Dental crowns make up an essential part of restorative dentistry, and can greatly improve the strength, appearance, and longevity of your teeth.
A dental crown is a “cap” which is placed over a tooth that has been broken, treated by root canal, stained, damaged by decay, or is misshapen. Individually crafted and custom-fitted dental crowns blend in with the tone and contour of your natural teeth and can last for more than 15 years. Sometimes crowns are also used to hold a dental bridge or top off a dental implant or they may be applied for certain cosmetic modifications or aesthetic purposes.
A dental crown procedure usually requires two office visits and is performed by a dentist.
The out-of-pocket cost for a dental crown can vary widely from patient to patient. With a typical insurance plan a single crown averages out to about $200 to $600+. Without insurance, a reasonable ball-park figure for a crown would be about $800 to $1200 and up. To get your mouth looking and feeling normal again, most people feel that a dental crown is an easy decision but the cost may still give you pause.
So what goes into determining the cost of a dental crown?
Remember, no dental practice can provide an accurate quote over the phone. Ultimately, your needs are as unique as your smile. It’s important to speak with a dentist and undergo an oral exam to find out all your treatment options and to receive an accurate quote. If you have dental insurance, we would be happy to supply you with a quote to submit to them so you can find out your out-of-pocket costs before you make a decision.
Needing a crown after a root canal depends highly on the location of the tooth in the mouth—teeth towards the back of the mouth like molars and premolars are needed more for chewing, and generally require crowns, where incisors or canines which aren’t needed for chewing don’t always require crowns.
One difference between a crown vs filling is that a crown is much more durable for teeth with a large biting surface. Repeated pressure from chewing or from habitual clenching can cause fillings on the biting surfaces of molars to chip or come loose. A crown, being a single unbroken surface from gumline to gumline, is designed to take much more force over a longer period of time.
Dental crowns play two important roles in your mouth. First and foremost, they completely restore the function of your tooth which means you can close your teeth and chew without pain or discomfort or without having to compensate by chewing on one side. Secondarily (but also important!) crowns are designed to blend in with your natural teeth. That means they are coloured and contoured to match your aesthetic. In fact, sometimes people forget altogether which tooth is the crown.
A post isn’t quite a dental implant (which is surgically implanted in the jaw bone) but it is exactly what it sounds like: a medical-grade post that may be cemented into a prepared root-canal to reinforce the base and core of a dental crown. Dental posts are only used if there isn’t enough healthy tooth left over to reliably hold a crown.
Depending on the state of your tooth, getting a crown can feel a bit like getting a filling. We take our time to patiently numb the area and then use freezing as necessary so the preparation of your tooth isn’t painful. You may feel a little sensitivity or some soreness in the gums around the tooth for a short period of time following your procedure. If you feel anxious about visiting the dentist, let us know! We would love to put your mind at ease and make your experience as comfortable as possible.
In most cases, dental crowns can last up to 15 years. However, if they are properly maintained, they can last for 25-30 years.
A dental crown is maintained just like a natural tooth. Regular brushing and flossing keep your dental crown – and the supporting gum around it – healthy and clean. Regular cleanings and checkups at your dentist are essential to your oral health.
Tooth-coloured fillings fill cavities to stop them from getting bigger or permanently damaging your tooth. These white fillings are matched to your natural teeth so they look and feel great.
Restore chips and cracked teeth or improve the look of healthy teeth.
Restore gaps and replace your tooth or teeth with a custom made dental prosthesis permanently bonded in place.
Having a tooth or teeth removed is a very common procedure that can be performed with very little pain or discomfort.
An Implant acts like a natural tooth root and is finished off with a restoration such as a dental crown to help restore the function of your teeth, look good and feel natural.
Get new dentures or maintain and repair your full or partial dentures. These modern dental prostheses can replace several or all of your teeth with minimal discomfort.
Root canals can be careful, quick, and relatively pain-free bringing you immediate relief and saving your natural tooth.
Regular checkups and cleanings prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Plan your cleaning and checkup every 6 to 8 months to prevent the sudden onset of dental pain and unexpected expenses.