Dental Crowns – South Portland, ME
We Can Repair Broken or Damaged Teeth
If you have a chipped tooth, you might feel like it renders your smile unattractive. However, that’s not the only problem with having damaged teeth. Chips or cracks in your tooth can create an easy pathway for harmful bacteria to enter the inside portion of your tooth and wreak havoc in the form of painful cavities. To prevent this Dr. Gagnon can place a restoration called a dental crown over your tooth. If your chipped, cracked, or otherwise cosmetically flawed tooth is marring your smile, feel free to give us a call and ask about dental crowns.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are also commonly referred to as “caps” because they are tooth-shaped shells that fit right over a tooth to restore its structure, function, and appearance all at once. While crowns in the past have been made of various metals like gold and silver, today’s crowns are typically composed of dental porcelain. This material can be custom shaded to blend in with the rest of your teeth. No one even has to know you had dental work done!
Am I a Good Candidate for a Dental Crown?
Here are a few of the situations in which we typically recommend a dental crown:
- To protect a tooth that already has multiple fillings from future decay
- To repair a tooth that has been more than halfway damaged by cavities
- To protect a tooth that has been hurt from teeth grinding and jaw clenching
- To restore a tooth that has recently been treated with root canal therapy
The Dental Crown Procedure
After a consultation to determine that a dental crown is just the thing your smile needs, receiving a crown should take just two appointments over the course of a few weeks. During the first of these visits, we numb the area and prepare your tooth by shaving down the outermost layer of enamel. This step ensures your crown won’t bulge out in your smile. Next, we take impressions of your prepped tooth and send them to our partnered dental lab. While they get to work creating your custom crown, we can fix a temporary to your tooth in the meantime. A few weeks later, you’ll return to our office and receive your permanent restoration.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
When teeth are damaged, our only options are to either repair or extract it. Since missing teeth can jeopardize your oral health, we always do our best to restore the tooth to the best of our ability. Often, that means placing a dental crown over it. In addition to saving a tooth from extraction, some of the benefits of dental crowns include:
- Your crown can last more than a decade, provided you take good care of it with regular brushing, flossing, and checkups with us.
- With a dental crown, you’ll be able to enjoy eating crunchy foods to your heart’s content.
- Dental crowns are made to look like a completely natural part of your smile.
Dental Crowns FAQs
Can Dental Crowns Get Cavities?
You don’t have to worry about your restoration getting a cavity, but that doesn’t mean you can stop brushing and flossing. Your underlying tooth and remaining teeth are still vulnerable to decay. Cavity-causing bacteria can gain access to your tooth from small cracks that form in the dental cement over time. A buildup of plaque and tartar hosts harmful bacteria. Good oral hygiene habits and regular dental care support a cavity-free smile. It’s important to limit your consumption of sugars and starches to keep tooth decay at bay.
Does It Hurt to Get a Dental Crown?
Your dentist in South Portland will keep your comfort as their top priority. They may administer a local numbing agent to block any pain while performing any preparatory procedures or preparing your tooth. At most, you may feel some unusual sensations or pressure. After the effects of any numbing medications wear off, your tooth might be tender for a few days. You can manage it with an OTC pain reliever and eating soft foods.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
The average lifespan of a dental crown is about 10 years; however, they can last for much longer. Many factors will affect the life expectancy of your restoration, like the materials used. High-quality materials tend to last longer than discounted options. The location of your crown can also influence how long it lasts. Molars experience more pressure and friction. Therefore, they may have a slightly shorter lifespan than restorations placed on front teeth. Your oral hygiene will also play a role. You can get the most from your investment by brushing and flossing. Limit hard and chewy foods to minimize wear and tear. Don’t forget to visit your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup.
Can I Use My Dental Insurance for a Dental Crown?
Your dental insurance may cover your consultation, imaging, and diagnostic services after a co-payment. You can use your benefits to reduce the amount you’ll pay out-of-pocket if your restoration is medically necessary. After meeting your annual deductible, your insurance can pay 50% to 80% of the expenses until you meet your yearly limit. We will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize your coverage to keep your restoration affordable.