Dental crowns can help save a single tooth or an entire smile. A crown is also called a “cap.” It can sit on top of a damaged tooth to protect it or be used to secure other dental appliances like bridges or implants. Dental crowns come in many materials, from metal to beautiful tooth-colored restorations.
If you have a tooth with worn down enamel, a tooth that has been cracked or damaged, or even missing a tooth, a crown may be the perfect solution to restore your smile. Contact Ponderosa Dental Group today and discover all the incredible benefits this treatment can provide!
Is a Dental Crown Right for You?
There are few dental appliances that work as hard as dental crowns; from protecting a damaged tooth, and enhancing the cosmetics of your smile to even supporting additional appliances like bridges, our crowns get the job done!
You may be a great candidate for a dental crown if any of the following apply to you:
- You have a cavity that’s too big for a filling.
- Some of your teeth are severely cracked, worn down, or weak.
- You’re missing a tooth and need a single-tooth implant or dental bridge.
- You’ve just had a root canal—a dental crown can help protect the weakened tooth.
Call Ponderosa Dental for dental crown consultations in Missoula. Online consults are available, and we’d be happy to answer any questions you have about dental crowns.
The Benefits of Dental Crowns
In the world of modern dentistry, it would be hard to find a more versatile treatment than dental crowns. They can be used in restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry, and they provide the foundation for much more complex dental appliances!
While this makes it difficult to list all the advantages a dental crown can provide, here are some of the most common:
Restore Tooth Function
While our teeth are tough, they aren’t indestructible. If you have a chipped, cracked, or damaged tooth, that is an open invitation for a full fracture or infection. However, our dental crowns will not only protect your tooth from further damage but completely restore all of its functionality.
Long-Lasting Protection
Thanks to the high-quality materials our crowns are made of, the protection they offer is second to none. Not only are they more durable than a tooth’s natural enamel, they are resistant to both staining and decay. With the proper care and diligent dental hygiene, our dental crowns can last up to 30 years.
Natural Appearance
At our office, we are always striving to ensure that you get the dental care you deserve and the smile that you’ve always wanted. That is why we are so proud that our dental crowns are both shaped and shaded to match your original teeth, giving them a natural appearance that seamlessly blends in with your smile.
Easy Maintenance
One of the most impressive perks of our dental crowns is how easy they are to take care of. They don’t require any special treatments, products, or add-ons; once placed, simply treat them like you would your regular teeth. Brush, floss, and schedule a routine dental checkup once every six months.
Types of Dental Crowns
What are dental crowns made of? Dental crowns are commonly made of porcelain because the material is so strong and natural-looking. Crowns can also be made of ceramic, zirconia, metal, composite resin, or a combination of materials.
The material of your crown will depend on a handful of factors. Your dentist will select the best dental crown material based on:
- Your allergies (some people are highly allergic to metal)
- Your tooth’s location (if the tooth is highly visible, you’ll want a natural-looking crown that blends in with your smile)
- The function of the tooth getting a crown
- Your gum tissue and the amount of natural tooth remaining
- The color of the surrounding teeth
However, there are more differences in dental crowns than the type of material used. Dental crowns can be temporary, one-day, or onlay or ¾ crown.
- Temporary Crown: Temporary dental crowns aren’t meant to last forever. Instead, your dentist will install a temporary crown that’s easy to remove while you’re waiting for your permanent crown to be made by a dental lab.
- One-Day Crown: Permanent crowns typically take two appointments to complete, but with a one-day crown, you can get a permanent crown in one visit. Same-day crowns aren’t available at every dentist’s office in Missoula. Ponderosa Dental Group is proud to offer same-day permanent crowns.
- Onlay or ¾ Crown: An onlay or ¾ crown only covers part of a tooth.
The Dental Crown Process
A dental crown procedure can take one or two office visits depending on your unique situation. However, the process typically follows these steps:
- Tooth Preparation: During your first visit, we will prepare your tooth for the crown. This involves numbing the area, removing decay, and taking out any failing or old dental work from the tooth.
- Tooth Shaping: Next, your tooth is shaped so that a crown can be added on top of it.
- Digital Impressions: We take digital impressions of your tooth and mouth. These impressions are then emailed to a dental lab where the permanent crown is made.
- Temporary Crown (if needed): You may receive a temporary crown depending on how long it takes to make your permanent crown. If so, the temporary crown will be removed before the permanent one is installed.
- Crown Placement: Once the permanent crown is made, we check for fit and bond it to your existing tooth. If you have an implant, we secure your crown onto the abutment.
After the procedure, your lips and gums may feel numb for a couple of hours. Learn more about dental crown procedures on MedlinePlus.gov and MouthHealthy.org, brought to you by the American Dental Association.
Dental Crown Insurance and Cost
Many insurance policies cover dental crowns, especially when a crown has been deemed medically necessary. Coverage varies from policy to policy. We will happily look at your policy and let you know what is and is not covered.
Your dental crown cost will depend on your insurance coverage. As WebMD reports, dental crowns generally cost anywhere from $800 to $1,700 per crown. If you don’t have dental insurance, we offer in-house dental plans. With a Ponderosa Dental Plan, you can get 15% off dental procedures, including all specialty services.
Get Durable Dental Crowns for Your Smile in Missoula, MA
At Ponderosa Dental Group, we know how important a healthy-looking smile can be. We have years of experience with dental crowns in Missoula, MT. We want to use that experience to give you a smile you can be proud of. Call for your appointment or schedule a video consultation today!