If you have a damaged tooth from tooth decay, cracks, a root canal, or other causes, your dental health care provider may recommend a dental crown (also called “caps”). A crown fits over the existing tooth to restore it and preserve its functionality. Crowns are also used when having dental implants placed.
While crowns can be costly, they are a good option to prevent further damage, decay, or ultimately, tooth loss.
What is Involved?
The process for getting a crown involves a few steps. First, your dental health care provider will prepare the tooth and make an impression, or mold, of the tooth. The dental health care provider will then send this impression to a dental laboratory that will craft a custom crown that fits the existing tooth and matches the rest of your teeth. During this initial visit, your dental health care provider will fit a temporary crown to serve as protection for the tooth while waiting for the final crown to be finished.
Once the final crown is ready, your dental health care provider will cement or bond the crown to the existing tooth.
Restoring teeth with crowns is a common procedure. Crowns are usually made from porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, gold, or metal alloy. Your dental health care provider will discuss the pros and cons of each material and make a recommendation for your specific situation.
Crowns usually have a lifespan of about 10 to 15 years, so it will likely need to be replaced at some point if it is damaged or has reached the end of its lifespan. Sometimes minor adjustments may be needed to make sure the crown fits properly.
Cost
When getting a dental crown, cost is a consideration. The cost of getting a dental crown depends on several factors, including the material used and how involved the procedure is given your specific situation.
Depending on where you decide to have your crown work done, how extensive the work is, and the type of crown selected, a crown will usually cost between $1,000 to $3,500. Porcelain crowns or those with a porcelain component are generally less expensive than crowns made from gold or metal alloy but may not be as durable. It is important to discuss the cost of getting a crown as part of your care plan.
Prices vary among dental offices, so the cost of a crown will also depend on which dental health care provider you choose. General dentists, family dentists, cosmetic dentists, and prosthodontists can place crowns. Selecting a dental health care professional is a personal choice that may depend on the condition of the tooth. While specialists often cost more than a general or family dentist, if your case is complex, it may be a good option to consider as prosthodontists go through an additional two to three years of training in this area.
Sometimes insurance policies do not cover the cost of crowns, or perhaps you do not have dental insurance. If cost is an issue for you, many dental offices can help you come up with a financing plan. If you qualify, you may be able to get financing for the crown either through a third-party financing company, or your dental office may be able to set up a monthly payment plan for you.
Prolonging the Life of Your Crown
After such an investment, it is worthwhile to care for your crown appropriately. Your dental health care provider will give you specific instructions about caring for the crown, but generally, practicing good oral hygiene (twice-daily brushing and flossing) and avoiding biting on hard substances like food, ice, or other materials (such as your fingernails) will help your crown last longer. If you grind your teeth, wearing a mouth guard at night can also help prolong its lifespan.
For a crown to last, it is important that it is fitted properly, as a crown that fits poorly can allow bacteria to enter the area and lead to tooth decay as the years go by. This is another reason to make sure your dental health care provider is experienced in this procedure.