Dental Crowns

At Tori Plaza Dental in Medicine Hat, our dentists use dental crowns to cap a damaged tooth and help restore its function.

Why is a dental crown needed?

There are many situations in which dental crowns may be needed, such as:

• To protect a weak tooth from decay
• To restore an already broken tooth
• To cover a tooth when there isn’t a lot of its material left
• To hold a dental bridge in place

What is a Dental Crown?

Dental crowns are synthetic caps that your dentist places on the top of a tooth to help restore its function and protect it from any future damage.
You may need a crown if you have had a root canal, or if you have a large filling or a broken tooth.
Once in place, a dental crown can give your tooth more strength and can also help to correct bite issues, improve your speech, reduce the risk of gum disease, and improve your overall health. .

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Types Of Dental Crowns in Medicine Hat

The following materials are used to make crowns:

• Metal Crowns: Made of gold, durable and long-lasting, won’t chip or break, and tend not to wear down your surrounding natural teeth.
• Composite Crowns: Tooth-colored, won’t chip easily, but they tend to wear more quickly from chewing. Over time, tooth brushing may remove the polished surface of composite crowns causing them to stain more easily.
• Porcelain Crowns: Tooth-colored and look like natural teeth, more brittle than metal or composite and may chip more easily.
• Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal Crowns: Look natural and are stronger than porcelain or composite crowns so they won’t chip as easily.

What steps are involved in preparing a tooth for a crown?

A dental crown generally takes at least two dental appointments to be placed. At the first appointment, your dentist will give you a local anesthetic and then gently file down your tooth to reshape it and make room for the crown. Next, they will take an impression of your tooth so a custom crown can be made to fit your mouth. Your dentist will then place a temporary crown over the tooth to protect it until the final crown is ready.

Your next appointment will take place when the crown is ready. At this visit, your dentist will remove the temporary crown, and then cement the final crown into place, ensuring a good fit.

FAQs

Can porcelain crowns be reshaped? Yes, porcelain crowns can be reshaped and polished by your dentist.

Can a dental crown be removed? The removal of an existing crown is possible, depending on its condition and material.

How long before a crown feels normal? Crown sensitivity typically resolves within 1-2 weeks after the procedure. Contact your dentist if you experience pain when biting.

When should a dental crown be replaced? A crown may need replacement if there is decay underneath or due to general wear and tear over time.

Will I have tooth pain after a crown? Your dentist may use a local anesthetic during crown placement to minimize discomfort. Sensitivity around the treated tooth should resolve within a few weeks.

What can you not eat with a temporary crown? Avoid hard or sticky foods that could dislodge the temporary crown.

How much does a crown cost? Dental crown costs vary but generally range from $800 to $1700 per crown. Check with your dentist and insurance company for coverage details.

Can crowns be adjusted? Yes, dental crowns can be adjusted based on the reason and the crown's material.

Caring for Dental Crowns

Dental crowns can last 10 years or longer with proper care. Practice good oral hygiene, attend regular checkups at our Medicine Hat office, and avoid biting hard objects to maintain their longevity. Treat your crowns like natural teeth to preserve their functionality and appearance.

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