Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are dental restorations used to protect, restore, or replace damaged, diseased, or missing teeth. They are one of the most versatile dental restoration options available and can be used in various ways.

What is a Dental Crown?

A crown is a cap that surrounds and covers the visible portion of a tooth. A crown can serve a variety of purposes, from covering and protecting the remaining portion of a damaged tooth to replacing a missing tooth when placed on a dental implant. When placed over a damaged tooth or a tooth that has had a root canal, the crown is permanently cemented in place. Dental crowns protect against future damage, restore function, and improve appearance.

What are the benefits of dental crowns?

• Replace missing teeth
• Offer support to misshapen teeth or badly broken teeth
• Look natural
• Improve your smile
• Fix chewing problems
• Protect damaged teeth against infection or future damage

Do I need a dental crown?

There are many reasons to consider getting a dental crown, including the following:

• You have a cracked or broken tooth
• A tooth is severely decayed, and a filling won’t repair it properly
• You have had a root canal
• You have a weak or severely worn tooth
• You want to improve the appearance of a misshapen or discolored tooth
• You are getting a dental implant or dental bridge

How long does it take to get a dental crown?

It usually takes two to three weeks to get a dental crown and requires two appointments with Dr. Mohandes. At your first appointment, she cleans and prepares the tooth, then takes a digital impression to send to our lab. The lab uses this to create a permanent, customized crown. Dr. Mohandes will place a temporary crown over your tooth to protect it while you wait for the permanent one to be made.

Within a few weeks, your permanent crown will be ready, and you will return for your final fitting. Dr. Mohandes will check the fit, smooth any rough edges, and permanently cement your dental crown into place. This process typically takes between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the location of the tooth. You’ll leave FM Dentistry with a beautiful smile.

What are dental crowns made of?

There are several options for dental crowns. Some are made of porcelain or ceramic, which are very natural-looking and blend beautifully with surrounding teeth. These are ideal for front teeth. Porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns are stronger and can be used in any area of the mouth. The strongest crowns are made of metal, such as gold or an alloy, but these are not tooth-colored and are usually reserved for molars and patients who grind their teeth.

How long do dental crowns last?

With good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, dental crowns can last 10-15 years. Gold crowns usually last longer. To ensure your dental crowns last as long as possible, do not use them as tools to open packages and avoid chewing on hard objects such as pens or biting your nails.

Can I eat anything I like with dental crowns?

Within reason, yes. While your crown is designed to function like a natural tooth, it’s best to avoid very sticky or hard foods, as there’s always a risk that they could loosen or chip the crown. If this happens, please call our office to schedule an appointment so that we can fix the issue.

Does getting a crown hurt?

No. Dr. Mohandes numbs the area with a local anesthetic. You will not feel any pain, although you may experience some pressure.

Will dental insurance cover the cost of dental crowns?

It depends. If a crown is medically necessary (for instance, following a root canal), most dental insurance will cover all or some of the cost of a crown. However, if you are getting a crown for cosmetic reasons (to improve the appearance of a discolored or misshapen tooth), your insurance probably will not cover it. FM Dentistry offers payment plans and accepts CareCredit, a low-interest healthcare financing option for our patients.

If you are interested in learning more about dental crowns, please get in touch with FM Dentistry at FM Dentistry & Orthodontics Phone Number 281-454-3152 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mohandes. Her combination of skill, artistry, and gentle care ensures that every dental crown procedure is both successful and pleasant.