Aesthetic Dental Crowns

When you think about a dental crown, you may envision a silver or gold tooth marring a natural-looking smile. The days of obtrusive dental work are over, though. Dr. Ginn is a general dentist who focuses on cosmetic dentistry, so he values optimal oral health as well as the beauty of an all-white smile. If you have a damaged tooth that needs a dental crown, Dr. Ginn will suggest a porcelain or porcelain-fused-to-metal crown if possible. Usually, an all-metal crown is necessary only on back teeth, which don’t show when you smile.

Why might you need a dental crown?

• To keep a dental bridge from shifting.
• To improve the look of a smile.
• To restore a tooth that is cracked or damaged.
• To restore a tooth that has been worn down by grinding your teeth.
• To provide support for a filling.
• To cover a dental implant.
• To change the shape or color of a tooth.

What should I expect from a crown procedure?

Placement of a dental crown requires two clinical visits. The first visit requires Dr. Ginn to evaluate and prep your tooth for a crown. The first visit will include the following steps:

• X-rays will be taken in order to check the condition of your tooth’s roots.
• Dr. Ginn will file your tooth down to make room for a crown.
• If you have too little healthy tooth, Dr. Ginn will use filling to fill in your tooth.
• Dr. Ginn will take some molds of your mouth and teeth to be sent to a lab where your crown will be manufactured.
• Dr. Ginn will place a temporary crown to protect your tooth until the permanent crown is ready.

After this appointment is complete, and your permanent crown has been manufactured, a second visit will occur and include the following:

• Dr. Ginn will remove your temporary crown.
• An anesthetic will be used in the area where the crown will be placed.
• Dr. Ginn will place your permanent crown.

Caring for your Crown

After your procedure has been completed, it is important to maintain proper habits for caring for your teeth and dental crown. Unfortunately, if you do not take proper care of your dental crown, it can cause you to have problems and pain. Possible problems include discomfort, chipping, loosening fit, and the crown failing completely and falling off.

The cost of a dental crown can vary from $500 to $1500 per crown. Typically, your dental insurance will cover at least some of the cost of a dental crown. If you want to check if your dental insurance will cover some of the cost, please contact your insurance company or contact us.