Dental Crowns – Melbourne, FL
Protection for Damaged Teeth
Your teeth might be strong, but they have no way of fixing themselves after a severe injury. The good news is that in many cases, a damaged tooth can still be saved with a dental crown. With Dr. Rowley’s help, you can get a dental crown made out of high-quality material that you can expect to last for many years. Give us a call if you think you may need a dental crown to help rebuild your grin.
Why Choose Rowley Family Dentistry for Dental Crowns?
- Lifelike Zirconia Crowns
- Dental Team That Cares
- Conveniently Located Office
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a type of restoration that completely covers the tooth that it’s placed on. While crowns can be made out of gold, patients who want to keep their grins looking as dazzling as possible are likely to favor zirconia instead. Not only are zirconia crowns known to be highly durable, but they can also blend in with your natural teeth, which makes them much less noticeable.
Crowns can be placed for a variety of reasons, such as restoring the shape of a fractured tooth or keeping a weakened tooth safe from additional damage. They can also help replace missing teeth when used as part of a dental bridge or as the final restoration for a dental implant.
The Dental Crown Process
The first step is to make sure there’s enough room for a dental crown to be placed. Our team will need to remove a little bit of enamel from the tooth; the exact amount can vary depending on the type of crown that you’re receiving.
After we’re done preparing the tooth, we will take the necessary impressions, which will be sent to a dental lab. Then we will provide you with a temporary crown in order to keep your tooth safe until the final restoration arrives.
After a few weeks, you’ll return to our office so that we can place your crown. Before we cement the restoration in place, we’ll check it carefully to ensure that it fits as it should and that there aren’t any issues that need to be addressed.
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Crown
When a damaged or decayed tooth is left exposed, the problem will likely grow more severe over time. Eventually, a root canal or a tooth extraction might have to be performed. A dental crown can help keep the tooth safe and lower the chances of needing more invasive forms of dentistry.
On top of that, a dental crown can also improve your ability to enjoy your meals. Trying to chew with a damaged tooth can be very uncomfortable, but once the tooth in question has been restored with a dental crown, you should be able to eat normally again without issue.
One last important advantage of dental crowns is their longevity. If you’re diligent about caring for your crown, you may be able to keep it for 15 years or longer.
Dental Crown FAQs
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
On average, you can expect your dental crown to last somewhere between 5 and 15 years. However, this can vary depending on the material that your crown is made from. Metal crowns generally have a slightly longer lifespan than metal-free ones, but they are comparable. More so than the material, the longevity of your crown depends on individual factors, like your diet, oral hygiene, and whether you have bad oral habits, like smoking or biting your nails. Crowns on the front teeth may last longer than crowns on the molars, as they aren’t subjected to as much wear and tear from chewing.
How Do You Know When a Dental Crown Needs to Be Replaced?
The only way to tell for certain that your dental crown needs to be replaced is to have it examined by your dentist. Here are some warning signs that may indicate that it is time to have your crown examined:
- Discomfort: If your crown is causing you pain, there might be decay beneath it.
- Instability: If your dental crown feels loose, you should contact us.
- Change in Appearance: If your crown is chipped or discolored, this is a valid reason to have it replaced.
- Dark Line: If you notice a dark line around the base of your crown, this could indicate that it is time to have it replaced soon.
Are Dental Crowns Covered by Insurance?
Every dental insurance plan differs, but most of them consider dental crowns to be a major procedure. They are often eligible for coverage at 50% after you have paid your deductible and before you have exceeded your annual maximum. Dental insurance typically only covers crowns if they are considered to be medically necessary, like when used to protect a damaged tooth. If you are getting a crown solely for cosmetic reasons, you may not receive coverage. If you have any questions regarding your benefits, don’t hesitate to talk to one of our friendly team members.
What Can I Eat with a Temporary Crown?
You should be able to chew comfortably while wearing your temporary crown, but it is a good idea to avoid certain foods until you receive your permanent one. There might be a small gap between your temporary crown and gumline, so be mindful of the amount of sugar you are consuming. Foods that are particularly hot or cold can cause you to experience sensitivity. Lastly, you should stay away from foods that could damage, loosen, or dislodge the crown. This includes hard bread, steak, corn on the cob, caramel, and other tough/sticky foods.