Dental crowns can serve a range of purposes, from restorative to cosmetic. They are an essential treatment option for maintaining dental health after decay, damage, or trauma. Dental crowns are customized to blend with your existing teeth and can be made from various materials. Modern materials allow patients to repair and restore their teeth with natural-looking and lasting results.
Dr. Gayed and Dr. Shaw provide comprehensive restorative dental services in Lincoln Park, Chicago, and place dental crowns to meet the needs of patients with various dental concerns. Completed in our office throughout two visits, a dental crown will restore the integrity of your tooth and help you avoid tooth loss. Dental crowns are often placed after a root canal, for this reason, supporting the tooth and preventing tooth loss.
Placing Dental Crowns
The dental crown process requires two office visits to complete. The first appointment will include tooth preparation and dental impressions.
To prepare a tooth for placing a crown, Dr. Gayed will remove any damaged or decayed tooth structure. A significant portion of the tooth must be removed in most cases for a stable result. After preparing the tooth, we will take dental impressions that are used to design and create your new crown. These are sent to a lab that will fabricate the crown, a process that takes 2-3 weeks. A temporary crown is typically placed while you wait for the final crown to be made.
At the second appointment, we will remove the temporary crown, clean and disinfect the area and adhere the new crown to the tooth with a special dental adhesive. The surface will be polished so that it blends with your adjacent teeth.
The material used to make your dental crown can be a metal-based material, a high-quality ceramic, or a composite resin. Porcelain and zirconia crowns can offer the best long-term result as highly durable materials. They are also highly customizable and can be made to provide exceptional aesthetics. Dr. Gayed and Dr. Shaw will discuss your most suitable options and expected results.
Dental Crown FAQs
Is the dental crown process painful?
The invasive part of the process, when the tooth is prepared, can produce some discomfort. Most patients are comfortable with a local anesthetic, but dental sedation can be discussed before treatment for anxious and fearful patients.
How long do dental crowns last?
The material used to make your crown and the location of the crown can impact longevity, but most crowns will last for 15 or more years with good oral hygiene and dental care.
Does dental insurance cover dental crowns?
Dental insurance may cover some or all of the cost of a dental crown. Our front desk staff will work with you to determine what is covered and to provide an estimate of your portion of the treatment costs.
What do I do if my dental crown falls out?
Dental crowns may fall out, especially if they have been in place for many years. While an uncommon occurrence, it can often happen at the most inopportune time! We recommend contacting our office for guidance to minimize the impact on your oral health and possibly preserve the crown. We can replace a lost dental crown, typically having a new one made for an improved fit.