is yes, but not always, and not in full. Since every dental insurance plan is different, you’ll want to check the specifics of your coverage beforehand. That said, most plans consider crowns to be a major procedure, so they’re often eligible for 50% coverage after you’ve met your plan’s deductible and before you’ve exceeded your annual maximum. Dental insurance typically only covers crowns if they’re deemed as a medical necessity—such as to repair a tooth with decay or damage. If you’re hoping to get a crown for solely cosmetic purposes, it might not qualify for insurance coverage.
On average, you can expect your crown to last somewhere between 5 to 15 years, but this usually varies depending on the material the crown is made from. Metal crowns generally have a longer lifespan than metal-free ones, but not always (though the difference is often negligible). The longevity of your crown also depends on other factors such as your diet, oral hygiene, and whether you have any bad oral habits (smoking, nail-biting, teeth-grinding, etc.). It’s also worth noting that crowns on front teeth may last slightly longer than crowns on molars, since they’re not subjected to quite as much wear and tear from chewing.
The only way to know for sure whether a crown needs to be replaced is to have X-rays taken or to have it visually examined by a professional. However, there are still certain warning signs that often indicate a crown is nearing the end of its lifespan. Including:
Whether it's stress-relieving sedation dentistry, TMJ treatment, or life-changing smile makeovers with veneers, our team at Marble Dental McKinney is ready to meet your unique dental needs and goals. Visit us at 7650 W Stacy Rd #240, near the Stacy Road and Alma Road intersection, next to Domino’s and Duino Coffee. Need help finding us? Just give our office a call!