Dental Crowns – Peabody
Protect Your Damaged Tooth
The tooth enamel is the strongest material in the entire body. It is even stronger than your bones! However, it
isn’t completely resilient to damage. If one or more of your teeth have become damaged by decay or an injury,
a dental crown may be exactly what you need. Dental crowns are placed over the chewing surface of a compromised
tooth to build it up and protect it from additional damage. Continue reading to learn more about dental crowns. For
more information or to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to give us a call!
Why Choose Dr. Spiro Saati, DMD for Dental Crowns?
- Customized for Comfort and Appearance
- We Welcome Dental Insurance
- Saturday Appointments Available
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown, sometimes called a “cap,” is used for many restorative needs and is often appropriate for cosmetic treatments. A crown can be used to:
Dr. Saati usually recommends a crown made of porcelain fused to metal for its strength and aesthetic appeal. Once bonded into place, no one will be able to tell that you have a crown.
The Dental Crown Process
Receiving a crown usually takes only two visits to the dentist. At the first, Dr. Saati delivers a local anesthetic and then gently removes any decay as well as a small portion of the tooth structure. This must be done to make room for the crown and to ensure that your bite remains the same. You’re then given a temporary crown to wear while our dental lab constructs the permanent one based on an exact impression of your tooth.
When your final restoration is ready, we will let you know so you can return to the dental office to have it placed. If everything looks and feels great, you are free to show off your restored smile!
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Crown
There are numerous benefits you can expect from your new dental crown. Here are some of the most prominent ones to experience:
Understanding the Cost of Dental Crowns
If you’re getting a dental crown to restore your smile, we understand you may have questions about the overall cost before starting treatment. Dr. Saati is committed to providing transparent, personalized care. During your consultation, he’ll carefully evaluate your oral health and discuss the factors that can influence the price of your crown. Once we provide you with an accurate estimate, you’ll have all the information you need to confidently decide your next steps!
Factors that Affect the Cost of Dental Crowns
The cost of dental crowns can vary depending on a few important elements. Here’s what we take into account:
- The extent of damage to your tooth and whether any preliminary treatments are needed, such as a root canal or dental implant placement before your crown can be secured
- The material used for your custom crown, which could include options like natural-looking porcelain or other materials such as zirconia or amalgam
- The method used to create your crown, whether it’s crafted in a traditional dental lab or designed in-house for same-day convenience
While it might be tempting to choose the most affordable option, it’s important to remember that higher-quality materials can provide better aesthetics and a longer lifespan for your crown. We’re happy to explain your choices so you can make an informed decision that balances cost and quality.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Crowns?
In many cases, yes! Dental insurance often covers a portion of the cost of dental crowns, especially when the treatment is considered medically necessary. Some plans may cover up to 50% of the cost, depending on your policy and coverage limits.
Our knowledgeable team will be glad to review your insurance plan in detail. We can help determine your specific benefits, check if you’ve met your deductible, and calculate how much of your annual maximum remains. By providing this breakdown, we ensure you know exactly what to expect.
Other Options for Making Dental Crowns Affordable
Don’t have dental insurance? No problem – affordable care is still within reach. We’re pleased to offer flexible financing through CareCredit, a trusted third-party lender. With CareCredit, you can divide the total cost of your crown into manageable monthly payments, making it easier to fit your treatment into your budget. Plus, you can choose from several low-to-no-interest plans, depending on your needs. If you’d like to explore these financing options or have questions about costs, let our team know. We’re here to help make the process as stress-free and affordable as possible.
Dental Crowns FAQs
Are Dental Crowns Permanent?
Many people wonder whether their tooth-shaped cap can easily be removed and reinserted, similar to dentures, but that’s not the case. These restorations are cemented over injured or decayed teeth to rebuild their appearance and functionality, and aren’t intended to come off once they’re placed.
However, they’re not necessarily ‘permanent’ because the durable materials they’re made from aren’t invincible. They might require repair or replacement at some point in the future, but they are an effective long-term solution.
Do Dental Crowns Get Cavities?
Cavities occur when bacteria in your mouth penetrate your enamel to erode the protective outer layer of your teeth. However, your restoration is made of resilient porcelain-fused-to-metal, which isn’t affected the same way.
They can’t decay, but you must practice proper preventive dental care to avoid damaging the underlying tooth. Germs and plaque along the gumline can enter where it meets the crown, then travel underneath it to wreak havoc on your oral health. This can fortunately be prevented by brushing and flossing twice daily and visiting Dr. Saati for a routine checkup and cleaning every six months.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Many patients near Peabody want to be well-informed before proceeding with their restoration and have questions about what to expect. One common inquiry is how long their customized dental crown will last.
Typically, they remain strong and healthy for anywhere from 5 to 15 years, though it depends significantly on your unique situation. Some factors that impact their longevity include:
- What they’re made from. All-porcelain crowns are durable, but they may last longer when fused with metal, which can better withstand the force of use.
- Where it’s located. Covers over your molars sustain additional pressure from chewing, which can wear them down faster than those over your front teeth.
- Your diet. Eating overly hard or sticky foods could damage or destabilize your restoration or the tooth it’s cemented over.
- Your habits. If you smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol, you could damage the cement holding your crown in place or leave it looking dark and dirty.
How Do I Know When I Need a New Dental Crown?
The only way to know for certain whether your dental crown needs to be replaced is to visit our team. We’ll take X-rays or other scans to take a comprehensive look at its condition and that of the underlying tooth. Some indicators that let you know it’s time to contact us include:
- If you experience a severe or prolonged ache, especially when biting down, the tooth under your restoration may have cavities or other injuries.
- A loose or wobbly cap deserves immediate attention, especially when eating anything sticky.
- Worn appearance. Replacing it can boost your confidence in your appearance if it looks cracked, stained, or worn down.
- Dark line developed. The porcelain portion of your crown can thin over time, revealing more of the metal underneath, which can cause a dark line to form at its base.