HOW LONG DO DENTAL CROWNS LAST?

Dental crowns bonded to natural  teeth are very strong and can be expected to last 10 to 15 years before they need replacement.  However, just like natural teeth, crowns can crack and chip which could shorten their lifespan.  Clenching or grinding your teeth can create a risk of fracture if you don’t wear a night guard.

WHAT DO DENTAL CROWNS COST?

Dental crowns can cost up to $2000 per tooth.  When comparing dental crown costs between general dentists and those of a prosthodontist one can expect to pay a higher fee in a specialist office.  The most expensive dental work that patients pay is work that has to be done twice, so be careful in choosing crowns based on initial costs alone.

WHAT PROCEDURES ARE NEEDED FOR DENTAL CROWNS?

Dental crowns typically take two visits. One visit to prepare the tooth, take a mould and to make a temporary crown and a second visit to seat or bond the crown to the tooth.  It takes laboratory time to make each crown by hand and during the few weeks between appointments, you will wear a temporary or provisional acrylic crown. Crowns can be made in one day by machine but the result isn’t the same as if it were made by skilled hands in the laboratory.  Keep in mind that if you need multiple crowns, the procedure is more complicated and may require more visits.

ARE THERE DIFFERENT TYPES OF DENTAL CROWNS?

All crowns are virtually the same in that they cover the entire tooth above the gumline.  The difference lies in the myriad of materials that crowns can be made of.  Porcelain fused to gold, as well as all ceramic crowns dominate modern prosthodontics, but  no one material is best for every situation.  Prosthodontists are experts at determining which material your particular tooth requires.