Though you may look after it well, your smile will still wear down with time. That process can lead to cavities, chipped teeth, and other dental damage. On the bright side, there’s still hope for your natural grin; you can visit us for dental crowns in Agawam! Dr. Michitti and the rest of our team will gladly use them to repair your grin. If you want to learn more, just keep reading or book a consultation soon.
What is a Dental Crown?A dental crown is a thin covering custom-crafted to fit over a damaged, weak, or decayed tooth. In general, it can be made from a wide range of materials – Emax, ceramic, zirconia, etc. The covering’s final design often depends on the affected tooth, your budget, and similar factors. Regardless, each crown prevents further harm to its tooth and hides oral damage from view.
Given the above traits, the best candidates for dental crowns have one (or more) of the following:
The Dental Crown ProcessThe typical dental crown process takes two dental visits. At the first one, our team will prepare your tooth for its restoration. We’ll place your final crown during the second visit once it’s ready.
That first “prep” visit won’t take too long. For most of it, we’ll shave away some of your tooth’s enamel to make room for the crown. Our team will then create an impression of the prepped area and send it to a dental lab. Using this impression, the lab’s workers will craft your crown in just a few weeks. You’ll wear a temporary restoration in the meantime.
At the second appointment, our team will place your final dental crown. This work should go quickly and smoothly – all we need to do is apply an oral cement to secure it. From there, Dr. Michitti will then make last-minute changes so your crowned tooth looks and feels good.
The Benefits of Getting a Dental CrownShould you get a dental crown, you can expect to enjoy many perks. The most notable ones are:
Dental crowns aren’t permanent, but they aren’t reversible, either. Your tooth must be reshaped to allow the customized cap to fit over it. Unfortunately, your tooth structure won’t grow back. Therefore, it will always need to be covered by a restoration. Thankfully, crowns are designed to serve as a long-term treatment, so you won’t have to budget for replacements often.
Modern restorations are made of high-quality materials, allowing crowns to last for 5 to 10 years. However, it’s not unusual for crowns to thrive for a decade or longer. Various factors affect the longevity of a restoration, like its location. Molars undergo more pressure, so crowns in the back of the mouth have a slightly shorter lifespan than those in the front. You can get the most out of your investment by committing to your oral hygiene at home. Besides brushing and flossing, visit your dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. It’s best to avoid hard or sticky foods to prevent damaging your restoration. Your dentist will recommend breaking any bad oral habits, like using your teeth to open packages or chewing on your fingernails. Don’t forget to wear an athletic mouthguard if you play sports. Ask your dentist for a nightguard if you grind or clench your teeth at night.
Every situation and policy differs, but most dental insurances offer coverage for restorative procedures, including crowns. If deemed medically necessary, you can use your benefits to offset the amount you pay out-of-pocket. After meeting your annual deductible, your dental insurance can pay 50% to 80% of the expense. Your policy may also cover any required prep work to lower the cost. A member of our team will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to file the required paperwork, so you have one less thing to worry about. They will explain how your coverage is being used and if you owe any remaining balance. If there are any out-of-pocket costs, we offer various payment methods to keep your care affordable.
If your dental crown falls off, you have a dental emergency on your hands. It is best to keep your mouth clean and avoid chewing with the tooth until after you’ve seen your dentist in Agawam. You can use an OTC pain reliever to manage any discomfort. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth to numb the area temporarily. It’s best to eat softer foods until after your restoration has been reapplied or replaced.