Dental Crowns
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Dental Crowns in Bayport, MN
If you have a badly damaged or decayed tooth, you can save it by installing a dental crown at Jensen Family Dental. A dental crown is a long-term restoration that restores a tooth’s structure and function, protects teeth that have had root canals, covers discolored teeth, and significantly improves your smile’s appearance.
Dental Crown Overview
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers a tooth that has suffered damage from decay, trauma, or wear and tear, restoring its size, shape, strength, and appearance. When cemented into place, the crown fully encases the entire visible portion of a tooth. Dental crowns can be made from various materials, but the most common ones include cast metals like gold, porcelain, and zirconia.
What Kinds of Dental Conditions are Treated with Dental Crowns?
You may need a dental crown for several reasons, including:
- To protect a weakened tooth from decay from breaking
- To hold together parts of a cracked tooth
- To save a tooth that has been so damaged by decay that it can’t support a filling
- To protect a tooth following a root canal because the tooth is more fragile and needs protection
- To restore a broken or severely worn-down tooth
- To cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there aren’t a lot of natural teeth left
- To hold a dental bridge in place or cover a tooth implant
- To cover misshapen or severely discolored teeth
How Long Do Tooth Caps Last?
Dental crowns typically last for 7-10 years. The lifespan of a crown depends on the amount of wear and tear the crown is exposed to, how well you follow good oral hygiene practices and your mouth-related habits. Brush at least twice daily, floss once a day – especially around the crown area where the gum meets the tooth – and rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash at least once a day.
Sometimes it may be helpful to get a Waterpik if you have to clean around or underneath a bridge or if you have difficulty flossing. You should also avoid habits like grinding or clenching your teeth, chewing ice, biting your fingernails and using your teeth to open packaging, as these can break your crown.
What is Involved in the Dental Crown Process
Getting a tooth crown at Jensen Family Dental usually requires two appointments:
- First appointment: During your first visit, unsupported, decayed, and missing tooth structure is removed and built up. The tooth is then ground down to make room for the new restorative material covering it. After reshaping, we will take an impression of the tooth and send them to a dental lab where the crown will be manufactured.
- Temporary crown placement: We will then place a temporary crown to cover and protect the prepared tooth while the crown is being made. Take care of your temporary crown by avoiding hard and sticky foods, minimizing the use of the side of your mouth with the temporary crown, and sliding the dental floss instead of lifting it out to avoid dislodging the temporary crown.
- Second appointment: Once your crowns are ready, you’ll come in for your second appointment to have the permanent crown placed. We will remove the temporary crown and fit the permanent crown, adjusting as necessary to ensure proper fit, and then the crown is cemented in place.
Are Dental Crowns Noticeable?
No, dental crowns are virtually undetectable. Tooth caps are custom-made to match the surrounding teeth’ color, size, and shape, giving you a beautiful, natural-looking smile.
Dental Crown Cost
The cost of dental crowns can vary depending on several factors the material used in the crown, the size of the tooth, and the amount of prep work the dentist has to perform before putting in the crown. Luckily, dental insurance usually covers a portion of the cost of your tooth cap.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
If you have a severely worn, cracked, or decayed tooth, Jensen Family Dental can restore your smile with custom-made dental crowns. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at our Bayport, MN, office!