Dental Crowns Completing Ann Arbor Smiles

What Happens When I Need a New Dental Crown?

First, our team will need to slightly reduce the size of your tooth to successfully accommodate the new crown. We will then take a detailed impression and send that impression to a trusted dental laboratory, who will create your new, custom-made restoration. In the meantime, Dr. Cocco will provide you with a temporary crown so that the altered tooth is well-protected. Finally, when we receive the finished crown from the lab, we’ll make any necessary adjustments before cementing it in place. This process typically requires two appointments that are spaced a few weeks apart.

How Do I Care for My New Crown?

As long as you care for it properly, your new dental crown should last for years. We strongly recommend that you brush and floss carefully around the tooth to avoid a build-up of plaque in the area. Also, exercise caution when eating foods that are overly tough or chewy.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Crowns

Even if you need a dental crown, you may be concerned about the price. That’s natural enough – a procedure that “breaks the bank” wouldn’t make much sense. However, the cost of dental crowns actually varies by patient. As such, you need to consult Dr. Cocco for an exact treatment estimate. Luckily, she and her team will ensure effective and budget-friendly care. Keep reading to learn how that’s possible, or book a visit for details.

 

Factors That Affect the Cost of Dental Crowns

Dr. Coco will give you an oral exam during the consultation visit. Based on its results, she can assess the factors impacting your treatment’s cost. Such things will include:

 

• Damage Severity – The degree of tooth damage will influence your expense. In particular, very severe problems may require other procedures before a crown. A patient, for example, may need a root canal before crowning can begin.
• Crown Material – A crown’s material can make it more or less pricey. Metal ones tend to run cheaper, while those made of porcelain or zirconia have higher costs.
• Crown Crafting Process – How a crown is crafted will raise or lower the price. More specifically, faster methods will be more expensive.

Remember that cheap crowns aren’t ideal when settling on your treatment plan. You’ll want a quality prosthetic for your tooth, thus helping your smile look and feel good.

 

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Crowns?

In most cases, crowns are covered by dental insurance. Their placement is a major procedure, so a plan will generally cover 50% of their cost.

 

Still, keep in mind that there are exceptions. Your plan may offer lesser coverage. Others, meanwhile, may not apply to the procedure at all. Given these facts, confirm your benefits with your insurance provider beforehand. If you’d like, our dental team will happily help with that process.

 

Other Options for Making Dental Crowns Affordable

Of course, it’s possible to get affordable crowns without insurance. Many dental practices provide financial options for their patients.

 

Here at Dr. Cocco’s office, for instance, we offer flexible financing through CareCredit. With this third-party service, you would cover your treatment’s cost in monthly, low-interest installments. That way, you can pay for your crown(s) over time instead of all at once.

 

As you can see, Dr. Cocco of Ann Arbor will help manage the cost of your crowns. With that said, learn more about that process by booking an appointment today!

 

Dental Crown FAQs

Whether you are dealing with significant damage or decay, a dental crown is one of the most effective ways to fix the look of your smile and improve your oral health. But will it hurt to have a crown placed? Will problems develop in the future? Will it look natural? These are just a few of the many commonly asked questions patients often have when preparing to receive a dental crown. To ease your mind and offer a greater understanding of this restorative procedure, Dr. Cocco and her team have compiled some insightful questions and answers for you to review. If you have additional inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Will my dental crown look natural?

Yes, it will blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile. Dr. Cocco will work closely with the dental lab technicians to ensure all specifications (i.e. color, size, and shape) are met. Once the finalized restoration is created, she will inspect it before cementing it over your natural tooth. Once in place, the permanent crown should appear no different from the rest of your teeth, making it less likely for anyone to notice or tell a difference in your smile.

Will it hurt to have a dental crown put into place?

When receiving a dental crown, your dentist will need to modify your natural, healthy tooth to ensure your new restoration fits properly over the weakened tooth. To do this, she will need to file it down. Before beginning the process, she will numb the tooth so that you do not feel any pain while she modifies your tooth. Once the numbing solution wears off, you will likely experience some minor soreness, which can be treated using an over-the-counter pain reliever or cold compress.

Can problems develop over time while wearing a crown?

Much like any other type of restoration, you will need to take all the necessary precautions to ensure it lasts as long as possible. There are instances when a problem can develop even if you are mindful of what you eat and how you use your teeth throughout the day. Some of these include:

• A chipped dental crown, which can be fixed or replaced depending on the severity of the damage. If minor, composite resin can be used to repair the chip. If serious, it may be necessary for Dr. Cocco to replace your crown.
• A crown that falls off due to an insufficient amount of cement or improper fit. This problem should be addressed in a timely manner but in the meantime, you can purchase a dental adhesive at your local drug store to temporarily cement your restoration into place.

What is the recovery process like after receiving a dental crown?

In the days following your dental crown placement, you may need to avoid hard, crunchy foods and instead, opt for softer, more malleable foods. This will ensure your crown does not become damaged or irritated. Should you experience any form of soreness or discomfort, over-the-counter medication can aid in reducing any swelling or inflammation.

Can I experience decay or damage to my natural tooth while wearing a crown?

Yes, the weakened tooth can become re-infected or damaged while wearing a dental crown. If your crown falls off, this can expose your tooth to the potential for both damage and decay; however, the resin used to fill and seal your tooth should protect against any harmful bacteria. It is important that you continue to maintain good oral hygiene while wearing a dental crown to avoid further problems that could negatively impact your restoration and oral health.