Dental Crowns – Farmington, MI
Dental Crowns Have You Covered
Natural wear and tear, dental decay, and even unexpected accidents can all leave a tooth looking and feeling far from its best, limiting a person’s oral function and weighing down their confidence at the same time. Fortunately, rebuilding a person’s smile is as easy as receiving a new dental crown here at Monet Aesthetic Dentistry. Dr. Metzger uses her years of experience and the most natural-looking materials to repair teeth in such a way that it looks like nothing ever happened to them.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped restoration that simply fits over the top of a damaged tooth. It protects the tooth and can bring back its original strength, structure, and appearance at the same time. Dr. Metzger often uses crowns to:
- Repair a cavity that is too large for a filling
- Put a broken tooth back together
- Reinforce a tooth that has a very large filling
- Hold a weakened tooth together
- Help even out the bite
- Cosmetically improve a misshapen or undersized tooth
- Complete a dental implant to replace a missing tooth
Crowns can be made of a variety of materials, ranging from strong and durable metal for the back teeth to beautiful and natural-looking porcelain for the front teeth. Which material is right for you? Dr. Metzger can help you decide when you come to see us.
What is the Procedure Like?
After deciding that a patient does indeed need a crown, the procedure will involve a few basic steps:
- Dr. Metzger will first numb the tooth.
- Then, she’ll gently remove any damaged or decayed enamel.
- She’ll take an impression of the tooth, and this will be sent to a lab to fabricate the final crown.
- The patient will then be fitted for a temporary crown.
- A week or so later, they will return to our office to have the temporary removed and the final crown cemented into place.
- After checking the fit and making sure the patient’s bite is properly aligned, they are ready to go.
Many patients experience a slight uptick in dental sensitivity right after receiving a new dental crown, but this usually subsides after just a few days.
Maintaining a Crown
Fortunately, making sure that your crown lasts for as long as possible just involves taking care of it like your other teeth. Consistent brushing, flossing, and routine dental checkups will ensure that the restoration looks beautiful and stays strong for well over a decade.
If you have a tooth that is hurting, you can get it fixed right now at Monet Aesthetic Dentistry. Just give our office a call, and in two easy appointments, you’ll have a brand-new tooth that you’ll never have to give a second thought!
Understanding the Cost of Dental Crowns
Your financial situation should never stand in the way of getting a high-quality dental crown. Many factors affect the cost of dental crowns, but Dr. Leslie Metzger strives to keep them affordable for everyone. She'll create a personalized treatment plan that accommodates your budget to keep your smile healthy and beautiful.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Dental Crowns
No two mouths are identical, so there's no one-size-fits-all crown. Not to mention, every situation differs. Your estimate is influenced by many things, like:
- Consultation: You'll require a consultation to create a treatment plan. Besides a visual examination, Dr. Metzger may perform other diagnostic services, like X-rays.
- Additional Procedures: It's not unusual to require a little prep work and dental crowns can be used along with other procedures, like root canal therapy. Your tooth must also be reshaped to allow the restoration to fit over it.
- Materials: Discounted materials may not have the same durability or realistic appearance as higher-quality options. Dr. Metzger will help you choose the best materials for your needs and preferences.
A member of our office will review your estimate and explain the fees, so you'll know exactly what you'll have to pay before committing to anything.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Crowns?
Your dental insurance can be used to pay for your consultation and any diagnostic procedures after a co-payment. Your benefits may cover 50% to 80% of the expenses for any medically necessary treatments after meeting your deductible, including your crown. We will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize your annual coverage. A member of our dental team will explain how your insurance is being used and any out-of-pocket costs.
Options for Making Dental Crowns Affordable
Besides using dental insurance, Dr. Metzger offers many financial options to keep dental crowns affordable, like:
- Traditional Payments: Metzger accepts cash, personal checks, and credit cards for your convenience.
- In-House Membership Plan: You can benefit from discounted rates for common dental services by joining our in-house membership plan.
- Monthly Payments: Based on your credit approval through a third-party financing company, you can pay out-of-pocket expenses using a monthly payment plan.
Dental Crowns FAQs
Are dental crowns permanent?
A dental crown is meant to serve as a long-term solution, but the restorations don’t last forever. A crown will need to be replaced eventually. Without the protection of the crown, your tooth will be vulnerable to bacteria, infections, breaks, and other damage. Modern restorations are made of durable material to withstand the pressure of chewing for many years, so you won’t have to worry about replacements often with the right maintenance, like brushing and flossing.
How long do dental crowns last?
The average lifespan of a crown is about 10 to 15 years, but it’s not unusual for them to last for much longer. Various factors affect their life expectancy, like the materials used and the location of the crown. The back teeth experience more pressure than those in the front. As a result, crowns on molars can have a slightly shorter lifespan. Your dentist in Farmington will explain how long you can expect your crown to last and what you can do to get the most from your investment, like a good home oral hygiene routine and a healthy diet that’s limited in sugar. It’s also best to avoid any hard or sticky foods. Don’t forget to schedule a cleaning and checkup at least twice a year.
Can dental crowns get cavities?
Crowns aren’t vulnerable to cavity-causing bacteria, but your underlying tooth is still at risk. Bacteria in plaque buildup can seep under the crown and reach your tooth through cracks in the cement holding your restoration in place. Brushing, flossing, and using a daily mouthwash will keep your mouth clean. It’s also a good idea to limit surgery foods and drinks. Your dentist will check your smile for any decay during each routine appointment. An X-ray will allow Dr. Metzger to see your tooth below the restoration to ensure a cavity is hiding underneath your crown.
Are crowns covered by dental insurance?
Every dental insurance plan and situation differs, but most policies can be used to offset the cost of medically necessary crowns. You can use your dental insurance to pay for your consultation and any preparatory procedures, like root canal therapy. After meeting your deductible, your insurance can pay 50% to 80% of the cost until reaching your yearly limit. A member of our team will work on your behalf to maximize your dental insurance to lower your out-of-pocket responsibility. We will also review your payment options for any remaining balance, like monthly payments using third-party financing.