Getting a Dental Crown? 3 Things to Know
When it comes to dental decay, sometimes a filling is not enough to fix the damage. If your tooth has a significant amount of decay, a dental crown may be used. Dental crowns are often referred to as caps and are essentially tooth-shaped shells that are put onto teeth in order to restore their size and shape. While dental crowns are often used to repair the damage from dental decay, they can also be used to strengthen a weak tooth or placed on top of a tooth for cosmetic reasons. If you are getting a dental crown, here are three things that you should know.
You Have Options
The first thing that you should be aware of is that you have options when it comes to dental crowns. Crowns are available in various materials including ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal, base metal alloys, and gold alloys. Ceramic crowns are very similar looking to natural teeth and are often used for front teeth. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are stronger than porcelain crowns and are typically used throughout the mouth. Base metal alloy and gold alloy crowns are very strong and durable and are often used for molars and for teeth that are not visible when smiling.
The Cost
If you are getting a dental crown, the cost is one thing that you should consider. Costs will vary depending on the material used for the crown and where the crown is being placed. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns typically cost between $500 and $1,500 per tooth. Porcelain crowns cost on average between $800 and $3,000 per tooth. Metal alloy crowns, both base metal and gold, typically range in price between $600 and $2,500 per tooth. The type of crown that works best for you will depend on your dental needs and budget. If the crown is needed for medical reasons, your dental insurance will likely cover around 50% of the cost.
The Life Span of Crowns
Another thing that's important to know when it comes to crowns is that they don't last forever. Even with proper care and maintenance, dental crowns will eventually need to be replaced. The life span will vary depending on how well you care for them and their material. On average, dental crowns last between five and 15 years. However, in some instances, crowns can last much longer. In order to keep your crowns in place for as long as possible, proper oral hygiene is a must.
When it comes to dental crowns, there are a few things that you should know. First, crowns are not one-size-fits-all and are available in a variety of materials. Costs can vary, but most crowns will cost at least a few hundred dollars. The life span of your crowns will also vary, but most last between five and 15 years.
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