Dental Crowns – Durham
Build Up & Protect Your Damaged Tooth
Do you have a tooth that is decayed, broken, or otherwise structurally compromised tooth? The tooth enamel is the strongest substance in the entire body, but it is still vulnerable to damage if you aren’t careful. Fortunately, at Crafting Smiles, we are proud to offer dental crowns to build up and protect damaged teeth. To learn more about dental crowns or to schedule an appointment, give us a call!
Why Choose Crafting Smiles for Dental Crowns?
- Customized for Optimal Comfort
- Made from Natural-Looking Materials
- Flexible Financing Options
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a customized “cap” that is placed over the chewing surface of a damaged tooth. Crowns are crafted to completely cover the remaining structure of the teeth, helping to preserve them while replenishing their natural shape and strength. There are multiple reasons why someone may need a dental crown. Here are some of the common causes.
- Severe tooth decay that cannot be treated with a filling
- Physical injury to a tooth
- Weakened tooth structure that needs support
- Significant cosmetic imperfections
- Restoring a lost tooth that is being replaced with a dental implant
- Protecting a tooth that has been treated with root canal treatment
The Dental Crown Process
Dental crowns placed over two separate appointments. During the first visit, we will begin by numbing the area with a local anesthetic. Then, we will remove any damaged or decayed portions of the tooth structure. We will also remove a small amount of enamel from the circumference of the tooth to allow for the crown to fit perfectly. After the tooth has been prepared, impressions are taken and sent to the dental laboratory where your new dental crown will be made. We make our crowns from various materials, including zirconia, porcelain, and Emax. A temporary crown is placed to keep your tooth safe until your final restoration is complete. In just a couple of weeks, you will return to our practice to have your new dental crown secured in place.
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Crown
Dental crowns offer a wide range of benefits, including the following.
- Comfortable
- Natural appearance
- Customized
- Protects the underling tooth
- Lasts 15+ years
- Improves chewing ability
- Increases confidence
Understanding the Cost of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns can be an excellent way to restore a decayed or damaged tooth, but it’s important to understand the cost before starting treatment. At your first consultation, our team will explain the entire procedure and break down the price based on different factors that affect your case. Keep reading to learn more about dental crown costs in Durham and the financing options that can help make your treatment more affordable.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Dental Crowns
The cost of your dental crown treatment can vary based on several key factors, such as the extent of damage or decay your tooth has experienced and the type of materials used for your restoration. To provide an accurate estimate, our team carefully evaluates your unique situation. During your initial consultation, we will examine your tooth using both a visual assessment and digital imaging, giving us a detailed understanding of the problem so we can create a treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs.
In some cases, additional procedures like a root canal to treat severe decay or a dental implant to replace a missing tooth may be necessary, which can affect the overall cost. The materials we use for crowns, typically E-max, zirconia, or porcelain, also influence the price, as each offers different benefits and comes at its own price. By assessing all these factors, we ensure you receive a treatment plan that’s both effective and cost-effective.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are generally recognized by dental insurance companies as an important part of maintaining oral health, which means the procedure is often at least partially covered. In many cases, insurance can cover anywhere from 50% to 80% of the total cost, so it’s a good idea to take full advantage of your benefits whenever possible.
Since every insurance plan is unique, it’s important to review your policy directly with your provider to understand the specifics. Our team is also here to help walk you through your benefits, answering any questions you might have, and even filing claims on your behalf to make the process as smooth as possible.
Options for Making Dental Crowns Affordable
Even if you don’t have dental insurance, it doesn’t mean quality care is out of reach. Our goal is to make sure every patient can access the treatments they need when necessary. That’s why we offer an in-house membership plan, providing discounts on a wide range of services that we offer.
Other options to consider are CareCredit and Cherry, third-party financiers that can allow you to break your procedure costs into manageable monthly payments, typically with little to no interest. These options make it easier to get the care you need without putting a strain on your budget.
Dental Crown FAQs
What Are Dental Crowns Made Of?
Your dentist in Durham can make your crown out of one of the three materials:
- Traditional porcelain. Porcelain has long been a favorite dental material because of its durability and tooth-like sheen.
- Emax porcelain. Emax crowns are technically made from a special kind of porcelain. As such, they’re a little more costly, but they have a nice translucency that reflects light well, giving them a more natural appearance.
- Compared to traditional porcelain and Emax, zirconia is more opaque, and may not look as seamless when placed on front teeth. It is, however, incredibly durable, making it a good choice for back molars or patients who struggle with bruxism.
During your consultation, we can go into more detail about these different materials, and can help you determine which one is right for you.
Are Dental Crowns Permanent?
Your dental crown in Durham may need to be replaced eventually, but they are considered permanent because once you receive a crown, you’ll always need one. And rest assured, they are designed to last as long as possible! Crowns that have been well taken care of have been known to hold up for a lifetime.
How Do You Know When a Dental Crown Needs to Be Replaced?
If you notice one or more of the following, it might be time to get your crown replaced:
- Discomfort
- Difficulty chewing
- Looseness
- Poor aesthetics
- Visible damage
- Increased tooth sensitivity
Keep in mind, though, that the best way to know for sure is to visit your dentist in Durham for X-rays. These will show us how the structural integrity of your crown is holding up, and whether it will remain viable for another few years or is reaching its expiration date.
Do Dental Crowns Get Cavities?
No, dental crowns are made from inorganic materials, which don’t appeal to the bacteria that are responsible for cavities. However, the tooth underneath your crown can still become infected due to bacteria build up. It’s important that you continue to practice good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing once per day, and scheduling a checkup and cleaning every six months.
Is It a Dental Emergency If Your Crown Falls Off?
You’ll want to receive emergency dental care as soon as possible if your crown falls off, but you may not necessarily need same-day treatment. A lost crown is concerning because it means your vulnerable tooth is unprotected. Until your crown is replaced, it will be at greater risk for cavities and infection. That said, it’s usually safe to wait a day or two if necessary. Give us a call, and we’ll help you make a timely appointment.