From time to time, a tooth can become so damaged that a dental filling won’t be able to repair it. When a cavity is left untreated, it may continue to spread, affecting a greater surface circumference. Although enamel is durable, teeth can crack from a fall, injury, or even from biting down too hard. When a tooth is severely damaged because of a deep crack or extensive decay, a dental crown may be necessary. Crowning a tooth involves designing a custom-made cap (dental crown) shaped like your former tooth. Rather than one solid piece, the inside will be hollow so that it fits seamlessly over your impaired tooth. A customized dental crown protects your damaged tooth and restores its structural integrity.
Do You Need a Dental Crown?
Candidates for a dental crown typically include individuals with:
- Extensive tooth decay that cannot be repaired with a dental filling
- A cracked tooth
- A severely discolored or stained tooth that has failed to respond to professional teeth whitening
- Infected root canals in need of root canal treatment
- Weakened enamel in a back molar interfering with dental function
- A misshaped tooth impairing the aesthetics of a smile
- A missing tooth and seeking a crown supported by dental implants
How Crowning a Tooth Works
The first step is meeting with a one of our Buford dentists so a thorough examination using x-ray technology can be performed to view the damaged tooth. If he finds that a dental crown is necessary, the procedure can begin that day. The first step is tooth preparation. This involves trimming down the size of the damaged tooth so that the crown fits seamlessly with nearby teeth. Because your comfort is our priority, a local anesthetic will be administered to numb the tooth. After the tooth is prepared, impressions will be taken and sent over to a dental lab. Your crown can be fabricated from a variety of materials, including all ceramic, porcelain fused to metal, metal, or zirconia. While metal and porcelain fused to metal are durable, all ceramic and zirconia crowns offer both aesthetically-pleasing and sturdy results. Crown manufacturing typically takes one to two weeks. In order to protect your tooth, a temporary crown will be placed over the prepared tooth. At your second appointment, the temporary crown will be removed and the customized crown permanently bonded.
Cost of a Dental Crown
At Lake Lanier Smiles, we understand that dental care cost and lack of insurance can be a concern. We certainly don’t want cost to come in the way of you receiving the care that you need. Our front office staff will work closely with your insurance company to ensure you receive maximum coverage. As a preferred provider for many major dental insurance companies – we negotiate the best price for our patients. For those paying out of pocket, we regularly offer specials on our dental services to make treatment more affordable. Our porcelain fused to metal crowns are $699 and our zirconia and all ceramic crowns are $799.
Learn More Today
If you have recently been told that you need a dental crown, but cost is a concern, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our Buford, GA office where you will receive topnotch care at affordable pricing. Simply contact us online or give us a call at 770-831-0559.
