If you have a tooth that is severely decayed or otherwise damaged, a simple filling may not be enough to completely restore your smile and oral health back to what it should be. That’s where dental crowns come in. This common restorative procedure, completed over the course of two visits to our office, can provide stability and functionality back to your problem tooth. Keep reading to learn more about what exactly dental crowns in Kingwood are, when you might need one, and more.
A dental crown is a super-thin, tooth-shaped covering, also known as a “cap,” that slips over a damaged tooth to improve its appearance and structure. Each crown is custom-made according to the detailed measurements of each individual tooth. Crowns are considered permanent restorations since they cannot be removed except by a dentist. It’s possible for crowns to be made of several different materials, such as gold, metal alloys, porcelain-fused-to-metal. Ours are usually made of porcelain/ceramic because it most closely resembles natural tooth enamel, both in feel and appearance.
Typically, it will take two visits to Kingwood Family Dentistry to place your dental crown. During your first appointment, your tooth will be cleaned up and reshaped so that it’s in great shape to receive the crown. Don’t worry; your tooth will be numbed up for this portion of the process. Next, we’ll take a detailed impression of your prepared tooth and send those details off to a dental lab, where your restoration will be painstakingly created by a skilled ceramist. In the meantime, Dr. Mosby will affix you with a temporary crown to protect your tooth. A few weeks later, you’ll return to our office and your temporary will be exchanged for your permanent tooth covering.
Dr. Mosby may recommend a dental crown in the following situations:
Dental crowns are able to treat a variety of dental problems, such as improving its appearance, stability, and functionality, as mentioned above. Additionally, they are a good long-term treatment option. With proper care, a crown can last up to 15 years before it needs to be replaced. They are incredibly durable, able to withstand the daily wear and tear of chewing just like your natural teeth. All you need to do to maintain your crown is brush and floss as normal, and attend checkups and cleanings with Dr. Mosby every six months.
Do you have a tooth that could be improved by restoring it with a dental crown? Then give us a call today to schedule a consultation!
When you’re planning to have a dental crown placed at our office, one thing we’ll need to discuss is how much the process will cost overall. In addition to thinking about the variables that could affect the price of the actual crown, we will also need to talk about your plan to pay for your treatment and whether you will be using dental insurance or taking advantage of our financing options. We want you to be able to get a restoration that you can rely on at a cost that won’t break your budget.
What factors will play a role in determining the amount you pay for your dental crown? We can go over the relevant factors in more detail when you visit our office, but in the meantime, here are some of the key points that will have to be taken into account:
You will need to review your specific dental insurance plan in order to know for sure what it does and doesn’t cover, but most of the time you can expect dental crowns to be included. Many insurance companies will pay around 50% of the cost of a crown as long as it is truly necessary for your oral health.
Remember that you will most likely have to pay a deductible before your coverage kicks in. On top of that, your plan’s annual maximum will put a cap on the amount that your insurance company will pay for dental treatments during a given period. Make sure that you understand the specifics of your plan before committing to anything.
Are you worried that you won’t be able to fit the cost of your dental crown into your budget? We may have the answer! Our team can help you with the process of applying for CareCredit, a trusted third-party financing company. Financing allows you to pay for your treatment in monthly installments; this can be a less stressful alternative to trying to pay the full cost all at once. Reach out to us today if you would like more information about CareCredit and how it works.
Every tooth in your smile matters, and you want to make sure each one is strong. But do you have questions about dental crowns in Kingwood? Would you like to learn more about them? Please read our responses to common questions below. If you have other questions, or if you would like to talk about crowns in more detail, feel free to contact our office to schedule an appointment with us. We’ll happily address your concerns.
Absolutely! Our dental lab uses high-quality ceramic materials and customizes your porcelain dental crown. The final product fits in with the rest of your teeth and look just like a natural tooth. The impressions we take ensure that it feels comfortable, and we’ll color match it so it blends in seamlessly. In fact, you may forget which tooth has a crown on it!
Although your dental crown can withstand great force, it is not indestructible. Try to be careful and maintain it as you would a natural tooth. If it comes out, reach out to our office right away so that we can get it repositioned or replaced as soon as possible. To temporarily cover your exposed tooth, rinse your mouth as well as the crown and use a dab of toothpaste to hold the restoration in place until you can make it to our office.
It depends on your insurance plan. Most of the time, dental insurance benefits include part of the cost of advanced restorations, including crowns. Since it may be covered only partially, keep in mind that you’ll need to pay for the rest of the cost out of pocket. Our team at Kingwood Family Dentistry will closely evaluate your plan and help you find ways to maximize your available coverage.
The price patients pay for a dental crown varies from person to person, depending on several factors. For example, your insurance plan may reduce the price you pay for your restoration. The type and location of crown you need will also impact the cost. If you need a crown for a molar, it may cost more than a crown for an incisor. Regardless of the amount you need to pay, you can take advantage of third-party financing through CareCredit to divide the cost into easy monthly payments.
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