Despite being very common, patients still have questions about dental crowns. Here are the top 5 questions about crowns, according to research.
Dental crowns are one of the most common dental procedures. Also called caps, crowns are necessary to restore broken, weakened or decayed teeth back to normal function.
What is the procedure for a crown?
The dentist will administer local anesthetic to (numb) the tooth and gum around the tooth. If you have high dental anxiety talk to your dentist about sedation.
Next, the tooth is reshaped on all sides to make room for the crown. If a large area of the tooth is missing due to decay or damage, your dental professional will use filling material to build up the tooth to support the crown.
Depending on your dentist office technology, impressions or molds will be taken of your teeth to send to a dental laboratory to make your crown. If this is the technology of your dentist you will have a plastic temporary crown for up to a month.
The most high tech and up to date way to make your crown is a digital scan of your teeth. If this technique is used you can have your permanent crown made that same day by your dental team. Sometimes referred to as “same day crown.”
Another way could be a digital scan of your teeth to send to a dental lab. When this method is used you would also have a temporary crown made until the lab has fabricated your permanent crown.
Are crowns covered by dental insurance?
Yes, almost all dental insurance plans provide some coverage for dental crowns. The amount of coverage varies by plan. The most common benefit is 50% of the cost.
Many insurance companies require proof that a crown is necessary to restore a tooth. This “proof” includes an x-ray, photo and a short explanation by your dentist.
Some dental insurance plans require a waiting period on major dentistry, and a crown is considered major.
Are crowns permanent?
Usually a crown is the final restoration for a tooth. This does not mean that once a tooth has a crown, it will never need future dental work.
A crown requires maintenance, just like your teeth. A tooth with a crown can get a cavity and gum disease.
It is possible for cavities to develop at the edge of a crown where it meets the tooth. Just like cavities on natural teeth, plaque and bacteria can build up and cause cavities.
Are crowns painful?
The degree of discomfort depends on the reason for needing a crown. When you needed a crown due to a cracked tooth, root canal tooth or if you were having discomfort with the tooth before the crown was prepared. In these cases it could take up to 2 weeks for complete healing.
One of the most common cause of discomfort or pain after having a crown is a bad bite. When your upper and lower tooth meet improperly, the nerve inside the tooth becomes irritated. A bad bite is reversible but, will cause sensitivity to cold and when chewing. If the bite is off, the dentist can adjust the crown to correct the bite.
Another common cause of pain from a dental crown is irreversible inflammation of the nerve. The initial injury to the tooth (either decay or a crack) may cause damage to the nerve. In this case, a root canal will need to be done to remove the damaged nerve.
How are crowns fitted?
The final placement of a crown to your tooth is a simple procedure. If you had a temporary crown, it will be removed easily. The tooth will be cleaned of any debris. Next, the final crown is tried in for proper fit, flossing and bite.
Once the final adjustments are made, the tooth will need to be clean and dry. Dental cement is placed inside the crown and placed onto your tooth. After the cement is set up, the excess cement is removed and final bite check.
