Many people have heard of dental crowns—and many people have dental crowns—but don’t really know what these dental restorations are. If you’ve been the dentist recently and have been told you need a dental crown, you might have questions, such as:

• What actually is a dental crown?
• Is there more than one type?
• What problems can dental crowns fix?
• How long do they last?
• How much does a dental crown cost?

To answer the first question, a dental crown is simply a tooth-shaped cap that fits on top of the patient’s damaged tooth. Its purpose is to restore the tooth’s function and appearance.

Continue reading to learn the answers to the rest of your questions.

1.    Is there more than one type of dental crown?

Along with there being temporary and permanent dental crowns, they can also be made from several different materials, like:

• Stainless steel: Typically used for temporary crowns, these can be made in the dentist’s office while the permanent crown is made in a dental laboratory.
• Metals: Metal crowns are made from a blend of gold, platinum, cobalt-chromium, and nickel-chromium alloys. They are known for being extremely durable, but patients don’t usually prefer them because of their unnatural appearance.
• Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM): Porcelain-fused-to-metal offers strength and aesthetics. These are often recommended for the visible teeth. However, the porcelain may show some wear over time.
• Zirconia: This new material has become increasingly popular over the past few years. Zirconia matches the natural tooth color and is extremely durable.
• All-Resin: The greatest advantage of resin is that it is affordable. Unfortunately, these crowns will likely need to be replaced more than any other option.
• All-Ceramic: Ceramic, or porcelain, match the natural tooth better than any other option. Dentists often recommend them for replacing front teeth. However, they still aren’t as strong metal. Even so, when properly cared for, a ceramic dental crown can last for several years.

2.    What problems can dental crowns fix?

A dentist may recommend a dental crown for any of the following reasons:

• Large cavities
• Covering dental implants
• Cracked teeth
• Worn or weak teeth
• Restore a root canaled tooth
• Damaged or discolored tooth

3.    How long do dental crowns last?

Just like any other dental restoration, the longevity of a dental crown is mostly dependent on how well the person takes care of it. Proper oral hygiene includes brushing two times a day, flossing daily, eating properly, and visiting the dentist regularly. Other factors such as the lifestyle of the patient, material of the dental crown, and expertise of the dentist also affect longevity.

Dental crowns can last anywhere between 5 and 15 years. Generally, metal and PFM crowns last the longest, and ceramic or porcelain typically need to be replaced more often.

4.    How much does a dental crown cost?

Dental crown cost depends on how many crowns are being placed, the material used, and the dentist. When used to restore a damaged tooth, dental crowns are typically covered by insurance. Be sure to choose a dental team that works with your insurance provider. For patients who don’t have insurance, in-office or third-party financing can be utilized.

Learn More About Dental Crowns Today

At Smiles 4 Grant Park, Dr. Abbey J. Lee is passionate about educating her patients on the pros and cons of each treatment. To learn if a dental crown is right for you, call our office today at 404-328-7177 to schedule an initial consultation.