Do you have a severely damaged or unattractive tooth? Now, we can restore its health, function, and appearance using just one treatment. Dental crowns in Big Pine Key, FL hold a commonplace in restorative and cosmetic dentistry because they look natural while also preserving your tooth. Our dental office uses all-ceramic material to make your restoration to improve your smile and your oral health. You can chew, speak, and smile without any concern because we use high-quality material that’s designed to last.
What are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap placed over the entire visible portion of a tooth. This adds an extra layer of protection to a tooth that’s been compromised, such as from the pressure of grinding your teeth, a break, or a large area of decay. This prevents any additional damage while also improving the function and appearance of the tooth. Crowns can also be used in combination with other procedures, like a bridge or root canal.
In the past, crowns were made of metal. Although this is an effective solution, metal crowns can cause an eyesore when you smile. Our dental office uses all-ceramic material to carefully craft your restoration to closely mimic your natural tooth. No one will notice its there while you enjoy the same level of protection as a metal crown using a biocompatible solution.
When is a Dental Crown Necessary?
Dental crowns are a widely used treatment, but they are only recommended when there aren’t any other options because you’ll need to permanently alter your tooth. Your dentist in Big Pine Key will perform a comprehensive consultation to ensure a crown is right for you. We may recommend a crown if:
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You have a tooth at risk of breaking.
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You have a large break or fracture.
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You have a large area of decay.
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You need a root canal.
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You’re replacing missing teeth with a bridge.
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You want to cover aesthetic issues.
What Can I Expect During the Process?
The process of restoring your smile with a crown will take a couple of appointments. After your initial consultation, you’ll be scheduled for an appointment to prepare your tooth for the restoration. We will reshape your tooth to allow your dental crown to fit over it.
Once your tooth is prepared, we take an impression of your mouth, which the dental lab will use to carefully craft your crown. It’s made to match your exact size, shape, and color needs to blend in with your natural teeth. This can take a couple of weeks, so you’ll need a temporary crown in the meantime. After your permanent one is ready, you’ll return to our dental office to have it bonded in place.
Although your crown won’t be made of metal, it will be durable to last for several years with the right aftercare. It’s not uncommon for them to last for a decade or longer before needing to be replaced.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Crowns
If you just learned that you require a dental crown in Big Pine Key, then you may feel concerned about how much that’s going to cost you. Our team is proud to offer trustworthy, transparent care, and we always make sure that our patients understand exactly why they need treatment. If you’re concerned about the cost of getting a dental crown, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly staff so we can help you feel certain that you’re making the best decision for both your wallet and your smile.
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Factors That Affect the Cost of Dental Crowns
There are a few different factors that can play into your treatment and impact the cost of getting a dental crown in Big Pine Key, including:
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Preliminary Treatments: Oftentimes, dental crowns are used to help support and strengthen a tooth that is either damaged or has already received treatment, like after a root canal. These procedures will incur separate costs apart from the restoration itself.
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Materials: At our practice, we utilize high-quality materials, like ceramic, to make sure your restored tooth looks natural and remains healthy for longer. Some materials can cost more than others, but it’s important to properly weigh the pros and cons of your investment, because cheaper doesn’t always mean better.
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Complexity of the Procedure: Due to the highly aesthetic nature of placing a crown on a front tooth, this could cost more than restoring a back one, depending on your unique situation.
Does Dental Insurance Cover the Cost of Crowns?
At Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry of the Keys, we’re happy to accept dental insurance. However, we’re not in-network with any plans or companies. We can file claims on your behalf with your insurance to help maximize your coverage. In many cases, insurance companies will cover at least a portion of the cost of dental crowns. Although, this can vary from plan-to-plan.
Options for Making Dental Crowns More Affordable
If you would like to split your total treatment cost up into more manageable monthly installments, our practice accepts CareCredit . They’re a third-party, trusted financer that provides little-to-no interest payment plans for patients to cover their healthcare needs. All you need to do to learn whether you qualify is apply!
Understanding the Cost of Dental Crowns
If you just learned that you require a dental crown in Big Pine Key, then you may feel concerned about how much that’s going to cost you. Our team is proud to offer trustworthy, transparent care, and we always make sure that our patients understand exactly why they need treatment. If you’re concerned about the cost of getting a dental crown, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly staff so we can help you feel certain that you’re making the best decision for both your wallet and your smile.
