Dental Crowns – Boca Raton, Fl
Save Your Smile with a Dental Crown
Decay, injury, genetics, wear and tear, and other factors can all compromise the integrity of teeth. In some cases, badly damaged teeth must be extracted. Most of the time, however, it is possible to save them via restorative treatments — such as dental crowns in Boca Raton, FL. As a highly trained restorative dentist, our dentist takes pride in designing high-quality crowns that look beautiful, function flawlessly, and stand the test of time. Continue reading this page to learn more about this smile-saving treatment.
Why Choose Us for Dental Crowns?
- Highly experienced dentist
- All-porcelain dental crowns available
- Comfortable treatment from a compassionate team
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-designed tooth-shaped “cap” that covers a tooth’s crown — everything that is visible above the gumline. Crowns can be made out of various materials, including porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, gold, silver, and more.
Crowns are quite versatile, allowing them to be used for several purposes. Most often, they are used in restorative dentistry to reinstate the health of a tooth, like one that has suffered a large break or has significant decay. They can even prevent a weakened tooth from breaking by providing an added layer of protection. It is not uncommon for them to be used in combination with other procedures as well, like root canal therapy. Working as part of a bridge or with a dental implant, they can also help to replace missing teeth altogether. They are occasionally used in cosmetic dentistry because they can be customized to look natural.
The Dental Crown Process
The crown process begins with us reshaping the tooth so it will fit well beneath its restoration. This usually involves removing a bit of enamel. Don’t worry — anesthesia and sedation can ensure that you are comfortable during this part of the process.
Once your tooth is prepared, our team takes impressions that will serve as the basis for designing your crown. You’ll wear a temporary crown while a dental laboratory fabricates your permanent one. When your permanent crown is ready, we will verify that its fit is perfect before he uses a special dental cement to secure it in your mouth.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Some of the most outstanding benefits of dental crowns include:
- With proper care, a crown may last for 10 years or longer.
- With a porcelain crown to protect your damaged tooth, you will be able to enjoy a wide variety of foods without significant pain or sensitivity.
- Porcelain crowns are virtually identical to natural teeth.
- By protecting a vulnerable tooth and extending its life, a crown can spare you from the expense of tooth extractions and tooth replacement.
- A comfortable bite. We design crowns in a way that will ensure your teeth work together as harmoniously as possible.
Would you like to learn more about dental crowns and how they may be able to improve your oral health? Contact our dental office today to ask questions or request a restorative consultation.
Dental Crowns Frequently Asked Questions
Factors that Affect the Cost of Dental Crowns
There is no set cost for dental crown treatment because every mouth is different. Some of the factors that can impact the price of your treatment include:
- Preparatory Treatments: If the damage to your teeth is severe, you may need other procedures like root canals before a crown can be placed. If this is the case, the total cost of your crown effectively goes up.
- Material Makeup: The type of material your crown is made from can also influence the price of your treatment. We typically use all-porcelain restorations because we’ve found that patients are happier with them. The aesthetics and overall results are more pleasant when compared to more traditional metal restorations.
While there are cheaper alternatives available, it’s important to weigh the benefits against the drawbacks of some choices. For example, while metal crowns can be cheaper, they aren’t as desirable for front teeth because of how noticeable they are. A crown will last many years, so you should generally do what will make you feel the best.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Crowns?
Most dental crowns are considered a major procedure and could be covered up to 50 percent. While many dental insurance plans cover this treatment, it’s still important to check over your policy before treatment. If you need help, we can sit down with you and help you cut through all the jargon to get the information that matters. We’ll also handle any claims you may have so you can focus on restoring your smile.
Other Options for Making Dental Crowns Affordable
While insurance can make paying for treatment easier, many patients simply can’t afford it. Dr. Lamberti knows this and is dedicated to helping every patient find an affordable way to receive the treatment they need. That’s why we proudly accept CareCredit for qualifying patients. By using this service, you can finance all your dental work and pay it off in smaller low-to-no-interest payments.
