Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that fit over the base of a tooth or attach to implants. Crowns can restore damaged and decayed teeth or be used to anchor bridges for missing teeth. Getting a dental crown is a very common procedure, so lots of people have questions about crowns. We answer some of those frequently asked questions in this guide to dental crowns—read on to learn more.
FAQs About Dental Crowns
When would I need a crown?
You might need a crown if a tooth is badly decayed, and cannot support any more fillings. Crowns can repair cracked or broken teeth as well as teeth worn down by grinding. After a root canal procedure, a crown is placed over the tooth to protect its root. If you have a missing tooth, you might need crowns to hold a bridge in place. Crowns are also used to cover dental implants for missing teeth.
What types of crowns are there?
Traditional crowns cover the entire tooth. They are used to repair teeth that are severely decayed, or placed after a root canal or implant procedure.
Inlays and onlays (also known as 3/4 crowns) are a type of lab-made filling. They cover the majority of the tooth, but not the entire tooth, and are usually used to repair broken teeth.
What are crowns made of?
There are a few options when it comes to the material used for dental crowns.
- Metal crowns made from gold, palladium, nickel, or chrome last the longest.
- Resin crowns look like natural teeth, but they tend to break or wear out over time.
- Ceramic crowns can be lined with metal or made of super-strong pressed ceramic.
- Porcelain crowns have the most natural look, and can also be fused to metal for extra strength.
At 38th Modern Dental, we use porcelain crowns as well crowns made entirely of metal.
How long do crowns last?
Metal crowns last the longest, while resin crowns have the shortest lifespan. Metal crowns will last the rest of your lifetime. Resin crowns last about 5 years. Although porcelain and ceramic crowns sometimes break or crack from jaw pressure, they usually last at least 15 years.
How much do crowns cost?
Depending on the type of crown required and the material you choose, crowns can be fairly expensive. However, your insurance may cover part of the cost. You can also enroll in a Gloss Dental Membership Plan, to save up to 20% on treatments at 38th Modern Dental.
How long does it take to get crowns?
Getting porcelain or metal crowns takes two visits. At the first visit, we’ll take impressions of your existing tooth to make a mold for your crown. Next, we’ll remove the damaged portion of the tooth and fit you with a temporary crown made of plastic. At the second appointment, we’ll remove the temporary crown, clean your tooth, and cement the permanent crown in place.
Cosmetic Dentist in Denver Highlands
Looking for a cosmetic dentist in the Highlands neighborhood? Our offices are conveniently located on 38th Avenue between Lowell Boulevard and Julian Street. If you need a dental crown or have more questions about crowns, schedule an appointment to speak with one of our dental professionals today.