Benefits of Dental Crowns
Eugene, OR
Crowns in Eugene provided by Justin Higbee DDS
at Higbee Family Dentistry
What is a Dental Crown?
 A dental crown is a tooth restoration that resembles a cap in its appearance. Crowns are made to fit over the entire visible surface of a damaged tooth. Dental crowns are often used when the damage to the tooth is more significant, compromising the appearance of your teeth as well as your oral health. Crowns work to hold damaged teeth together, preventing further damage, protecting them from infection, and restoring their strength. Dental crowns can be made from several different materials including metal, although porcelain and ceramic crowns are the most popular material chosen by our patients.
For dental crowns, it is required that some enamel needs to be removed first, before placing the crown. The tooth needs to be made smaller so that the crown can fit comfortably and naturally among the rest of your teeth. After the teeth are prepared, impressions are then taken. These impressions are sent to our dental lab, where your restorations are created. If you are receiving a crown, a temporary crown is placed over the tooth to protect it until the final restoration is complete.
What Are Dental Crowns Used For?
Dental crowns are used not only to correct cosmetic issues, but also to restore the health of your mouth, preventing further damage, infections, and the need for a tooth extraction. Tooth extractions are always our last resort. We believe in doing whatever we can to save your teeth, and dental crowns are one way.
Some of the most common reasons for a crown include:
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Larger cracks or chips that have extended past the enamel layer of the tooth.
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Cavities that cannot be treated with a regular filling. With larger cavities, fillings can compromise the tooth structure. A dental crown will benefit you when the tooth becomes cracked, weak, or worn.
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Providing protection and strength following root canal therapy.
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Replacing missing teeth with dental implants. |
Having a crown will normally be done after a root canal procedure, due to the weakened state of the tooth, and the need for protection is increased. Having a missing tooth will also be grounds for a crown, as well as a dental implant or bridge. A dental crown may also be placed on the teeth in the front, where they will match the teeth perfectly.
Some details to be aware of while deciding to have a crown are the amount of strength, the price, and their longevity. You will likely want to have an appearance that looks natural and does not alter your smile. This is why you will be able to choose the options that our dentist suggests so that you get the best results possible.
Materials Used for Dental Crowns
Various materials are used to make dental crowns. A few of the most popular involve ceramic crowns, metal crowns, porcelain crowns, composite crowns, and zirconia crowns.
A porcelain crown will always be used whenever a tooth is in dire need of repair. It is also used when an existing filling is too weak. Plus, a front tooth will always need to be a porcelain crown in order to appear as a natural tooth.
The porcelain fused to metal crown is natural in appearance but has a couple of restrictions. First, it needs to have an opaque that is placed over the metal, which makes it impossible to produce teeth translucency. This crown will also begin to slowly make a line appear along the gum line. This is due to the metal showing along the margin.
The zirconia crown is a strong ceramic and is often placed at areas that are too risky for other areas of a tooth such as a molar. Zirconia is referred to as ceramic steel and is able to withstand all areas of the mouth and withstand a heavy bite.
You may even have a combination of materials for increased strength such as fusing both ceramic and porcelain. Once the crown material is chosen, there may be other considerations to be taken into account. These could include the color of other teeth, tooth functionality, viewability of the tooth, amount of remaining tooth, gum position, and the location of the tooth. If you have your own preferences, make sure that our dentist is aware of them.
Types of Dental Crowns
A Crown that is Temporary
Having a crown that is temporary will be done when a permanent crown is being created. It will only be in your mouth for a short time and can be removed easily.
Being easily removed also means the strength will not be as much as it normally would be if it was a permanent crown. The temporary crown will be placed while waiting for your next appointment where the main crown will be affixed.
Same-day Crowns
This crown is applied the same-day and you leave the appointment with the dental crown in place. This method is aided by a computer to ensure accuracy in design.
There are many different ways for a dental crown to be installed when the design is aided by a computer. Your crown will also be milled in the dental office following its design.
An Onlay
When the crown is a partial, it is known as an onlay. The dentist will apply this if a complete crown is not needed.
Costs for a Crown
The price of your dental crown will be decided upon based on what material it is composed of and the tooth size. If the crown is made of gold, then the price could be a little more. A metal crown will normally be cheaper than the standard porcelain or gold tooth. If the dentist is required to conduct additional procedures prior to your dental crown placement, you may see additional costs, such as when you need a dental implant or root canal first.
Your crown may be covered by your dental insurance. Regardless, the crown´s coverage may be determined by the type of dental crown you need. Your dental insurance will have the complete details of what types of crowns are covered.
At Higbee Family Dentistry we are here for you. We provide many tooth replacement options, including dental crowns. Schedule an appointment by calling us today at (541) 342-1187 and we will be happy to help you with all of your dental needs.
Contact Us
Phone: (541) 342-1187
Email: office@eugenedentist.net
Our Location in Eugene
Address:
622 E 22nd Ave, Suite D
Eugene, OR 97405-2989
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