So, don’t let your financial situation stand between you and a desperately needed dental restoration. Reach out to us if you need help and we can discuss your treatment plan and payment details together.
What is the Difference Between Traditional and Same-Day Crowns?
CEREC same-day crowns use the same materials as traditional crowns, and can also be customized down to the tiniest detail. The main difference is where the crown is crafted and how long it takes to receive the permanent version.
Traditional crowns are created by artistic technicians in a dental lab. This process typically takes two weeks, meaning patients have to wear a temporary crown while waiting for the customization process to be completed.
CEREC same-day crowns are fabricated right here in our office by your dedicated Boca Raton dentist! Thanks to advanced imaging and milling technology, we can complete the entire customization process in just one dental appointment. You’ll leave with your permanent crown on the same day as your visit – hence the name.
What’s the Cost Difference Between Same-Day and Lab-Made Crowns?
CEREC same-day crowns in Boca Raton do tend to cost more than lab-made crowns, but not by much. Plus, dental insurance plans usually still provide partial coverage for same-day crowns. Between the offset costs and convenience of receiving a permanent crown in just one visit, many patients find the cost difference well worth it.
How Durable are CEREC Crowns?
It’s natural to think that something crafted so quickly would be of poorer quality. However, CEREC same-day crowns are made from the very same materials used for traditional crowns, and reliably last for 10 to 15 years on average. In other words, they’re just as durable as their traditional counterparts!
What Does CEREC Stand For?
“Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics.” In dentistry, the term “chairside” simply means that the treatment or process is completed in-office. “Economical restoration” references how cost-effective same-day crowns are. “Esthetic ceramics,” meanwhile, speaks to the visual appeal of the porcelain materials.
Clearly, this would be a mouthful for anyone to say, so it simply gets shortened to “CEREC.”
Will I Have Dietary Restrictions with a Same-Day Crown?
That’s part of the beauty of a same-day crown in Boca Raton! Dietary restrictions are only part of the traditional crown process because temporary crowns aren’t as durable as permanent ones. Hard, crunchy, and sticky foods could very well damage or pull off a temporary crown, leaving the patient’s weakened tooth exposed.
Since CEREC same-day crowns eliminate the need for a temporary crown, you’ll be able to eat a normal diet as soon as any post-treatment sensitivity wears off.
What Are Some Signs that I Might Need a Crown?
If you are experiencing any of the following, you may need a dental crown:
- You have an old crown that has suffered damage or that prevents you from biting down comfortably
- One of your teeth is extremely sensitive to pressure or extreme temperatures
- A tooth is visibly misshapen
- You have a severe toothache, and your dentist in Boca Raton has told you that you may need to undergo root canal therapy
Do Dental Crowns Require Any Special Care?
Caring for a dental crown doesn’t require that you take any special precautions. You simply need to stick to a thorough oral hygiene routine and visit your dentist for regular checkups. Additionally, if you tend to grind your teeth at night, you may need to wear a nightguard in order to prevent the grinding from damaging your crown.
What Should I Do if I Accidentally Damage My Crown?
A damaged crown leaves the tooth beneath it more vulnerable to infection and damage. It can also interfere with your bite. Hence, you should schedule an appointment with us as soon as your notice that something about your crown no longer feels quite right. We'll assess the damage and recommend an appropriate treatment. You may need to get the crown replaced with a new restoration.
Will a Crown Make My Tooth More Sensitive?
Metal crowns tend to conduct heat very well, so they might have an impact on dental sensitivity. Porcelain crowns, on the other hand, allow for less temperature transfer to the underlying tooth. With that being said, you may notice some extra sensitivity immediately after a porcelain crown gets placed. That is normal because the crown placement process can irritate the underlying tooth. If the discomfort doesn’t subside within a week or two, call our team for assistance.