Dental Crowns – Arlington, TX
Customized Restorations to
Restore Damaged Teeth
One of the most versatile dental treatments available today is dental crowns, not just for their function but their esthetics as well. When a tooth is damaged, either due to decay, injury, or another issue, dental crowns can effectively restore their function and appearance to the absolute fullest. If you aren’t sure if you need a dental crown or need to know the best ways to take care of your crown after it’s been placed, schedule an appointment with Dr. Cabansag to find out more.
Why Choose Encore Dentistry for Dental Crowns?
- Durable and Reliable Dental Materials
- CEREC One-Day Crowns Available
- Caring Team That Never Rushes You
What is a Dental Crown and How Do I Know I Need One?
Dental crowns are one of the most common restorations available in dentistry. Also known as caps, these restorations are typically made from a variety of materials, including metal, gold, and porcelain. They are designed to be fixed and cemented on top of damaged teeth. If you notice that your tooth is aching, either because of long-term decay that has been left untreated or because of physical trauma that left it damaged, you’ll likely need to have a dental crown placed. You may also need a crown if:
- Your tooth has been worn down and needs to be covered to prevent future damage.
- You need to have a dental bridge or dental implant placed.
- You need to replace a large filling.
- Your tooth is severely misshapen or discolored.
What are the Benefits of Dental Crowns?
In the past, there was not much that dentists could do to salvage damaged teeth. In fact, many times dentists would have to extract them outright because there was no treatment method available to retain the tooth that you had. In modern dentistry, extractions are always considered to be a last resort, and dental crowns play a major role in that process. On top of helping you keep your natural teeth, dental crowns are the most effective solution for preventing damaged teeth from breaking apart further.
Finally, dental crowns are very effective at hiding cosmetic imperfections in your smile, whether it be permanent discoloration or chips and cracks that do not pose harm to your oral health. Since crowns can be made from porcelain, a material designed to mimic tooth enamel almost exactly, you can easily rebuild your smile without anyone around you even noticing that you’ve had a crown placed.
Top Care Tips for Crowns
At Encore Dentistry, you can take advantage of our porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, which combines the durability of metal crowns with the esthetics of porcelain restorations. We currently use Emax, Lava, and Zirconia brands and materials to create dental crowns in our office. Or, as an alternative, we offer same-day crowns so that you don’t have to worry about waiting two weeks to receive your permanent crown, nor worry about wearing a temporary crown while you wait.
In order to make your dental crown last, take note of the tips below:
- Always brush twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste for at least two minutes at a time.
- Floss daily, ideally before bed for the best protection.
- Always pay close attention to the tooth covered by the crown when brushing.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash to clean the hard-to-reach areas of the crown of any bacteria.
- Visit Dr. Cabansag once every six months to confirm your crown is in good condition.
Dental Crowns FAQs
Not sure if a dental crown is right for you? Take a look at the answers below to some of the most common questions about dental crowns in Arlington. We hope you find these FAQs helpful! Of course, the only way to really determine if you could benefit from a dental crown is to schedule a consultation with a dental professional. Don’t hesitate to contact our office!
Do Dental Crowns Feel Natural?
Within a few days of receiving your permanent crown, it should start to feel increasingly natural. After all, your crown will be custom-crafted based on impressions of your tooth, so it will fit comfortably in your smile. In addition, crowns are made from durable materials that can stand up to everyday chewing forces just as easily as tooth enamel, so eating with a crown shouldn’t feel strange. If you run your tongue across an arch of your teeth, the crown may feel slightly different to the touch than the rest of your teeth. However, in general, a crowned tooth should feel so natural that you might end up forgetting you even have a crown!
Are Dental Crowns Permanent?
While technically not permanent, dental crowns are definitely a long-term solution. In general, you can expect a crown to protect your tooth for up to 15 years. Once an experienced dentist in Arlington like Dr. Cabansag reshapes your tooth for a crown, that procedure is irreversible. Tooth enamel cannot grow back on its own, so that tooth will always need a crown for protection moving forward. That being said, crowns protect the underlying tooth from additional damage, helping the tooth to survive for much longer than it likely would have otherwise.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
On average, dental crowns in Arlington usually last somewhere between five and 15 years. The lifespan of a crown may vary depending on the material the crown is made from. While metal crowns generally last longer than metal-free ones, that’s not always the case. Where the crown is located will also affect its longevity. Crowns on front teeth may last slightly longer than crowns on molars, as they’re not subjected to as much wear and tear from chewing. In addition to material and location, the lifespan of your crown also depends on individual factors such as your diet, oral hygiene, and whether you have any bad oral habits (smoking, nail-biting, teeth grinding, eating ice, etc.).
Are Dental Crowns Covered by Insurance?
Dental crowns are usually at least partially covered by dental insurance. Every dental insurance plan differs, but most consider crowns to be a major procedure and cover at last 50% of the cost after you’ve paid your deductible and before you’ve exceeded your annual maximum. One important detail to keep in mind is that dental insurance typically only covers crowns if they are considered medically necessary. So, if you need a crown to repair and protect a decayed or damaged tooth, you can likely count on your insurance to kick in. However, if you’re getting a crown for solely cosmetic reasons, then it might not qualify for insurance coverage.
Don’t have dental insurance? Don’t worry! We offer an in-house membership plan that provides benefits similar to dental insurance without the headaches. One simple annual fee unlocks a 30% discount on most procedures along with many other benefits. Our team will also be happy to help you apply for dental financing with CareCredit. Instead of paying a large one-time sum for your dental crown, you can make smaller monthly payments – all at little or no interest.