Dental Crowns – Houston, TX
Invest in a Restoration That Looks Natural
If you have a damaged tooth, your dentist may recommend a dental crown to repair it. You don't have to worry about a metal restoration being the focal point of your smile. Our office uses ceramic materials to create durable restorations that look natural. You won't think twice before showing off your pearly whites.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is the most commonly used procedure in restorative dentistry. A customized cap covers the entire surface of a tooth down to the gum line. Your dentist must reshape your tooth to allow the crown to fit over it. It is cemented in place to provide long-lasting results with the correct care, like brushing and flossing. Crowns are versatile and can be used with other procedures, like root canal therapy or dental bridges. Ceramic materials allow crowns to offer both cosmetic and restorative benefits.
The Dental Crown Process
Your dentist may use a local numbing medication to prevent any pain during preliminary procedures and while preparing your tooth. Your tooth will be reshaped before making an impression of your mouth. Your restoration will be crafted to meet your exact size, shape, and color needs. It will blend in with your natural teeth, so only a trained dental professional will know it is there. Once your restoration has been made, your dentist will bond it to your tooth using a strong dental cement. It may take a few days to get used to your crown, but in no time at all, you may forget it is there.
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Crown
A dental crown provides a tooth with a layer of protection. Often, crowns are recommended to treat severely decayed, broken, or fractured teeth. However, they can also be used to protect a tooth that has suffered significant enamel loss or is at risk of fracturing. It's not unusual for crowns to be used after a root canal to protect a tooth or along with a dental bridge to replace lost teeth.
No matter the reason, you'll enjoy a restoration that looks like your real teeth. Ceramic materials not only look natural, but they are also biocompatible. There's no risk of allergic reactions from metal sensitivities. Although they don't contain any metals, ceramic crowns are durable and can last for 5 to 15 years before needing to be replaced. You can get the most from your restoration with good oral hygiene and regular dental care.
If you need a dental crown, don't settle for less than the best. Request an appointment through our website or call our office at (281) 377-3125.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are durable, realistic looking dental prosthetics that can restore the appearance and function of teeth with excessive damage or decay. If you’ve been told you qualify for one of these beautiful, lifelike restorations, you may be curious about how much you’ll be charged. However, because there are a variety of factors that can determine the cost of dental crowns, you’ll need to be seen by Dr. Rich in person first. In the meantime, here’s a closer look at how she’ll calculate your total once she’s had a chance to examine your smile!
Factors that Affect the Cost of Dental Crowns
There are many factors that can influence the cost of your dental crown treatment, each of which can vary dramatically from patient to patient. These may include:
- The extent of the damage to the tooth, and whether you’ll need any additional procedures such as a root canal before the crown can be placed.
- Which materials will be used for your new restoration. Dr. Rich prefers ceramic because it is not only extremely durable, but it also looks and feels just like a real tooth.
- Which tooth needs the crown, and where in the mouth it must be placed, as some areas are easier to access than others.
It is important to understand that although you may be on a tight budget, cutting corners on your dental crown is not advisable. Because this restoration will be cemented in your mouth for 10+ years, it should not only look realistic, but it should also be strong enough to withstand chewing a full diet.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Crowns?
While all dental insurance plans are different, in most cases they will provide at least partial coverage for dental crowns if they are determined to be medically necessary. If you would like help verifying your coverage with your dental insurance provider, please let us know and we’ll be happy to assist you!
Other Options for Making Dental Crowns Affordable
In addition to welcoming many popular dental insurance plans, Dr. Rich is pleased to accept flexible financing payment plans from CareCredit. These loans can be used to cover many popular dental treatments, allowing you to split their cost into multiple low or no interest payments that may be more manageable for your individual financial situation.
Dr. Rich and the team are standing by to restore your smile with the help of durable, lifelike dental crowns. If you’re ready to protect your teeth with these dynamic prosthetics, contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your financial options.
Dental Crowns FAQS
How Long Will My Crown Last?
This is entirely up to you! If your crown is brushed and flossed daily, it should easily last for a decade or more. Unlike normal fillings, the materials used will not break down in the mouth. Our practice stands behind all crowns for one year.
Why Should I Trust a Crown to Restore My Smile?
A full-coverage crown is one of the most trusted dental restorations for durability and function. A crown completely covers a tooth down to the crest of the gums. This creates a seal at the “margin” where the crown meets the tooth structure. This seal protects the tooth against any further decay.
Why Does My Tooth Need a "Build-Up?"
Often, teeth are broken down to the point that a “crown build-up” is required. By using silver amalgam, composite resin, or special cement, the remaining tooth structure can be augmented so that the crown will have a more secure hold.
Why Do I Need a Crown After a Root Canal?
After a root canal, a tooth is usually very brittle. If it is not restored with a crown, it will likely break and require extraction.
How is My Crown Made?
The process of getting a crown usually requires 2 appointments. At the first one, we will remove any decayed portion of your tooth, shape it to fit the crown, and take an impression. This will be sent to a local dental lab to fabricate your crown. This process takes about 1 to 2 weeks, so we will fit you with a temporary crown during this time.
After it is completed, you will return to our office to place your crown over your natural tooth using a small amount of dental cement. From there, your new smile will be ready for the world!
Can My Temporary Come Off?
If your temporary crown comes off, call our dental office in Houston, TX right away and we will re-cement it for you. It is important to have your temporary stay in place to ensure the fit of your permanent crown; therefore, it’s best to avoid sticky or hard foods.
Is Pain After Crown Placement Normal?
Minor discomfort and slight sensitivity are normal right after a crown has been placed. The tooth typically needs a little time to adapt. However, if the symptoms persist for more than a week, contact our office.