Reliable Protection for Hurting Teeth
Are you struggling with teeth that just aren’t at their best? If your pearly whites are damaged or decayed, a custom-made dental restoration from Framingham Family Dental Care can rebuild your smile’s function, strength, and appearance in exceptional ways. Dr. Adelina Duka and Dr. Arvi Duka offer high-quality, customized dental crowns to protect your tooth against dental emergencies and other oral health problems. Our team will also ensure that the results are perfectly suited to your unique needs and preferences. To learn more, simply keep reading or contact our office today and schedule a consultation!
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is an individual restoration meant to cover the entire visible surface of a single tooth. Not only will the crown restore the tooth’s natural look and function, but it will also preserve what remains of the natural structure underneath. This service is very versatile and can be used successfully in a wide variety of situations, including the following:
- When a tooth has a large cavity that can’t be treated by a filling.
- When a tooth has suffered a serious injury.
- When a tooth has become weakened and needs additional support to prevent fracturing.
- When a tooth has a serious cosmetic imperfection that you want to correct.
- When a tooth has been removed and its new implant needs to be restored.
The Process of Getting a Dental Crown
At your consultation, we’ll conduct an oral examination to determine whether or not a dental crown is needed to treat your problem. If it’s deemed necessary, we’ll walk through the process before beginning treatment.
To prepare your tooth for the dental crown, we’ll need to reshape it by removing a thin layer of enamel. Our dentists will create enough space for the restoration to lay flush with your surrounding teeth once it’s secured. Then, we’ll get an impression of your tooth to send off to the laboratory so they can create your final restoration.
Even though a traditional dental crown requires two appointments (one for the preparation and the other for the final placement), we can complete the entire process in just one visit with CEREC technology. Thanks to CAD/CAM (computer-aided designed, computer-aided manufacturing) technology and an in-house milling machine, we can plan, prepare, manufacture, and place your dental crown in one day!
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Crown
Dental crowns are one of the most popular restorative treatments, and there’s a good reason for that. Patients can expect to reap several benefits, such as:
- Improved comfort and chewing ability
- Lower risk of complications and severe oral health issues down the road
- A versatile treatment option that can address several different problems at once
- Protection for natural teeth to ensure they don’t need extraction
- A lifespan of about 15 years with proper care and maintenance
- A fully functioning, healthy, natural-looking smile
Dental Crown FAQs
When it comes to versatility, dental crowns are one of the most useful treatments in dentistry. On top of restoring your tooth’s appearance, they keep your natural tooth functioning for as long as possible. However, if you have questions about dental crowns or the procedure itself, we want to be as helpful and informative as we can. Please take a moment to look through some of our most frequently asked questions and our responses ahead of your next appointment with our dentists.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Dental crowns will typically last between 5 and 15 years, but this can vary depending on the material the crown is made from and how well you care for it at home. Our office creates crowns made from ceramic and zirconia, both of which have their own unique properties. However, we do not use metal crowns. Keep in mind that how you take care of your crown makes a big difference in how long you can expect it to last. Not only should you brush and floss your crown, but you’ll need to avoid habits that can damage teeth (i.e. eating excessive amounts of sugar and starch, using your teeth as a tool, smoking or using tobacco, etc.) Additionally, crowns used to cover molars may not last as long as crowns attached to front teeth because they are exposed to more wear and tear on average.
Are Dental Crowns Safe?
Dental crowns are completely safe when placed by a professional. Our crowns are also 100% metal-free and contain no mercury or amalgam materials. Our tooth-colored crown materials like ceramic and zirconia contain zero toxins, including our CEREC same-day crowns! However, if you are aware of any allergies or sensitivities to dental restorations such as crowns, please let us know. Following the placement of a crown, be on the lookout for gum irritation, redness, or swelling as these symptoms indicate an allergic reaction. Keep in mind these side effects are extremely unlikely to occur.
What Happens If You Wait Too Long to Get a Dental Crown?
Our dentists will only recommend a dental crown if we believe you need one. We understand it can be tempting to want to put off your dental care initially, but the sooner you get it scheduled and completed, the better. If you wait too long to get a dental crown, the tooth will only be exposed to additional chewing forces, food debris, and bacteria. This can cause the decay and damage to worsen to the point where the entire tooth needs to be extracted. Dental crowns are effectively an investment that helps you avoid the need for more expensive and time-consuming treatments later.
Are Dental Crowns Covered by Insurance?
In many cases, dental insurance will cover a portion of your dental crown treatment. However, every dental plan will differ, even though most consider them to be a “major” procedure. Typically, this means they will be eligible for coverage at 50% after you’ve met your deductible and before you’ve exceeded your annual maximum. Furthermore, a dental crown won’t be covered at all if it’s not deemed medically necessary. That means it must be repairing some kind of damage or decay. If the reasons you’re getting it are solely cosmetic, it may not qualify for insurance coverage.
