Dental Crowns – Mission Viejo, CA
Natural-Looking Repair for Broken or Decayed Teeth
Is one of your teeth damaged to the point that you can barely chew without discomfort? Do you have a noticeable chip or crack in your tooth that makes it difficult to smile with confidence? In either case, that tooth may benefit from a dental crown. At Palm Dentistry, we can design these restorations to fit comfortably over your tooth, making it look and feel brand-new again. We even provide same-day dental crowns in Mission Viejo, CA thanks to CEREC technology! Don’t wait to give your smile the natural-looking repair it deserves – contact us today to schedule a dental crown consultation with Dr. Sienna Palmer.
Why Choose Palm Dentistry for Dental Crowns?
- Same-Day Dental Crowns Offered
- Impressions Taken with Digital Scanner – No Messy Putty Required!
- Modern Dental Office with Relaxing Atmosphere
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is essentially a “cap” designed to fit over the entire visible section of a tooth (the part that you can see above the gumline). This incredibly versatile solution can serve a number of purposes. For example, a dental crown can:
- Repair a decayed tooth when a filling alone is not sufficient.
- Strengthen a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy.
- Shield a broken or worn-down tooth from further damage.
- Improve the appearance of a misshapen, discolored, or otherwise cosmetically flawed tooth.
- Replace a missing tooth when paired with a dental implant or used as part of a dental bridge.
In the past, dental crowns were typically made from gold, silver, or other precious metals. However, these solutions created noticeable spots in your smile and could even weaken the tooth in the long run. At Palm Dentistry, we usually make our crowns from tooth-colored ceramic, which can be customized to blend in with the rest of a patient’s grin.
The Dental Crown Process
Placing a traditional dental crown requires two appointments. The first visit entails your dentist in Mission Viejo altering the tooth to ensure the crown fits properly. Then, impressions are taken and sent to a dental lab. While the lab technicians begin crafting your crown, you wear a temporary to protect your tooth. When you return a few weeks later, your temporary is switched out for your permanent restoration.
Alternatively, you may qualify for a CEREC dental crown that we can design, create, and place in a single day. After taking digital impressions, the computer develops a model for your crown and sends it to our in-house milling machine. This machine creates the crown from a sold block of pressed ceramic. Once it’s done, we’ll make sure your crown looks and feels right before bonding it to your tooth. The whole process should only take about an hour!
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Crown
Dental crowns are one of the most common services we offer, and it isn’t hard to see why! They provide multiple benefits, including:
- They can save vulnerable teeth from becoming damaged even more, potentially saving them from having to be extracted.
- With the right oral care, they can last for a decade or longer.
- Dental ceramic is virtually indistinguishable from tooth enamel, so no one should even be able to notice that your crown isn’t a “natural” part of your smile.
- Crowns allow you to chew without discomfort.
- In many cases, dental insurance will cover a significant portion of the cost of dental crowns.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Crowns
If you have a decayed or damaged tooth, a dental crown could be necessary to build up and protect your tooth from enduring additional harm. However, some patients worry about the cost of their new restoration. During your consultation, we will discuss the cost of your treatment in detail, so you won’t run into any surprises. Until then, here are some things to take into consideration.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Dental Crowns
There are multiple factors that contribute to the cost of dental crowns. Here are the main ones that we take into consideration:
- Damage: If your tooth is significantly damaged, you may need another treatment in addition to your dental crown to repair it. For example, if your tooth is infected, you might need root canal treatment before having a dental crown placed. The cost of all necessary treatments should be taken into account.
- Materials: Dental crowns can be crafted from a variety of different materials. Each material is at a different price point.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Crowns?
If medically necessary, dental crowns usually receive partial coverage from insurance providers. Every plan is a little bit different, but the majority of providers consider dental crowns to be a “major restorative procedure.” This means that approximately half of the treatment cost is covered after your annual deductible has been met. It is best to check with your insurance provider ahead of time so you don’t run into any surprises. Our team would also be happy to help you with this process.
Options for Making Dental Crowns Affordable
If you don’t have dental insurance, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you will be left completely on your own. With our Membership Plan, you can save 10% on restorative services completed at our practice. We are also happy to accept payments through CareCredit – a third-party financing company that can split the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly installments with little to no interest. For more information on your financial options, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our friendly team members.
Dental Crown FAQs
Are Dental Crowns Permanent?
A dental crown isn't permanent because it needs to be replaced about every 10 years. However, the procedure isn't reversible either. Dr. Palmer must reshape your tooth to allow the restoration to fit over it. If your crown is removed, your tooth will not grow back. Therefore, it must always be covered by a restoration.
Does Getting a Dental Crown Hurt?
You don't have to worry about a painful day in the dentist’s chair because your comfort is always our top priority. Your dentist in Mission Viejo may use a local numbing agent when preparing your tooth. Although you may feel some unusual sensations or pressure, you will not have any outright pain. It's normal for your tooth to be a little tender for a couple of days after the effects of any numbing agents wear off. You can manage it with an over-the-counter pain reliever and eat soft foods until it subsides.
Can Dental Crowns Get Cavities?
Dental crowns can't get cavities, but your underlying tooth is still vulnerable to decay. Poor brushing and flossing habits can cause plaque and tartar accumulations. Bacteria in the buildup can gain access to your tooth through small cracks that form in the dental cement over time. You can maintain a cavity-free smile by brushing at least twice a day for 2 minutes. Floss every day, paying careful attention when cleaning where the crown meets the gum line. Limit how often you have sugars and starches which feed cavity-causing bacteria. Schedule a cleaning and checkup every 6 months to keep cavities away.
Can You Whiten a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns are made of stain-resistant materials, so they shouldn't discolor. However, your teeth can change color and your crown can appear stained if it is damaged. Unfortunately, a whitening treatment won't have any effect on the color of your crown because it isn't porous, like your enamel. Not to mention, whitening agents can damage the dental cement holding your crown in place, which may cause it to fall off. You can still treat tooth stains using a personalized treatment plan, like teeth whitening. Dr. Palmer can reshade your restoration to match the color of your teeth to ensure seamless results.
How Long Does a Dental Crown Last?
A dental crown can last for 5 to 15 years before needing to be replaced, but many factors affect its lifespan, like the materials used. Molars experience more wear and tear than front teeth, so crowns placed in the back can have a slightly shorter life expectancy. You can get the most from your investment by committing to your oral hygiene at home and visiting your dentist twice a year. Limit hard, crunchy, and sticky foods to ensure your crown lasts for years.