Learn More
Factors That Affect the Cost of Dental Crowns
There are a few different factors that can play into your treatment and impact the cost of getting a dental crown in Big Pine Key, including:
-
Preliminary Treatments:
Oftentimes, dental crowns are used to help support and strengthen a tooth that is either damaged or has already received treatment, like after a root canal. These procedures will incur separate costs apart from the restoration itself.
-
Materials:
At our practice, we utilize high-quality materials, like ceramic, to make sure your restored tooth looks natural and remains healthy for longer. Some materials can cost more than others, but it’s important to properly weigh the pros and cons of your investment, because cheaper doesn’t always mean better.
-
Complexity of the Procedure:
Due to the highly aesthetic nature of placing a crown on a front tooth, this could cost more than restoring a back one, depending on your unique situation.
Does Dental Insurance Cover the Cost of Crowns?
At Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry of the Keys, we’re happy to accept dental insurance. However, we’re not in-network with any plans or companies. We can file claims on your behalf with your insurance to help maximize your coverage. In many cases, insurance companies will cover at least a portion of the cost of dental crowns. Although, this can vary from plan-to-plan.
Options for Making Dental Crowns More Affordable
If you would like to split your total treatment cost up into more manageable monthly installments, our practice accepts
CareCredit
. They’re a third-party, trusted financer that provides little-to-no interest payment plans for patients to cover their healthcare needs. All you need to do to learn whether you qualify is apply!
Dental Crown FAQs
Still have some questions on your mind about dental crowns in Big Pine Key? Our team is here to make finding the answers as simple as possible. Not only is our knowledgeable team available to help over the phone or in-person at your appointment, but we’ve also responded to some of the most frequently asked questions we get from patients below.
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Do Dental Crowns Get Cavities?
While dental crowns themselves can’t get cavities, the tooth underneath certainly can. In fact, a tooth protected by a crown has about the same risk of tooth decay as an uncrowned one. That’s why it’s so important to continue to prioritize your oral hygiene regimen! Brushing twice a day, flossing each evening, and visiting your dentist every six months can significantly reduce your chances of developing cavities.
Does It Hurt to Get a Dental Crown?
If you’re worried about the dental crown process being painful, don’t worry – the first step is always to apply a topical anesthetic. If you’re getting your permanent crown placed at a second appointment, don’t hesitate to ask if you’d prefer to be numbed for that visit as well. That way, you have the comfortable dental experience you deserve.
Following your visit, it is natural to feel some discomfort. The good news is that there are a few steps you can take to keep any soreness away, like using a cold compress for 10 minutes at a time, taking an OTC pain reliever, and sticking to soft foods. After a few days, you should notice a significant improvement in your symptoms.
What Happens If You Wait Too Long to Get a Dental Crown?
If you wait too long to get a dental crown, it’s likely that you’ll need a more extensive treatment, such as a tooth extraction and replacement (like a dental implant). Therefore, it’s best to move forward with treatment as soon as your dentist brings the problem to your attention. Remember, decayed and damaged teeth cannot heal on their own. The only way to restore a compromised tooth is with treatment from a skilled dental professional. In short, postponing getting a dental crown is just delaying the inevitable
What’s the Difference Between a Temporary Crown and a Permanent Crown?
As you might assume, the difference between a temporary crown and the permanent one is the longevity. While a temporary crown is meant to last for a few weeks – just enough time to get your permanent one crafted to perfection – the final one is designed to last for 10+ years with proper care. A few additional differences are the bonding agents used, the materials they are made out of, and their durability. For these reasons, you’ll be given special instructions with your temporary crown, like to avoid certain foods and to exercise caution when brushing.
Is It a Dental Emergency If Your Crown Falls Off?
Losing a dental crown can be anxiety-inducing. After all, your tooth doesn’t look or feel the same without the protective cap! While it doesn’t necessarily require a same-day appointment, you should get in touch with your dental team right away. Until your visit, you should place dental wax or some sugar-free gum over the exposed tooth and avoid biting down on that side of your mouth. It’s also a good idea to keep your dental crown in a clean sandwich baggie or storage case (if it’s still in one piece).
Schedule an Appointment Today!
You can restore a healthy, functional smile using a natural-looking solution with all-ceramic crowns. Contact our dental office today to schedule your consultation.