Dental Crowns

Patients may have other options besides dental crowns, depending on their case and situation. For some patients, a filling, inlay, or onlay may be sufficient to restore the tooth. Pulling the tooth may also be a viable alternative to a dental crown.

The length of the dental crown treatment is dependent on several factors. Crowns that are part of a root canal or another intensive treatment may take longer because of the other steps in the procedure. Talk to the dentist to get an idea about how long the crown process will take.

Patients should discuss dental crown options with their insurance provider to see if crowns are covered. Crowns that are part of a treatment plan, such as tooth decay repair, may have a higher likelihood of insurance coverage. The choice of material for the crown also influences the cost.

Dental crowns need replacement over time. The crown's material and the patient's oral health may determine how often they will need replacement. On average, it takes five to 15 years before crowns require replacement.

Most dental crowns look just like the rest of the natural teeth. Dentists work to help patients select a natural-looking shade for the new dental crown that matches the other teeth. Today's dental crowns are indistinguishable from permanent teeth.

During preparation, the dentist may numb the area for the patient's comfort. After fitting, patients may have a little soreness in the area where the crown sits for a few days. Pain that continues well after the crown fitting may indicate a poor fit, which requires a return visit for an adjustment.