Approximately a fifth of people today will suffer some form of trauma with their teeth at one point in their lives. Anything from chipped to cracked tooth counts as such trauma, and aid is required to protect one's oral health.
That said, one procedure that individuals can opt for to deal with such trauma includes dental crowns. A dental crown is a cap that goes over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. In essence, it is used to replace teeth that have been damaged.
Today, we want to delve deeper into dental crowns to help you know about it if you are planning to undergo a dental crown procedure:
What Types of Dental Crowns Are There?
While porcelain crowns are the most popular, there are still other types of crowns available, such as ceramic, metal, and zirconia. These materials can also be combined to meet certain demands depending on the patient.
Who Are Good Candidates for Dental Crowns?
Dental crown procedures are typically recommended for those who are dealing with a broken tooth, need to protect a weak tooth, cover a dental implant, and so on. Remember that dental crowns are quite versatile, as their use case is quite far and wide.
How Much Do Dental Crowns Typically Cost?
Dental crowns can be costly. They can cost anywhere between $600 to $2,000. Factors that affect its price can include the material of the crown, along with the location where it is placed on. Fortunately, dental insurance can cover part of the procedure, so make sure to check with your insurance provider to see if you can lower the cost of the entire operation.
What's the Procedure Like?
The dental crown procedure typically takes two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the tooth, if needed. An impression of the prepared tooth will also be taken, which will be used to make the permanent crown. The impression will be sent to a dental laboratory, where the crown will be created.
In the meantime, the dentist will fit the patient with a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth and provide the patient with a natural-looking smile. The temporary crown is typically made of acrylic and is not as strong as the permanent crown.
During the second visit, the dentist will remove the temporary crown and check the fit of the permanent crown. If everything looks good, the dentist will cement the crown in place.
The entire dental crown procedure typically takes two to three weeks to complete. During this time, it is important to take good care of your teeth by brushing and flossing regularly and avoiding hard or sticky foods.
Are There Any Potential Complications after the Procedure?
There are a couple of complications that you may face after the procedure is over. This can include a couple of things like infection, sensitivity, and the like. Fortunately, with the right care efforts, you can minimize and eliminate the risk of many of these procedures. But of course, should problems arise or worsen, reaching out to the dentist is vital.
Conclusion
Dental crown procedures are vital to many seeking to enjoy once more a beautiful smile and a functional, healthy mouth. If you have undergone any type of trauma that has damaged your teeth, we highly recommend that you reach out to a dentist immediately. They can check your oral state for you and, if you do need a dental crown, will help you understand what needs to be done to help you overcome your oral issues.
Dental House MI offers a variety of dental services to help patients treat various dental issues for better oral health. If you are looking for a dentist in Waterford, MI, schedule an appointment with us today!