Dental Crowns – Huntington Beach, CA
Repair Your Damaged Tooth with a Durable Solution
Is one of your teeth so broken or weak that you can’t chew without discomfort? Do you have a misshapen tooth that makes it hard to smile with confidence? If so, you’ll be happy to know that Dr. Alexandria N. Arditti and the rest of our team at Pacific View Dental Group can help! One of the most common ways in which we repair damaged teeth is with dental crowns in Huntington Beach, CA. These restorations are designed to bring back the ideal function and appearance of your tooth, and the treatment only takes two appointments. Contact our team today to learn more about how we can repair your damaged tooth with a durable solution!
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a personalized “cap” that covers the entire section of the tooth that extends past the gumline. The primary purpose of a dental crown is to strengthen a weakened, broken, or otherwise damaged tooth and protect it from additional damage. However, we can also place a crown to enhance the appearance of a misshapen or worn-down tooth.
Crowns can be crafted from various materials, such as gold and other precious metals, but many of our patients prefer porcelain crowns due to their seamless appearance. If you require a metal crown, we may also place a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown for the durability of metal combined with the aesthetics of porcelain.
The Dental Crown Process
Dr. Arditti can place a dental crown over the course of two appointments. During your initial visit, your dentist in Huntington Beach will prepare the tooth by removing any damaged tissue as well as a small amount of surface enamel on all of its sides. This step allows your restoration to fit within the natural line of your smile. Once the tooth is prepared, a bite impression is captured. This impression is sent to the dental lab, where a custom crown is made. Then, we place a temporary to protect your prepared tooth. Once we receive the final crown from the lab, you’ll return to our office, so we can exchange the temporary for a final, customized restoration.
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Crown
In addition to being versatile, dental crowns offer a multitude of benefits, including:
- Greater comfort – By shielding your tooth, you’ll be able to chew your favorite foods with ease again.
- Protection for damaged teeth – Crowns minimize the risk of a tooth sustaining even more damage. It might even save that tooth from having to be extracted.
- Simple maintenance – You can care for dental crowns in the same way as natural teeth (regular brushing, flossing, dental checkups, etc.).
- Enhanced appearance – If you choose a ceramic crown, it can be personalized to blend in with your surrounding pearly whites.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Crowns
If you have a tooth that is decayed, broken, or otherwise structurally compromised, a dental crown is a great way to build up its integrity while also protecting it from further harm. However, many patients worry about the cost of their new restoration. During your consultation we will discuss the cost of your new dental crown in detail. Until then, here are some things to take into account.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Dental Crowns
There are multiple factors that determine the cost of dental crowns. Here are the main ones that are considered:
- Severity of Damage: If your tooth has been severely damaged, you may need other treatments in addition to your dental crown. For instance, if your tooth is infected, you may need to get root canal treatment before you are able to have a dental crown placed.
- Materials Used: Dental crowns can be crafted from a variety of different materials, including gold, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and all-ceramic.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Crowns?
Dental insurance partially covers dental crowns in most plans. Dental crowns are usually considered to be a major restorative treatment, so their cost is usually covered at approximately 50%. At Pacific View Dental Group, we are proud to be in-network with Delta Dental policies. If you have any questions regarding your plan or coverage, give us a call so we can help.
Options for Making Dental Crowns Affordable
If you don’t have dental insurance, this doesn’t mean that you will be left completely on your own. With our In-House Health and Wellness Plan, you can receive all of the benefits of insurance, but without annual maximums or waiting periods. This way, you can save on services completed at our practice. We are also happy to accept payments through CareCredit – a third-party financing company that can split the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly installments with little to no interest. To learn more about your financial options, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our friendly team members.
Dental Crown FAQs
Are Dental Crowns Permanent?
Keep in mind that dental crowns are meant to be a long-term solution for damaged or decaying teeth. However, like all restorations, they are not meant to last for life, nor are they permanent. Typically, a dental crown will last up to 15 years with proper maintenance. What is permanent is the process of shaping the tooth so a crown can fit over it properly. Tooth enamel does not grow back after it has been modified, which is exactly why dental crowns are needed in the first place. This means your tooth will always need a crown going forward. Thankfully, dental crowns protect teeth from future damage, ensuring it lasts much longer and won’t need removal any time soon.
Do Dental Crowns Get Cavities?
While it’s technically impossible for a dental crown to develop cavities due to its inorganic properties, the crown underneath it can still develop decay. The reality is even teeth that are covered with a crown can develop decay just as easily as teeth without crowns. If you have poor oral hygiene, oral bacteria and plaque can form around the gum line where the tooth meets the crown. For this reason, you’ll need to perform daily brushing and flossing before it can cause harm to your tooth.
Does It Hurt to Get a Dental Crown?
Whether you’re receiving dental crowns or fillings, Dr. Arditti ensures your mouth is numbed before performing any restorative dental work. Keep in mind this preparatory phase does not necessarily mean you’ll receive a crown the same day. Rather, this is done so any modifications done to your tooth are not felt. When you come back to our office for your second appointment to have the permanent restoration attached, we’ll ask if you’d like to have local anesthetic beforehand. It is common to notice some mild sensitivity over the next few days following your procedure. This is especially normal if you’re receiving root canal therapy. To manage any discomfort, feel free to take OTC painkillers.
What Happens If You Wait Too Long to Get a Dental Crown?
As someone who cares deeply about maintaining the natural structure of your teeth, Dr. Arditti will only recommend a dental crown if you absolutely need it. We understand that you may be tempted to put off the procedure, but it’s better to get it taken care of now rather than later. The longer you wait to have your dental placed, the longer your tooth remains exposed to harsh conditions like chewing forces, food debris, and oral bacteria. This can lead to the condition of the tooth worsening to the point of needing root canal therapy or an extraction. As a result, getting a dental crown can help you save money on more expensive procedures later.