Dental crowns can be recommended for both cosmetic and restorative purposes, and are one of the most common dental treatments performed today. This common restoration, often referred to as a tooth cap, can improve the appearance of and protect a tooth.
Truckee dentist Dr. Jason Baldwin places all types of dental crowns to address both cosmetic and restorative dental concerns. He uses CEREC technology to place crowns in a single visit when appropriate, making the dental crown process simple and convenient.
A dental crown may be recommended for the following reasons:
- Protect a tooth after root canal treatment
- Strengthen anchor teeth for a dental bridge
- Restore a missing tooth with the use of a dental implant
- Strengthen and repair a damaged, chipped, or cracked tooth
- Support a large filling when there is little tooth structure left
- Cover a stained or discolored tooth
- Correct misshapen or crooked teeth
- Close the gaps between teeth
Same-Day Crowns with CEREC
Dr. Baldwin uses CEREC technology (CAD/CAM) to provide same-day dental restorations that are custom color matched and fit for a lasting result. He will conduct a thorough examination of your overall dental health. This exam will help us to design a personalized treatment plan that will restore the tooth to optimal health and function.
Dr. Baldwin will begin the procedure by preparing the tooth/teeth. This involves removing a small amount of the natural tooth structure to accommodate the dental crown. We will then take digital images of the prepared tooth and create a digital 3-D model of the new dental crown – no messy impressions trays or gooey mess! With CEREC® technology, the need for a temporary tooth cap is not necessary.
The high-resolution images are then used to design and fabricate your dental crown while you wait using our onsite CEREC milling machine. When completed, he will attach the crown and make adjustments. Once Dr. Baldwin is happy with the fit, look, and position of the crown, it will be permanently bonded to the tooth and polished. You can leave the same day with your final dental crown- and a new smile.
If necessary, a local anesthetic is used for comfort, but otherwise, the entire procedure is relatively painless- and there is no return trip to the dentist.
Replacing an Old Dental Crown & Metal Filling
Many of our patients still have old dental crowns and metal tooth fillings and they come to us asking to replace them. Traditionally, a dental crown needed to have a metal foundation. These left patients with unsightly dark lines around their dental crowns.
Dr. Baldwin often recommends the use of porcelain dental crowns because of their superior esthetics and long-term durability. He will replace your metal dental crown, broken or worn dental crown with a new porcelain dental crown that will blend beautifully with the existing tooth and surrounding gum for a virtually undetectable restoration.
Dental Crowns FAQs
How long do dental crowns last?
On average, dental crowns last around 15 years. However, if you care for your crown and maintain proper dental hygiene, they can last upwards of 25 to 30 years.
Is it painful to have a dental crown put in?
During a crown procedure, the dentist will numb your tooth to help prevent pain or discomfort. The numbing process requires a local anesthetic of lidocaine shot into the gums surrounding the tooth. Following the procedure, once the anesthesia has worn off, you may experience soreness and sensitivity in the gums around the tooth; however, this pain is usually minimal and will not last long.
Can I get a cavity under a crown?
You can have tooth decay under a crown due to the buildup of plaque. If you do not treat and remove the plaque, a new cavity will form on the tooth. As a result, a dentist will need to replace your crown.
How do I keep my crown white?
While your crown will not stain, the surrounding teeth still can. To maintain the look of a healthy and natural crown, make sure you clean the surrounding teeth often and keep them in good health. Brushing your teeth twice daily, along with flossing, will help prevent staining or the buildup of plaque.
How much of a tooth do I need for a crown?
A tooth should have a healthy and strong structure above the gumline to support a crown. Sometimes, even if a tooth is quite broken down, a dentist can build it up with a filling to support a crown. Your dentist will assess the tooth to ensure a healthy structure to support the crown. They do this for its immediate fitting and for the long term.
Will dental insurance cover crown replacement?
If the crown replacement is necessary for oral health reasons, dental insurance will likely cover it. However, if you request crowns for purely cosmetic purposes, most dental insurance policies will not cover it. Additionally, some dental insurance plans have a 5-year replacement clause. This means they will only pay for a crown replacement if the initial placement was over five years ago. It’s important to check the specific conditions of your insurance plan.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are interested in learning more about getting a dental crown, contact our Truckee CA dental office today. Dr. Baldwin provides comprehensive consultations that begin with an extensive oral health exam to ensure optimal results. To schedule your appointment, contact our Truckee dentist office at (530) 206-0392 or use our online request form to schedule your appointment online and we will contact you shortly.