Is a dental crown in your future? Here’s what you need to know.

Dental crowns save millions of teeth from further damage and extraction on an annual basis. This popular restorative dental care procedure can help you save decayed teeth, strengthen weakened teeth, and improve the appearance of your smile at the same time.

If you suspect you need a dental crown and you’re not sure what to expect, we’re here to help! Whether it’s your first time getting a crown or it’s been decades since your last one, here are 6 things you need to know before your appointment.

1. Dental crowns are highly versatile and can be used to address a number of functional and cosmetic dental concerns.

Most dental crowns are used to protect a tooth after decay has been removed or if some sort of damage has occurred. They are also a must after a root canal has been performed as the tooth is weak.

Dental crowns are used for other types of procedures too. Dental implants will have a crown on top and they may also be placed on anchor teeth for dental bridges or implant-supported dentures.

Finally, dental crowns also have a place in cosmetic dentistry. A misshapen, worn down, or permanently stained or discolored tooth can be covered by a dental crown, giving it a totally new appearance.

2. Dental crowns come in many different materials and are customized to match your smile.

Dental crowns can be made of a wide range of materials, including metal, stainless steel, porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFTM), and ceramic.

Stainless steel and metal crowns are rarer nowadays as most patients prefer a natural, tooth-like appearance for their crowns. Porcelain, PFTM, and ceramic are the most popular materials used now.

At Staley Dental, we use ceramic CEREC same-day dental crowns for our patients. The CEREC ceramic crown is very strong, long-lasting, and mimics natural teeth flawlessly. Not only are CEREC crowns shaped to match your natural teeth, but they’re also color-matched to blend in seamlessly with your smile.

3. CEREC crowns are designed, created, and placed all within a single dental appointment visit.

Traditionally, getting a dental crown required a minimum of two dental appointments and the need to wear a temporary crown while a lab created the permanent one. Not anymore!

CEREC crowns, often referred to as same-day crowns, allow dentists like Dr. Staley to take digital scans, design a custom ceramic crown right in the office, and have it permanently placed all in one appointment. The entire process takes only about an hour or two from sitting down with Dr. Staley to walking out of our office with a beautiful new crown.

4. With proper oral hygiene and a healthy diet, your dental crown can last well over a decade.

The average dental crown will last 10 to 15 years—possibly even longer. The biggest factor in longevity is oral health and hygiene.

Crowned teeth don’t need special care but will do just fine with a great at-home oral care routine and regular six-month dental checkups and cleanings. Eating a nutritious, wholesome diet with limited sugar, starches, and acidic items will also help your smile be as healthy as possible.

Factors that could affect the longevity of your crown are undiagnosed bruxism (teeth grinding), TMJ, and gum disease. Getting these issues addressed will help your crowns last longer.

5. Dental crowns are very resilient but they aren’t indestructible or exempt from developing future tooth decay.

Crowns are very strong and durable, but they should be treated just like natural teeth. This means you should avoid very hard foods, chewing on ice or inanimate objects (i.e. pens), and using your teeth as tools.

Crowned teeth also need to be cared for just like natural teeth. Tooth decay can’t form on the crown itself, but it can form on the tooth underneath. Built-up plaque around the bottom of the crown can also cause gum inflammation that leads to gingivitis or periodontitis.

6. Dental crowns are covered by major insurance providers for necessary or functional treatment.

Nearly all major dental insurance plans provide coverage for dental crowns, often around 50% of the cost of treatment. This means you’ll pay out of pocket for the other half. A quick call can help you get an accurate answer to how much coverage you’ll have for your dental crown. We can also provide you with a treatment estimate factoring in your insurance coverage.

Keep in mind that cosmetic dental crowns aren’t usually covered by insurance, only crowns that are deemed necessary for oral health and tooth function.

Ready to book your CEREC dental crown appointment at Staley Dental?

Dr. Staley and the Staley Dental team are eager to help individuals and families in the local Boise, Idaho, area get the compassionate, skilled dental care they deserve.

When you’re ready to schedule an appointment for a CEREC crown or book a new patient consultation with Dr. Staley, give our office a call, or fill out this handy online form. Our team can’t wait to see both new and familiar faces in our dental office.