If your teeth are a little weak or you need some extra tooth protection after a root canal, it’s smart to think about preservation. We provide beautiful dental crowns and other high-quality restorations to patients in the San Diego community. Crowns can be placed in conjunction with dental implants, bridges, or as a standalone treatment to address tooth decay or a dental injury. Dr. Landon Libby, our cosmetic dentist, may suggest an implant, bridge, or a single-tooth crown depending on the nature of your concerns. Don’t hesitate to book an appointment with our friendly team today! We can explain the treatment process so you understand what to expect, and/or go over all of your options so you can make the best decision for your smile.
What Benefits Do Dental Crowns Offer?
A dental crown is incredibly versatile and often used in conjunction with other treatments, such as bridges and implants, in addition to being utilized alone. In general, a crown can be placed to:
- Restore chewing force after tooth decay or damage
- Improve the strength and shape of a tooth
- May help you avoid a tooth extraction, or reinforce a tooth after an extraction
- Preserve more of your original tooth structure
- Help replace missing teeth by anchoring a dental bridge or topping an implant
Dr. Libby and our talented dental team will examine your teeth to determine the best solution to restore the form and function of your smile. In cases wherein the extent of damage does not necessarily warrant a dental crown, our practice can also use inlays, onlays, cosmetic bonding, and tooth-colored fillings to address your concerns. We are committed to finding the most ideal treatment option for you based on your unique needs and goals.
Is a Dental Crown Right for Me?
A dental crown can help a wide range of patients affected by tooth damage or decay. This restoration is most successful for individuals who have more decay than a simple cavity, but who do not need a tooth extraction or root canal. If your concerns are too severe to be repaired with a tooth-colored filling, inlay, or onlay, we may recommend a dental crown to fully reclaim form and function. While there is some preparation necessary before your restoration is placed, our dentists strive to preserve as much natural tissue as possible.
Dental Crowns vs. Dental Bridges
Dental crowns and bridges are both highly effective restorations. Although these treatments are commonly helpful for patients looking to rehabilitate their smile, their uses and potential benefits are very different. A crown is placed to protect a severely damaged tooth from further harm, even helping prevent an extraction in some cases. However, a crown cannot be used in isolation to replace missing teeth. In contrast, if you’re missing one or several teeth in a row, a bridge can be an excellent option to restore form and function without implant surgery. That said, dental bridges are only used to replace lost or missing teeth.
Bridges and crowns are frequently used in complement with each other for a number of treatments — for example, a bridge is often anchored to the teeth using dental crowns in order to provide a result that looks and feels natural. In addition, both dental crowns and dental bridges are custom-made to blend in with your surrounding teeth.
How is Treatment for Dental Crowns Performed?
At your appointment we’ll capture a goop-free, 3D impression of your teeth to map out the best size, shape and fit of your new dental crown. Your temporary crown will then be placed while your permanent restoration is custom-made to fit seamlessly with your smile!
Is There Recovery After Getting Dental Crowns?
Treatment with dental crowns doesn’t require a recovery period, giving patients the ability to continue with their normal routine immediately after their appointment! Some swelling and tenderness in the region of the treated tooth can be expected for a few days, but any discomfort can typically be managed well with over-the-counter medications. These symptoms should subside naturally on their own. Dr. Libby and your dental team may also instruct you to temporarily avoid certain foods and/or chew on the other side of your mouth. In general, you should refrain from sticky, hard, or crunchy foods until your mouth fully heals. Rest assured that Dr. Libby will let you know what you can expect after getting dental crowns during your appointment.
How Long Do the Results of Dental Crowns Last?
While crowns aren’t meant to last forever, these restorations can protect and reinforce weak teeth for many years to come. Many patients even experience good results for decades. The most important factor in preserving your dental crowns is good dental hygiene. Crowns typically last as long as your natural teeth, which means daily brushing, flossing, and rinsing are pivotal in maximizing your oral health and prolonging the results of your dental crowns. We also advise staying on top of your semi-annual dental appointments and professional cleanings to help identify potential issues in the mouth before they become worse.
How Do I Care for My Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are low-maintenance restorations and do not require any further care than your natural teeth. Like tooth enamel, your crowns are susceptible to bacteria accumulation, decay, plaque, and disease. The health and longevity of your restorations depend on your dental hygiene habits, which is why Dr. Libby recommends flossing daily, brushing your teeth often, and staying abreast of your regular check-ups so our team can identify any initial signs of gum disease. Left to build up, bacteria can lead to decay, diseased gums, bleeding, and even infection. These factors can certainly contribute to the deterioration of your dental crowns and shorten their “lifespan.” We highly recommend the following preventive measures to help maximize your treatment results:
- Avoid smoking to safeguard gum health
- Don’t use your teeth as tools
- Invest in a night guard if you’re prone to grinding your teeth while asleep
- Commit to consistent daily oral hygiene
- Regularly schedule dental exams and cleanings as advised
How Much Do Dental Crowns Cost?
The natural average cost of a dental crown falls between $1,000 and $3,500 per tooth, although factors like your geographic location and the experience of your dentist may affect the cost estimate. The actual price depends on details unique to each patient, such as:
- The type of dental crown fabricated
- The location of the affected tooth
- The complexity of treatment
Our team can provide you with a personalized quote after your consultation, where Dr. Libby and our dentists will be able to examine your concerns. If you have out-of-pocket costs not available for insurance coverage, please don’t hesitate to ask our Mission Valley office about potential financing options.
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