Home/Cosmetic and Restorative Dental Care/Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are dental “caps” that go over a damaged tooth to strengthen it and restore its structure. Composed of a durable ceramic material, crowns are typically recommended when a tooth has undergone decay that is too extensive for a filling. In some cases this may warrant a root canal, as well, to remove tooth nerve that has become infected. In addition to protecting a weak or damaged tooth, porcelain crowns are often used at Cornerstone Dental of Green Brook as the final restoration for dental implant patients.
Porcelain crowns are a versatile solution suitable for a wide range of patients. You may be a good candidate if you have:
During your consultation, Dr. O’Brien will thoroughly evaluate your oral health to determine whether a porcelain crown is the right solution for you. Some patients may require preliminary treatment, such as a bone graft or gum therapy, before a crown can be placed.
If you are considered a good candidate for a porcelain crown, one of our experienced cosmetic dentists will walk you through what to expect from the procedure. Before placing your porcelain crown, the area around the affected tooth will be numbed. Once this has taken effect, any decay will be removed and the tooth will be filled. The remaining tooth structure will then be prepared for your custom-fabricated crown. A scan of your tooth will be taken, which is digitally sent to an accredited dental laboratory that will craft your final restoration. You will be provided with a temporary crown until your customized one is complete.
When you return for your second appointment, your mouth may be numbed again in preparation for your final crown. Using a strong dental cement, such as that used in the porcelain veneer procedure, your custom-made crown is then attached to your prepared tooth, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit. The entire process is typically completed within just two visits.
Patients usually report having little to no pain from their porcelain crown procedure. Your comfort is one of our top priorities, which is why we utilize a local anesthetic to help numb the area of your mouth being worked on. You should not feel any pain while getting your crown, but you may feel slight pressure.
If you are prone to dental anxiety, due to the various sights, sounds, and smells associated with dental work, you may be a good candidate for sedation. For those interested, oral-conscious sedation in the form of a prescription pill can be taken prior to treatment to help you relax throughout the course of your appointment.
The average lifespan of a porcelain crown is about 10 years. While they are made of high-quality, durable materials, crowns are susceptible to wear and tear, and they can break if not cared for properly. To help you get the longest lifespan for your porcelain crown, our dentists recommend practicing good oral hygiene, avoid chewing on hard items like ice, and refraining from using your teeth as a tool to open packages.
Caring for a porcelain crown is straightforward and closely mirrors caring for your natural teeth. Brush twice daily, floss regularly, and keep up with your routine cleanings and exams at Cornerstone Dental of Green Brook. These visits allow Dr. O’Brien to monitor your crown and catch any wear or fit issues early.
A few habits to avoid: chewing on hard items like ice or hard candy, grinding or clenching your teeth, and using your teeth to open packages or bottles. If you grind your teeth at night, ask us about a custom nightguard; it can significantly extend the life of your crown and protect your surrounding teeth.
Dental crowns typically cost between $1,000 and $3,500, but their price can vary based on a number of factors, including the material being used and any preliminary dental work that may be needed. In addition, the expertise of your dentist and geographic location of the practice may both influence your cost. Before your porcelain crown procedure, our team will provide you with a cost estimate to help you plan for your treatment. If you are interested in breaking your total cost into smaller, more manageable payments, we can talk with you about various financing options you may want to utilize.
Dental insurance often covers a portion of porcelain crown costs when the procedure is deemed medically necessary — for example, to restore a tooth damaged by decay or trauma. Coverage varies by plan, and seeing an in-network provider can help maximize your benefits; insurers typically pay between 50% and 80% of the cost after your deductible is met.
Purely cosmetic crown placements are generally not covered. Our team will work with your insurance provider to determine your benefits before treatment so there are no surprises. For any remaining out-of-pocket costs, we offer financing options to help make your care manageable.
or more information about porcelain veneers, and to learn if you are a good candidate, please contact Cornerstone Dental of Green Brook today.