Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that fit on top of a damaged or decayed tooth to restore appearance and functionality. This means that crowns are considered both cosmetic and restorative.
Typically, dental crowns take at least two appointments- one to prepare the affected tooth and one to place the permanent crown. However, some dental clinics, such as Peak Dental Group in Calgary, offer same-day crowns.
This removes the need for a second appointment and significantly reduces the amount of time spent in the dental chair. In many cases, patients can go right back to their normal routine after the procedure. However, you will want to wait until the anesthesia wears off before you try to eat anything.
A small cavity is typically treated with a dental filling. However, if the decay is large, a crown may be needed to restore and protect the tooth.
Many factors can cause or contribute to tooth sensitivity. A crown can be used to protect the tooth from exposure to heat/cold and other things that could trigger sensitivity.
If you are missing a tooth or if you have a tooth that is significantly smaller than the adjacent teeth, a dental crown can be used to replace the missing tooth or build up the smaller one to create an even bite.
Over time, your tooth enamel wears down which can cause tooth sensitivity and have a detrimental impact on the appearance of teeth. A dental crown can be placed on these teeth to improve appearance and protect the tooth from further wear.
Cracks and chips in teeth increase the risk of infection getting into the dental pulp- which will require root canal treatment or extraction. A dental crown can be placed on the tooth to prevent this. If an infection has already gotten into the dental pulp, a crown can be placed after root canal treatment to salvage the structure of the tooth.
There are several advantages of getting dental crowns for fractured teeth, including:
There are several steps involved in getting a traditional dental crown. However, at Peak Dental Group in Calgary, we offer same-day dental crowns. This reduces the time required to get the crown and may also reduce the cost as well.
Here are the steps involved in dental crown placement:
The first step is to examine the tooth to determine the extent of the damage. In most cases, the only tooth prep needed is to remove some of the enamel to create space for the dental crown to sit. If any additional work needs to be done, such as root canal treatment, it will be done at this time.
Once the enamel has been removed and any other procedures have been completed, an impression or digital image will be taken of the tooth.
The digital image and crown specifications will be entered into the computer and the software will create a digital rendering of the crown. Then, this information will be sent to the machine, which will create your custom dental crown.
Dental crowns last an average of 5 to 7 years. However, research has shown that with proper care and maintenance, crowns can last 20+ years. Here’s how you should care for your crown to make it last as long as possible.
The first step in taking care of and maintaining your dental crown is by practicing proper oral hygiene habits. This includes brushing twice daily and flossing at least once. In addition, you should visit the dentist every 6 months for an exam and cleaning.
Avoid habits such as smoking or tobacco use, as these increase your risk of dental issues and crown failure.
Biting and chewing on non-food items such as pens can cause crowns to fracture, increasing your risk of needing a replacement earlier than expected.
If you have a tooth that is significantly damaged or decayed, schedule your appointment with the team at Peak Dental Group in Calgary. We will start by performing a comprehensive exam including x-rays to determine the extent of the damage. This will tell us if you need a dental crown.
Our team has the experience and expertise to treat many dental issues for patients of all ages from pediatrics to seniors. We are conveniently located at 3630 Brentwood Road NW in Calgary. We are open 7 days a week to make dental care convenient for those patients who are unable to take time off work. Our office hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and weekends (Saturday and Sunday) from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. If you have a dental emergency outside of these hours, feel free to contact us- we will get you the help that you need.
Dental insurance typically covers up to 50% of a dental crown procedure, especially if it is deemed medically necessary. However, if the dental crown is purely for aesthetic purposes, insurance may not be willing to cover any portion of the treatment.
Peak Dental Group works with a variety of dental insurance providers. Our office staff will contact your provider to determine how much of your treatment will be covered. If you need other options, we do offer financing on all of our dental procedures- ask the office staff for details.
