Many dental treatments are like a mystery wrapped in an enigma until you need them. There are so many things to concern yourself with in your daily life, that unless you’re having a dental problem, the myriad of specific dental treatments available are probably not super high on the list. However, it is good to be aware of the many dental treatments available and what they entail, because as your teeth age, you may just need one or two. Dental crowns are one of those mysteries for many people, so today we discuss the simplicity of dental crown placement.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns used to be referred to as caps, and you may still hear people referring to a crown in that manner. That’s because a crown literally caps your tooth. It is a fabricated tooth that is hollow inside so it can fit over your damaged tooth. It serves three purposes: it restores your damaged or decayed tooth to its original function, it strengthens it, and it restores the esthetics of your smile. Crowns are also used to anchor dental bridges, hide stained teeth, and cap implant posts. Crowns are a minimally invasive and rather simple procedure. The first visit will consist of:
- Anesthetizing your tooth
- Preparing the tooth by removing the damage or decay
- Making an impression of the tooth and sending it to the dental lab
- Placing a temporary crown
The second visit will consist of:
- Removing the temporary crown
- Testing the newly fabricated crown for comfort, fit, and esthetics
- Permanently bonding the crown over the prepared tooth
Cost
Depending on the crown material, the size, the amount of preparation, and where in the U.S. you are located, the cost of a crown usually average anywhere from $500 to $3,000.
ABOUT YOUR GARLAND, TX DENTIST:
Dr. Vi Mai-Truong and the caring staff at Mai Dentistry are dedicated to ensuring that our patients are proud of their beautiful, healthy smiles. With years of experience in general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, we can expertly diagnose and treat early dental trouble to preserve your natural tooth structure. To learn more, or to schedule your next appointment, call our Garland, TX office today at (972) 530-0552.