Your teeth are some of the most important parts of your body. It can grant you a chance to smile or not smile, based on their condition. However, at times the state of a tooth can become a problem, and so a solution has to be sorted. If you are having tooth issues, it can become uncomfortable to smile. One of the solutions to a badly decayed tooth is our Beverly Hills dental crowns.
A dental crown is actually a tooth-shaped object which is inserted on an existing tooth so that the size, shape, strength, and appearance of your teeth can be restored. Your original tooth is still in place, but the dental crown acts as a cap on the tooth, protecting it and restoring it’s appearance. The crown is made to look just like your other teeth, so it will not interfere with your smile. They are a very long lasting tooth restoration option.
Importance of Dental Crowns
There are several reasons why one would be encouraged to go for a dental crown. It is the solution for most of the dental problem that you may be having. Here are some of its importance:
- It protects your tooth
A dental crown is a sure way to protect a weakened tooth. When tooth decay get’s beyond the point of simply needing a dental filling, or when you’ve just had a root canal performed, or the tooth has been damaged in another way, a crown is one of the best methods of protecting your tooth. It acts as a solid cap for your tooth. Down the road, if the dental crown you received becomes damaged, instead of replacing your entire tooth, another cap can be put on the tooth, further giving life to your original tooth. - Covering discolored teeth
It’s difficult to smile for some people when their teeth become discolored and stained. In most cases, you may try hiding your teeth by not smiling or laughing as much. Having stained and discolored teeth can be very stressful – but crowns can restore your self confidence and give you your smile back. - Covers damage caused by tooth decay
Be it from a bad cavity that extended past the point that a simple filling could resolve it, or from an infected root that had to be cleaned out, the crown is used to protect your now weakened tooth. After tooth decay or infection is cleaned out of the tooth, the tooth becomes weakened, as a lot of it’s structure had to be removed to in turn remove the infection. The dental crown’s purpose is to cover and provide stability to the tooth. Modern dental crown material (usually made of a type of ceramic) is extremely durable and able to withstand tremendous forces.
Types of Dental Crowns
Now, understanding why the dental crown is important, it is necessary to know which type of crown is most effective for you. Here are the types of dental crowns available:
- Stainless steel crown
This type of crown is made out of stainless steel. In most cases, they are normally used for making a permanent dental crown. Just from the name, the crown is easy to clean and resistant to staining. This crown can be used on both children and adults. For adults, it is one of the best options. For children, the crown is used basically to protect the primary tooth from decay because the children may not be in a position to properly keep their teeth clean. Children also tend to consume more sweet drinks and food, which makes protecting their teeth all the more necessary. - Metal Crowns
Metal crowns are made out of different alloys of metal with platinum or gold content. One good thing about metal crowns is that they can withstand the forces exerted on them when chewing or biting. This ability makes them last longer than any other type of crown. They do not break or crack easily. However, because of their color, most patients don’t opt for this type of crown for their front teeth or canines, preferring to chose this option for their molars. - All-ceramic
This is the most preferred type of crown, as it not only closely matches the color of your real teeth, but it’s incredibly durable. The only real downside for a ceramic crown, is it can be more expensive. Since it’s a tooth-colored crown, it’s good for both anterior and posterior teeth. If you are allergic to metals, this is the best option for you. - All-resin crowns
All-resin crowns are the most affordable crown option, as they are the least durable. They are usually used as a temporary crown solution. - Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns
Also known as a PFM crown, this type of crown looks very similar to your normal teeth. It may be difficult to realize that one is has a crown in at all. The color can always be adjusted to look like the other uncrowned teeth. However, depending on the position of the tooth, the metal material underneath the porcelain may show through at the gum line.
After Your Dental Crown
Getting a crown is an excellent option to protect your teeth. However, if you do not give it the care it deserves, you may end up with issues related to your new crown. Here are some precautions you should take after getting a dental crown:
- Avoid eating overly chewy food
You should avoid eating overly chewy foods like gum, caramel, and other tackey foods. Too much chewing can cause weaken the bond the crown has with your tooth, and cause the crown to come off with a bit of the sticky food. If this happens, be sure to save the crown and go immediately to a dentist, as an unprotected tooth is a very sensitive one, and is prone to further damage. - Avoid chewing on the side of the mouth with the crown until the tooth is fully healed
You can always use the other side of the jaw to chew until your tooth is fully healed. After which you can chew just like normal. - Do not brush your crown too hard when brushing your teeth
Until your tooth is fully healed, try to be gentle when brushing your teeth and don’t use a hard-bristled toothbrush. A soft toothbrush carefully used will be fine.
YOU HAVE QUESTIONS , WE HAVE THE ANSWERS
DENTAL CROWN FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
People want to know more about the process of the dental crown before they decide to go for it or not. We prepared some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers here to ensure that you have the necessary information to make a decision. Here are some of them.
Since anesthesia will be used, the procedure itself should not be painful. However, like with most more invasive dental procedures, a dull ache can follow getting a dental crown. The discomfort should go away shortly after your procedure is completed.
The durability of a crown depends on a few factors – from your own oral hygiene and chewing habits, to what material was used for the crown. Depending on the type of crown that you choose, the crown is expected to last from 5 to 15 years or more. Metallic and some ceramic crowns lasts longer than other types, while the all-resin crown wears out fastest. When you come in for your consultation for a dental crown Beverly Hills dentist, Dr. Justin Raanan, can go over which crown would be best for you and answer any questions you have. Call us for a consultation today!
The cost of a dental crown varies with the type of the crown used. The experience and skill of the dentist also plays a part in price. Generally speaking, the cost should range from $800 to $1700 per crown. The cost may be covered partially buy your insurance company, so be sure to get an estimation of your benefits.
Generally, the entire process is likely to take from two to four weeks; however, there are now new products available, which can assist in providing the result in a week. Your dentist and his/her team can go over the details with you. Ask them for more information and get an idea about the entire procedure before making a final decision.
Yes. A dental crown may develop some problems, although the problems should not be long-lasting. For instance, you may feel over-sensitivity of the teeth due to the cavities that may have developed in the gum as a result of fixing the crown. The crown may also chip, which calls for a dentist’s attention. Sometimes, there can be an allergic reaction to the crown material. If you experience any issues with your crown, contact your dentist right away.
Some common conditions which may require a dental crown include: after you have undergone a root canal or large filling. Additionally, you may need it if you have a cracked tooth or broken cusps. There are many more reasons why one need a dental crown but these are the major ones. If you have discolored teeth an entire row of teeth can be crowned to give you a truly Hollywood Smile.
Now that you know more about this dental process, you may be wondering how to get the best Beverly Hills dentist to do the work for you. You deserve the best of our services. Dr. Raanan is a very experienced dentist with countless dental crowns performed to happy patients. He will always advise you on the best route to take for optimal oral health. Contact us to book an appointment today! You are our priority!
Dr. Justin Raanan, DDS.. MMSc. Periodontist
414 N Camden Dr Suite 1240, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
11980 San Vincente Blvd. suite 811, Los Angeles, CA 90049
