Sometimes a filling at the dentist isn’t enough. The tooth has become to damaged for a simple filling. When the tooth is is a case when a dental crown could be the best option. At Nipomo Family Dentistry, we always take our patients needs close to heart. We never push unneeded treatments and always focus on the best interest of patients. When a dental crown in Nipomo is needed, we recommend. It is important to gain an understanding of the type of dental issues when crowns are the best choice.
Understanding Dental Crowns
A dental crown will cover the entire visible tooth. Your tooths original shape is formed by the crown. The crown will strengthen the entire tooth and protect against future problems. The crown can also match the overall teeth color in the mouth. Crowns can last up to 15 years, if well maintained.
Crown Material Options
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are perfect for front teeth that need a natural appearance. They can be precisely color-matched to your existing teeth and offer excellent translucency. However, porcelain is more susceptible to chipping under heavy biting forces, making it less suitable for patients who grind their teeth.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia could be the best option when you need a natural look. Traditional porcelain is useful, however, Zirconia crowns are much stronger and fight cracks or chipping much better. These crowns offer more flexibility and can be used on back teeth as well as front teeth.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
What makes these crowns different is the metal substructure. This substructure is covered with porcelain. The metal makes the tooth strong and the porcelain is for looks. The only drawback is if the gums recede over time, the metal substructure may become visible.
Gold Crowns
Gold Crowns are the actual “Gold Standard” of crowns. They last longer than other crowns and also have a higher level of biocompatibility. They resist wear and are gentle on opposing teeth, making them excellent for back molars where aesthetics aren’t a primary concern. Gold crowns typically last longer than other materials.
Crown Costs and Financial Considerations
What is the normal cost of a dental crown? In California, crowns have a rather large range of cost. Starting at $1,000 and going up to and above $3,000. Even with the high cost for a crown, it is a great investment to prevent even more expensive treatments later.
How do people afford dental crowns? Many patients use dental financing plans with low or no interest rates. Payment plans spread costs over 12-24 months, making treatment more manageable. Some patients save gradually for planned crown work or use health savings accounts.
Does insurance pay for tooth crowns? All insurances are slightly different, but many will cover 50% of the crown costs, when deemed medically necessary. Check with your insurance provider for details.
The Crown Procedure
First Appointment
Local anesthesia is applied and reshaping of the tooth is performed to accommodate the new crown. This involves removing decay and creating proper space for the crown material while preserving healthy tooth structure. We take detailed impressions for your custom crown and place a temporary crown for protection.
Nipomo-Specific Considerations
Nipomo has hard water and it is no secret locally. The high levels of calcium and magnesium can cause havoc on dental work. The good news is this won’t have a negative effect on your permanent crown, but can impact temporary crowns and cement. We recommend using filtered water for rinsing during the healing period to prevent mineral buildup that might loosen provisional restorations.
Second Appointment
The temporary crown is removed so a test fit can be performed with the permanent restoration. After the tooth fitting is completed, the crown is literally cemented into place.
When Crowns Are the Best Choice
Large Cavities
Sometimes tooth decay is beyond a basic filling being used and a crown is the only option. The crown can protect the tooth in ways a filling cannot. A filling will fail eventually compared to a a crown that can last many years.
Root Canal Treatment
Teeth requiring root canal therapy typically need crown protection. Root canal treatment removes the tooth’s pulp, making the remaining structure more brittle and prone to fracture. Crowns provide essential reinforcement.
Cracked or Fractured Teeth
Crowns hold cracked teeth together and prevent further damage. In Nipomo’s agricultural community, we frequently see tooth grinding and wear from physically demanding work. Ranch work, vineyard management, and farming create stress that leads to unconscious teeth grinding, resulting in cracked teeth that benefit from crown reinforcement.
Failed Large Fillings
Old, large fillings eventually fail due to normal wear and new decay around margins. Crowns provide a fresh start with better long-term durability than replacement fillings.
Cosmetic Improvements
In some cases yellowing or staining of teeth can be improved with the use of a crown. Misshapen or poorly positioned teeth also benefit from crown treatment that improves both function and appearance.
Bridge Support
Crowns anchor dental bridges, providing the support structure needed to replace missing teeth. The crowned teeth must bear additional forces while maintaining their own function.
Treatment Alternatives
Before recommending crowns, we consider alternatives based on your specific situation. Large fillings, inlays, or onlays might be appropriate for less extensive damage. Veneers can address purely cosmetic concerns on front teeth. We’ll explain all viable options and their long-term implications.
Geographic Cost Considerations
What state has the cheapest dental crowns? In general, states with lower level living costs offer dental treatment at reduced costs. Sometimes people may travel long distances to get a medical treatment to save money. However, traveling for dental work comes with its own headache. Many times a crown may require 2 or 3 trips to compete the crown. Local treatment removes the travel issue and can make you more comfortable during the process.
Making the Right Decision
When deciding to get a crown or not to get a crown, consider the condition of your tooth, long term health goals, and also your budget. In general, when dental treatments are postponed the issue can become much worse and even end up costing much more.
Consider the total cost of ownership – a quality crown that lasts 15 years provides better value than repeated repairs on a failing tooth. Emergency dental treatment typically costs more than planned procedures and offers fewer options.
Long-Term Success
It’s like the old saying goes, “Take care of it and it will take care of you”. Daily bruising habits and consistent dentist visits are a sure fire way to gain long term success. Never chew one ice cubes and never bite fishing line with your teeth. If you grind your teeth, be certain to wear a night guard every single night.
Treatment Planning
We evaluate each tooth individually, considering its position, condition, and role in your overall oral health. Some teeth are better candidates for crowns than others based on their structural integrity and functional demands.
At Nipomo Family Dentistry, we provide comprehensive evaluations to determine when dental crowns in Nipomo offer the best solution for your oral health needs. Our goal is helping you maintain your natural teeth for life through appropriate, timely treatment.
