Dental Crowns – Forest, VA
Natural-Looking, Simplistic Tooth Repair
At Crossroads Family Dentistry, we understand the difficulty of dealing with a tooth that’s been damaged, cracked, or broken. To help address this, our team is happy to provide patients with dental crowns in Forest. These porcelain, tooth-colored, and lifelike restorations can renew the look and function of a compromised tooth, preventing it from further damage later on. Keep reading or give us a call if you wish to renew your smile with dental crowns!
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What Is a Dental Crown?
You can think of a dental crown as a fancy hat for your tooth. In reality, it is a tooth-shaped restoration that simply fits over the top of a damaged tooth. With one, we can:
- Repair a large cavity
- Restore a broken tooth
- Hold a weakened tooth together
- Help align the bite to address TMD issues
- Complete a dental implant
- Cosmetically improve a misshapen or undersized tooth
Crowns can be made of a variety of materials, ranging from strong and durable metal for the back teeth to beautiful (and still durable!) porcelain for the front teeth. Modern materials have given us the ability to create beautiful, strong crowns for any spot in the mouth. In most cases, the process to design and place one only takes two visits spaced about a week apart.
The Dental Crown Process
A dental crown is custom-crafted by using impressions that are taken of the patient’s pearly whites. Traditionally, this will require two visits. During the first appointment, your dentist will prepare your tooth by removing a small amount of the enamel to make space for your restoration. After impressions are taken and sent to a lab, you’ll have to wait a couple of weeks for your permanent crown to be fabricated. In the meantime, you’ll wear a temporary one to protect your tooth. Your second visit will be when the final restoration is fitted and cemented to your smile.
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Crown
You can expect to enjoy the following benefits with dental crowns:
- Eliminate discomfort when eating, chewing, and drinking
- Decreased tooth sensitivity in the damaged/compromised area
- Reduced risk of more serious dental concerns, like an infection or the need for tooth extraction
- A flawless solution that blends with the rest of your pearly whites
- A durable restoration that can last 10+ years with proper care
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Dental Crown FAQs
A dental crown has been used for generations to repair damaged teeth while also providing an added layer of protection. Despite their success rate, dental crowns in Forest as a big commitment. Your dentist will explain the entire process during your consultation; however, here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions to ease any apprehensions.
Are Dental Crowns Permanent?
Dental crowns aren’t permanent because they need to be replaced, eventually. Since your tooth must be altered to bond a crown over it, the procedure isn’t reversible. Your tooth will always need to be covered because your enamel won’t grow back. Thankfully, you won’t have to budget for a replacement often. A crown can last for about 5 to 15 years, but it’s not unusual for one to last for decades with the right maintenance. You can prolong the lifespan of your restoration by brushing and flossing. Don’t forget to visit your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. Your dentist in Forest will advise you to safeguard your crown from preventable damage, like using a mouthguard if you grind and clench your teeth. It is best to avoid chewing hard or sticky foods to prevent breaking or dislodging your crown. Don’t forget to wear an athletic mouthguard if you play contact sports. Your dentist will also recommend you don’t use your teeth as tools to open packages or chew on any inedible objects.
Can Dental Crowns Get Cavities?
No, a crown cannot get a cavity; however, your underlying tooth is still vulnerable to decay. Although you might believe it has less of a risk with the restoration covering it, your tooth will be just as susceptible to cavities as your other teeth. Bacteria and plaque can accumulate where the crown meets the gum line, gaining access to your tooth. Over time, small fractures can occur in the dental cement holding your restoration in place. Without proper oral hygiene habits, bacteria can enter through the small crevasses. You can protect your smile from decay by brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup. You’ll also want to limit your consumption of sugary foods and drinks.
Are Dental Crowns Covered by Insurance?
Every insurance policy differs, but most plans can be used to offset the cost of crowns. It’s unlikely your dental benefits will cover the entire amount, but they can pay up to 50% of the cost if it is medically necessary, such as to treat a broken tooth. After reaching your yearly deductible, you can use your annual allowance to lower your out-of-pocket expense. A member of our team will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize your benefits. If there is any remaining balance, we offer several financing options to find the solutions you need to fit your budget, like third-party financing. We also have an in-house membership plan, which gives you access to discounted rates for common services, including restorative procedures.