What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a “cap” placed over a tooth that has been broken, treated by root canal, stained, damaged by decay, or is misshapen. Individually crafted and custom-fitted, dental crowns blend seamlessly with the tone and contour of your natural teeth and can last for over 15 years. Crowns are also used to support a dental bridge, top off a dental implant, or for certain cosmetic modifications and aesthetic purposes.
What’s The Process of Getting a Crown?
A dental crown procedure typically requires two office visits and is performed by a dentist. Here’s how we approach it:
Examining and Preparing the Tooth
The process begins with a dental examination, during which the dentist will check and clean your teeth to ensure they are prepared for an easy fit. If the tooth is broken or severely damaged by decay, we will remove the damaged areas so the dental crown can protect the tooth from further decay.
Shaping the Crown
Next, we will take an impression of your teeth using dental putty to construct full porcelain crowns. You will be provided with a temporary dental crown to wear until your next appointment. If you are replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant, we will take an impression of the implant and the surrounding teeth. Our lab will use this impression to manufacture your custom crown.
Placing the Crown
At your second appointment, we will remove the temporary crown and replace it with a permanent one. The crown will be secured using durable dental cement or a hidden screw. Finally, we will polish the crown and make any necessary adjustments to ensure your comfort and satisfaction.
Cost of Dental Crowns in Thunder Bay
The out-of-pocket cost for a dental crown can vary widely depending on individual circumstances. With a typical insurance plan, a single crown averages around $200 to $600+. Without insurance, the cost generally ranges from $800 to $1200 and up. While most people find a dental crown to be a straightforward decision for restoring their mouth’s normal function and appearance, the cost can still be a concern.
What Determines the Cost of a Dental Crown?
- The type of crown and the material used.
- The location and complexity of the procedure.
- The number of crowns required.
- Combining the crown with other dental appliances like bridges.
- Supplies and equipment needed for your specific treatment.
It’s important to note that no dental practice can provide an accurate quote over the phone. Your needs are as unique as your smile. Speaking with a dentist and undergoing an oral exam is crucial to explore all your treatment options and receive an accurate quote. If you have dental insurance, we can provide a quote for you to submit to your insurer, helping you determine your out-of-pocket costs before making a decision.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Winner Of The Three Best Rated Award
Dr. Ameen is the winner of the 3 Best Rated award for Best Cosmetic Dentists in Thunder Bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Needing a crown after a root canal largely depends on the tooth’s location in the mouth. Molars and premolars, located towards the back, are essential for chewing and generally require crowns. In contrast, incisors and canines, which are not primarily used for chewing, may not always need crowns.
One key difference between a crown and a filling is durability, especially for teeth with a large biting surface. The repeated pressure from chewing or habitual clenching can cause fillings on the biting surfaces of molars to chip or come loose. In contrast, a crown, which provides a single unbroken surface from gumline to gumline, is designed to withstand much greater force over a longer period.
Dental crowns serve two important roles in your mouth. Firstly, they fully restore the function of your tooth, allowing you to bite and chew without pain or discomfort, and without needing to compensate by chewing on one side. Secondly, crowns are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. They are coloured and contoured to match your aesthetics, often making it easy to forget which tooth has the crown.
A post isn’t quite the same as a dental implant (which is surgically placed in the jawbone), but it serves a similar purpose. A dental post is a medical-grade post that can be cemented into a prepared root canal to reinforce the base and core of a dental crown. Dental posts are used when there isn’t enough healthy tooth structure remaining to reliably support a crown.
Depending on the condition of your tooth, getting a crown can feel similar to getting a filling. We take our time to thoroughly numb the area and use freezing as needed, ensuring that the preparation of your tooth is not painful. You may experience a little sensitivity or some soreness in the gums around the tooth for a short period following the procedure. If you feel anxious about visiting the dentist, let us know! We are here to put your mind at ease and make your experience as comfortable as possible.
In most cases, dental crowns can last up to 15 years. However, if they are properly maintained, they can last for 25-30 years.
A dental crown should be maintained just like a natural tooth. Regular brushing and flossing help keep both your dental crown and the surrounding gums healthy and clean. Additionally, routine cleanings and checkups with your dentist are essential for maintaining overall oral health.
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