Dental crowns are an essential treatment in dentistry because they restore the function, appearance, and aesthetics of damaged or decayed teeth. If you have questions or are concerned about getting a crown, this detailed blog post will guide you, ensuring you know exactly what to expect every step of the way.
Dental Crown Consultation and Diagnosis
Our consultation and diagnosis stage is all about walking into our office with concerns about your smile and walking out with a clear, personalized treatment plan.
First, we use state-of-the-art tools like digital x-rays and intraoral cameras to take a detailed look at your oral health. This step helps your dentist pinpoint issues such as decay, cracks, or extensive fillings and determine if a crown is the best solution for your needs.
Because a crown covers and protects the entire tooth, our dentist typically recommends them for the following reasons:
- Protect a weakened tooth from further damage
- Stabilize a cracked tooth
- Restore a severely worn or broken tooth
- Strengthen a tooth with a large filling
- Secure dental bridgework
- Cover a dental implant
- Improve a tooth’s aesthetics
During this first visit, our dental team will explain everything you need to know. What does getting a crown involve? What can you expect during treatment? How much does a dental crown cost, and what about insurance coverage? We will discuss all of these details, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident about the process before proceeding.
Crown Cost and Insurance Coverage in Mesquite
The cost of dental crowns can vary, depending on the material used and the tooth’s location and condition. Options include porcelain, ceramic, and sometimes gold, each tailored to meet different needs and budgets.
Our team will help you understand the costs associated with each option and explain how they differ. Many dental insurance plans cover part of the cost of crowns, particularly when the need is medically necessary. We’ll assist you in navigating your benefits to maximize your coverage.
Uninsured? Fresh 32 Dentistry offers a dental savings plan that discounts various treatments, including crowns, that can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
Anesthesia and Comfort Measures
Your comfort is our priority. We administer local anesthesia to numb the area around your tooth, ensuring a pain-free procedure. If you feel nervous about dental work, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is available to help you relax.
Our treatment rooms are also designed with your comfort in mind. During the procedure, you can enjoy access to in-office WiFi, watch your favorite shows on TV, and relax with our plush neck pillows.
Breakdown of the Crown Process/Timeline
- Tooth Preparation—The crown process starts by reshaping your tooth to make room for the custom restoration. This step involves removing a portion of your tooth's outer layer and any decay.
- Impressions and Shade Matching—Once we prepare the tooth, we take an impression and send it to a custom dental lab, which carefully crafts your crown. We also perform shade matching to ensure your new crown perfectly matches the color of your surrounding teeth.
- Temporary Crown — While your custom crown is being crafted—a process that takes about two to three weeks—you'll wear a temporary crown. The temporary protects your tooth and keeps your smile looking great in the interim.
- Permanent Crown Placement — When your custom tooth restoration is ready, you'll return to our office. We'll replace the temporary one with your new one, ensuring a perfect fit. After adjustments for comfort and bite alignment, the crown is cemented into place.
- Final Adjustments and Polishing — After cementing, your crown is polished until it blends seamlessly with your natural teeth, ensuring functional and aesthetic perfection.
- Adjustment Period — It's normal to experience some sensitivity or discomfort the day or two following crown placement. Adjusting to the feel of the new crown may also take a short time, but soon, it will feel like a natural part of your smile.
Temporary and Permanent Crown Care Tips
Caring for your crown involves a few simple yet effective practices. Avoid chewing hard foods with the temporary crown, and brush and floss gently around it. Once your permanent crown is in place, continue with good oral hygiene practices—brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and attending regular checkups and cleanings. With proper care, your new crown can last ten years or longer.
Quality Dental Crowns in Mesquite, TX
If you have a damaged, broken, or decayed tooth and wonder if a crown is the best solution, the team at Fresh 32 Dentistry in Mesquite, TX, is ready to help you decide. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards a healthier, more confident smile.