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Dental Crowns – Marshall, TX

Renew Your Teeth’s Form and Function

dental crown illustration A dental crown is a treatment dentists have been using for decades to address a variety of problems. Most often, it is used to repair a tooth that has been damaged due to extensive decay or injury. It can also be used to reshape a tooth to prevent the buildup of food and bacteria on it, protecting it from tooth decay. Plus, it can be essential to helping your teeth fit together properly if they do not already. Dental crowns in Marshall, TX are one of the most reliable solutions available today, and fortunately, you can get them from Dr. Charles Parker.

What Is a Dental Crown?

three dental crowns

A dental crown is a type of restoration that simply fits over the top of your natural tooth like a cap. Basically, it can give you a brand new tooth. Your crown will be custom-designed to fit in well with the surrounding dentition and provide you with a comfortable bite and reliable function.

Crowns can be made from a variety of materials including metal, porcelain, or a combination of the two. The material Dr. Parker chooses to use will depend on which tooth he is restoring. The front teeth, which are seen whenever you smile, would probably be served best by porcelain (ceramic) crowns because they are the most aesthetically similar to your natural teeth. In fact, they can be specially shaded to match the rest of your smile. The back teeth need to be especially strong, so he probably will recommend a metal crown. It all depends on the needs of your teeth, as well as your personal preferences. In any case, your crown will give you a beautiful, functional smile you can rely on day to day.

Here is more information on the most popular crown materials:

Ceramic

Ceramic, which is sometimes simply called porcelain, is quite strong and durable. It is even extremely resistant to stains due to its nonporous nature. Patients who are concerned about aesthetics, as well as those with metal sensitivities, usually opt for ceramic crowns. These restorations have the potential to last for a decade or longer.

Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM)

A PFM crown consists of a thin metal lining, which is surrounded by a porcelain outer shell. Hence, the crown offers all the strength of metal and much of the beauty of porcelain. However, sometimes the metal lining of the crown can become visible, which makes PFM crowns slightly less aesthetically pleasing than 100 percent porcelain ones.

Gold

Although several different types of metals can be used to craft dental crowns, gold is often the best choice. Not only is it incredibly strong, but it also has a very low risk of damaging the opposing teeth. And since gold is a noble metal, it will not corrode. It is even safe for most patients with metal allergies.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Crowns?

smiling dental patient

You may benefit from a new dental crown if:

The Dental Crowns Procedure

dentist talking to patient

The first step to getting a crown is to make an appointment with your dentist in Marshall. Dr. Parker will examine your teeth and see if a dental crown is the right solution for your smile. If it is, the procedure involves three basic steps:

The entire procedure can usually be completed over the course of two appointments. Once your tooth has been fully restored, it may feel slightly sensitive for a week or so, but you will be able to trust it just like a natural tooth when you are speaking or eating.

The most common reason for dental crown failure is because the tooth beneath the crown starts to decay, so it is paramount that you stick to a good oral care routine. Consistent brushing and flossing, along with regular check-ups by Dr. Parker, will help your crown to stand the test of time.

Benefits of Dental Crowns

satisfied dental patient

Some of the most outstanding benefits of dental crowns include:

Learn More about the Benefits of Dental Crowns

Understanding the Cost of Dental Crowns

Tooth next to a pile of coins

Dental crowns can be used for a variety different purposes and can be made of several different materials. With all of the variables at play, you may naturally have questions about what one suited to your needs could cost you.

We’ll give you an exact estimate when we meet you in person, but before then, here’s some information that can help you budget better for the treatment.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Dental Crowns 

Dental crowns of different materials on a table

As you might have guessed, the reason we can’t just tell you what your dental crown costs is because it depends on several factors. The most obvious is the material that your dental crown is made of—gold crowns, for example, are more expensive than PFM crowns. The cheapest material isn’t always ideal, so the balance should be between what you need and what you can afford.

You should also think about whether your dental crown is associated with another procedure, like a root canal, that will contribute to the overall cost.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Crowns? 

Dental insurance form on a table

Dental crowns that are considered to be medically necessary are usually well within the realm of an insurance plan’s coverage. Typically, you can expect them to pay for around 50% of a dental crowns’ total cost.

However, none of this is a guarantee, so we’ll have to work with your dental plan to ensure that you’re getting as much coverage as possible.

If you’re concerned about the cost of dental crowns, don’t be—we’ll work with you to ensure that you get the care that you need. Give us a call today, and we’d be happy to schedule you a consultation.

Dental Crown FAQs

Are Dental Crowns Permanent?

Dental crowns aren’t technically permanent. However, they are a long-term solution for damaged teeth. In fact, they can protect your tooth for anywhere between 5 to 15 years. When your dentist reshapes your tooth for a crown, that procedure is irreversible. Tooth enamel doesn’t grow back after it has been removed. For this reason, the tooth will always need to be protected by a crown going forward. That being said, crowns protect the underlying tooth from additional damage, so they can help the tooth to survive for much longer than it would have otherwise. You can keep your crown in great shape by maintaining an excellent oral hygiene routine and seeing your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups.

How Do You Know When a Dental Crown Needs to Be Replaced?

The only way to tell for sure when a dental crown needs to be replaced is to have X-rays taken or to have it visually examined by a dentist. Here are some of the most common warning signs that indicate that a dental crown is at the end of its lifespan:

  • Pain: If there is any decay beneath the crown, it should be removed so the tooth can be treated.
  • Unstable: If your crown feels loose, especially when chewing something sticky, you should contact your dentist.
  • Appearance Changes: If your crown is chipped or discolored, it can negatively affect a patient’s self-confidence. This is a valid reason to have it replaced.
  • Dark Line: If you notice a dark line around the base of your dental crown, it is because you have a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown. While they are very effective, this can indicate that the crown has been through some wear and tear.

Does It Hurt to Get a Dental Crown?

Many patients worry that their treatment will be painful. Fortunately, the first step is always to numb the area with a local anesthetic. This way, you won’t feel a thing! You may feel some soreness for a few days after your treatment, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us. Remember that crowns protect vulnerable teeth from damage, so they can help prevent pain in the future.

Do Dental Crowns Feel Natural?

Within a few days of getting your dental crown, it should start to feel more and more natural. Crowns are made from durable materials that can stand up to everyday chewing forces just as well as your tooth enamel, so you shouldn’t feel any strangeness when eating. When you get a dental crown, your dentist reshapes the tooth to ensure that the restoration fits comfortably in your mouth. Additionally, each crown is customized based on impressions. Ultimately, your crown should feel just like a natural tooth.