Dental Crown FAQs
When it comes to versatility, dental crowns are one of the most useful treatments in dentistry. On top of restoring your tooth’s appearance, they keep your natural tooth functioning for as long as possible. However, if you have questions about dental crowns or the procedure itself, we want to be as helpful and informative as we can. Please take a moment to look through some of our most frequently asked questions and our responses ahead of your next appointment with our dentists.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Dental crowns will typically last between 5 and 15 years, but this can vary depending on the material the crown is made from and how well you care for it at home. Our office creates crowns made from ceramic and zirconia, both of which have their own unique properties. However, we do not use metal crowns. Keep in mind that how you take care of your crown makes a big difference in how long you can expect it to last. Not only should you brush and floss your crown, but you’ll need to avoid habits that can damage teeth (i.e. eating excessive amounts of sugar and starch, using your teeth as a tool, smoking or using tobacco, etc.) Additionally, crowns used to cover molars may not last as long as crowns attached to front teeth because they are exposed to more wear and tear on average.
Are Dental Crowns Safe?
Dental crowns are completely safe when placed by a professional. Our crowns are also 100% metal-free and contain no mercury or amalgam materials. Our tooth-colored crown materials like ceramic and zirconia contain zero toxins, including our CEREC same-day crowns! However, if you are aware of any allergies or sensitivities to dental restorations such as crowns, please let us know. Following the placement of a crown, be on the lookout for gum irritation, redness, or swelling as these symptoms indicate an allergic reaction. Keep in mind these side effects are extremely unlikely to occur.
What Happens If You Wait Too Long to Get a Dental Crown?
Our dentists will only recommend a dental crown if we believe you need one. We understand it can be tempting to want to put off your dental care initially, but the sooner you get it scheduled and completed, the better. If you wait too long to get a dental crown, the tooth will only be exposed to additional chewing forces, food debris, and bacteria. This can cause the decay and damage to worsen to the point where the entire tooth needs to be extracted. Dental crowns are effectively an investment that helps you avoid the need for more expensive and time-consuming treatments later.
Are Dental Crowns Covered by Insurance?
In many cases, dental insurance will cover a portion of your dental crown treatment. However, every dental plan will differ, even though most consider them to be a “major” procedure. Typically, this means they will be eligible for coverage at 50% after you’ve met your deductible and before you’ve exceeded your annual maximum. Furthermore, a dental crown won’t be covered at all if it’s not deemed medically necessary. That means it must be repairing some kind of damage or decay. If the reasons you’re getting it are solely cosmetic, it may not qualify for insurance coverage.
What are dental crowns?
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that cover a damaged, decayed, or weakened tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. They protect the tooth from further damage and help improve chewing and speaking functions. Crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of these. They provide functional support and aesthetic enhancement, making them a common solution in restorative dentistry.
When do I need a dental crown?
You may need a dental crown if you have severe tooth decay, a cracked or broken tooth, a large filling, or after a root canal treatment. Crowns are also used to cover misshapen or discolored teeth and to support dental bridges or implants. Your dentist will evaluate your tooth and recommend a crown if it’s the best option to protect and restore its function and appearance.
What types of dental crowns are available?
Common types of dental crowns include ceramic, porcelain, metal (such as gold or silver alloys), and porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM). Porcelain and ceramic crowns are popular for their natural appearance, especially for front teeth. Metal crowns are very durable and usually placed on molars. PFM crowns combine strength with a tooth-colored appearance, offering a balance of aesthetics and durability.
How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns typically last between 10 and 15 years, but they can last even longer with proper care. The lifespan depends on factors like oral hygiene, diet, and the amount of wear and tear from chewing or grinding. Regular dental checkups help ensure your crown remains in good condition. Avoiding habits like nail-biting or chewing ice also helps prevent damage.
What is the process for getting a dental crown?
The process of getting a dental crown generally consists of two appointments. At the first visit, your dentist will remove any decay and shape the tooth to prepare it for the crown. Then, impressions of your teeth are taken and sent to a dental lab where your custom crown is made. Meanwhile, a temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth. The permanent crown is carefully fitted during the second appointment, adjusted for comfort and bite, and securely cemented.
Are dental crowns noticeable, or do they look natural?
Dental crowns are designed to blend in with your natural teeth. Porcelain and ceramic crowns can be color-matched to your existing teeth, making them virtually indistinguishable. Your dentist will carefully select the shade and shape to ensure a natural, attractive appearance. With modern techniques, crowns seamlessly restore your smile’s function and beauty.
How do I care for my dental crown?
Caring for dental crowns involves the same oral hygiene routine as natural teeth. Brush twice and floss around the crown daily, and visit your dentist regularly. Avoid chewing on hard objects and limit sticky or sugary foods to prevent damage or decay around the crowned tooth. Proper care helps prolong your crown’s life and maintains your oral health. Regular professional cleanings and checkups will also help detect any potential issues early.
Strengthen and Protect Your Teeth
When damage or decay threatens your tooth, a custom dental crown from Framingham Family Dental Care can provide the protection and strength it needs. Our crowns are carefully designed to restore the natural shape, color, and durability of your teeth, ensuring both beauty and function. Whether you're repairing a broken tooth or completing a dental implant, crowns offer a reliable solution that lasts. Don't wait until small dental issues become larger problems—restoring your tooth now will safeguard your oral health for the future. Call Framingham Family Dental Care at (508) 665-2016 to schedule your appointment and discover how a beautifully crafted crown can help you smile with confidence again.
