If your dentist has recommended a dental crown for you, you may be wondering if it’s really necessary. After all, what’s wrong with a regular filling? But while traditional fillings do serve an important purpose, sometimes they are simply not appropriate for the type of restoration needed to fix your tooth.
Here’s what you need to know about dental crowns, and why you shouldn’t fear this “royal” treatment!”
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a deluxe filling that fits over a damaged or broken tooth like a cap. They are ideal for patients with large cavities, teeth that already have a lot of fillings, or infected teeth that require root canal treatment.
They’re made of durable dental-quality porcelain and look and feel just like your natural teeth. In fact, once placed they are virtually indetectable. You may even forget which tooth isn’t completely real! Best of all, you can still eat with them, so there’s no need to change your diet or give up your favorite foods.
What Are the Benefits of Crowns?
Dental crowns not only protect your underlying tooth from bacteria and decay, but they also help maintain your jawbone and tooth spacing by maintaining the form and function of your arch. With a crown, you won’t need to have your damaged tooth extracted, so you’ll improve your oral and jaw health by getting it.
How Long Do Crowns Last?
Most crowns will last between five and fifteen years, depending on the materials, the placement, and how well the patient cares for it. While it may seem like the cap shape of your crown would provide an additional layer of protection for your teeth, the truth is that teeth treated with crowns have about the same risk of developing cavities as those without. Unfortunately, bacteria at the gum line can still find their way under the crown and damage the tooth, so brushing and flossing daily is essential for keeping your tooth healthy even if it has a crown.
Are Crowns Covered by Insurance?
While most dental insurance plans place an emphasis on preventive care, many policies will partially cover treatments like dental crowns. If you have questions about what exactly your plan covers, speak to your dental practice for more information, or call your insurance company directly for specifics.
Remember, if your dentist has recommended a crown, it is because this is the most suitable treatment for your tooth. Your new crown will help protect your tooth so it can still be used and will not need to be extracted.
About Our Practice
At Lake Oconee Dentistry, one of our guiding principles can be best explained by Dr. Patti Bradley:
“Great patient experiences don’t just happen. They’re created.”
It is and always will be our goal to ensure that you have a great experience with us. If we have recommended a treatment such as a dental crown, you can rest assured that we have considered all reasonable alternatives and are confident that we are providing you with the best possible solution.
If you have any questions or concerns about a recommended treatment, please don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have. We are always happy to help you make an educated decision about your oral health.
To schedule an appointment for a dental crown, or for any questions about this treatment, please contact us via our website or by calling us at 706-453-1333.