Answers to Your FAQs About Dental Crowns

Aside from fillings, dental crowns are the most common restorative dental treatment. Most people are going to need to get at least one or two dental crowns at some point in their life. Because of their popularity, we get a lot of questions about dental crowns, and we''ve put together this list of the most frequently asked along with their answers.

If you have a question that’s not answered below, please call our Downey office and we’ll be happy to help you!

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a protective cover or cap that is placed on top of your existing tooth to protect it and restore its functionality. Dental crowns also provide cosmetic enhancement to the appearance of your teeth. They can be created from many different materials and are custom made to fit your particular tooth and secured in place by your dentist.

Why May I Need a Dental Crown?

You usually need a dental crown if your natural tooth has suffered damage or injury severe enough to compromise its structure or ability to function properly. A crown protects the remainder of the tooth and restores its functionality. 

Aside from injuries, crowns are usually needed when a cavity is large enough to require removing significant amounts of tooth material. You also need a crown if you are undergoing root canal treatment or if you are getting a bridge to replace a missing tooth.

Finally, sometimes a natural tooth has severe shape issues that are unsightly and can’t be corrected with veneers or other partial coverings. Dental crowns are used for cosmetic purposes in this instance.

What Is a Dental Crown Made From?

Patients may choose what material they would like to use in the manufacturing of their dental crown. Your dentist at Downey Dental Arts may make a suggestion based on the location of your tooth or your lifestyle, but the ultimate choice will be up to you.

The materials you can choose from include porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, ceramics, zirconia, and metal crowns. Some of these materials are thinner than others and some are stronger than others. Aesthetics are also an important consideration. Some materials will stand out while others, most noticeably porcelain, can be colored to match your natural teeth and blend in.

What Is the Procedure for Getting a Dental Crown?

Your dentist will start by preparing the tooth and taking scans of your mouth or creating an impression of the tooth. The latter will then be used to custom make the crown out of the materials you have chosen. The crown may be made in-house or sent to a specialty lab. If the latter, you’ll have to return to the Downey office for a second visit when it arrives.

Once the crown is ready, your dentist will check it for fit with your existing teeth and bite and then cement it into place. Care is simple; just follow your normal oral hygiene routine! It will be permanently secured in place, but if it ever comes loose, come to the office, and we will make sure it’s properly back into position.

Depending on the material you choose, your crown may last anywhere from 5 years to 15 years, or more with proper care.

Are There Any Alternatives to Dental Crowns?

Your provider will recommend a crown only if it is the best way to protect your tooth. A tooth that is structurally damaged can’t be properly fixed with less extensive alternatives such as veneers. A tooth that is cracked or broken needs a crown to protect it from further damage. 

Likewise, if you’re having a root canal, your tooth will become brittle afterward and be prone to cracking and breaking if you don’t cover it with a crown. This is why a crown is required as part of the root canal procedure.

If you don’t want a crown, generally your best option is going to be to have the tooth extracted to prevent painful (not to mention costly) future damage. If you choose to have an extraction, you can then replace the extracted tooth with an implant or bridge.

Can Dental Crowns Be Used in Cosmetic Dentistry?

Dental crowns are most often used for restorative dentistry after a filling, injury, or root canal. The material you choose for your crown can be more or less obvious, depending on your preference. In addition, sometimes you may have a natural tooth that is unable to be covered with a veneer, inlay, or onlay and in that case, a crown might be the only option for cosmetic treatment. 

How Much Recovery Time Is Required After Getting a Dental Crown?

There is no recovery period necessary after getting your crown placed. It’s a non-surgical procedure and doesn’t require any changes to your routine or time off work.

How Much Do Dental Crowns Cost?

The cost of a dental crown is extremely variable. It depends on the tooth to be crowned, how much material is needed to manufacture the crown (which is in turn dependent on the extent of the damage to the tooth), what material you choose for the crown, and what portion of the cost your dental insurance will cover.

When you visit Downey Dental Arts for a consultation, our staff will create a customized financial plan for your procedure. It will show a complete breakdown of the cost of your crown, including what your insurance will cover and what you will need to pay from your own pocket.

We understand that necessary dental care can be costly and that it might be difficult for you to cover the entire amount of your procedure upfront. That’s why we’re happy to offer payment plans and a variety of financing options to help you get the treatment you need. We’ll be happy to discuss these options with you at any time.

Are You Ready to Fix Your Smile?

Dental crowns are one of the most popular ways to restore your smile. We offer multiple types of dental crowns for you to choose from here at Downey Dental Arts in our modern, up-to-date office. We also offer flexible appointments to fit into your busy schedule.

Call Downey Dental Arts at (562) 445-3363 today to schedule your first appointment!