Dental Crowns - Schenectady, NY • Capital District
Custom-Made Restorations
Natural wear and tear, decay, and even an accident can all leave a tooth looking and feeling far from its best, but for Capital District residents who are dealing with problem teeth, Capital Smiles has the solution you need: dental crowns in Schenectady. Dr. Page has an extensive amount of training in the field of restorative dentistry, meaning she is able to design and place customized crowns to ensure the health, beauty, and longevity of our patients’ smiles.
“Dr. Page is amazing. This is my second big procedure with her, and I can't say enough about her drive to give you the best results possible while being friendly and personable. Would recommend her dentistry to anyone and everyone!”
Anonymous
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What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped restoration that is fitted over the top of a damaged tooth in order to protect and repair it. With a dental crown, Dr. Page can:
- Repair a large cavity
- Fix a broken tooth
- Hold a weakened tooth together
- Cosmetically enhance a misshapen or undersized tooth
- Even out the bite to help with jaw alignment issues
- Complete a dental implant to replace a missing tooth
Depending on the location of the tooth that needs to be restored, crowns can be made of a variety of materials. Typically, strong and durable metal is used for the back teeth, while natural-looking (and still strong!) porcelain is used for the front teeth. There is also an option that blends both called PFM, or porcelain-fused-to-metal. Increasingly, zirconia is the material of choice for both front and back teeth due to its beautiful aesthetic and high strength properties.
What is the Crown Procedure Like?
As with any dental treatment at Capital Smiles, it will start with an oral exam performed by either Dr. Page . If she recommends that you have a tooth restored with a crown, the procedure will involve the following basic steps:
- At an initial appointment, Dr. Page will gently remove any damaged/decayed portion of the tooth and shape it to fit the crown.
- She'll then take an impression or digital scan of this tooth, which will be sent to a dental lab to fabricate your crown.
- Before you leave, she will place a temporary crown on your tooth.
- When your crown is finished and you return to our office (usually about a week or so later), Dr. Page will remove the temporary and cement the permanent crown in place.
- After making a few final adjustments and checking your bite, your new smile will be ready for the world!
Life with a Dental Crown
Right after getting a dental crown, your tooth may experience some sensitivity, but this should lessen over time. With the proper maintenance, your crown should be able to look great and function normally for years to come.
What is the proper maintenance? Simple: brush twice a day, floss,where a night guard if you clench or grind, and come see us for routine checkups here at Capital Smiles. Even though a crown can’t develop a cavity, the remaining natural tooth and nearby gums can still experience problems if not regularly cared for.
If at any time your crown feels uncomfortable or causes you any kind of persistent pain, just give us a call, and we’ll be happy to adjust it for you.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Crowns
The cost of dental crowns can be different from case to case. During your consultation, we can share some specific numbers with you and help you understand your payment options, such as insurance and financing. With the assistance of available provisions, most patients find that it is relatively easy to afford necessary treatment.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Dental Crowns
Some factors that can have a bearing on the cost of dental crowns include:
- Preparatory treatment. Some patients require root canal therapy or other treatments before their teeth can support a crown. Such services come with their own fees.
- Crowns can be crafted out of a variety of materials, such as metals, porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, and porcelain fused to metal. Each option has its own pros and cons, as well as its own price point.
- The crown creation process. Laboratory fees and other portions of the crown creation process can influence the total cost of your care.
Keep in mind that if you ever come across a deal for a “bargain” crown, it is important to be cautious. You want top-quality prosthetics for your smile! Otherwise, you could end up with an uncomfortable restoration. It is best to invest in high-quality dental care right from the beginning.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Crowns?
In many cases, yes, dental insurance covers crowns. Since they are considered to be a major service, you can expect around 50% of the total price to be covered, up to the amount of your plan’s annual maximum. It is also worth noting that coverage usually applies only if a crown is necessary for your oral health; crowns that are purely for aesthetic purposes are not usually covered. Our team will be happy to help you navigate the process of using your insurance.
Other Options for Making Dental Crowns Affordable
If you would like to pay for your crown over time, ask us about CareCredit financing. CareCredit is a third-party company that provides low-interest payment plans for dental and medical services. The application process is fast, and most patients are deemed eligible for credit. You may be able to choose a monthly payment amount that works with your budget.
Are you ready to learn more about dental crowns and their cost? The Capital Smiles team is eager to speak with you. Get in touch with us today to book your restorative consultation!
Dental Crowns FAQs
Dr. Page and our team are ready and eager to help you enjoy a strong and functional smile via dental crown treatment. Before you book your consultation, however, you may want to learn more about this service and what you can expect from it. Below, you will find answers to some common questions about dental crowns. If you do not see the answers to your specific questions, give us a call. We look forward to speaking with you!
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
On average, crowns last 5 – 15 years before replacement becomes necessary. Of course, your crown may have a longer or shorter lifespan; it depends on what your crown is made of, how you care for your mouth, and other factors. If you strive to eat a healthy diet, avoid biting down on hard objects (like ice or your fingernails), and stick to a thorough oral hygiene routine, you can reasonably expect your crown to last a long time.
How Do You Know When a Dental Crown Needs to Be Replaced?
A visit to a dentist is the only way to know for sure if a crown needs to be replaced. Here are some indications that mean you should book an appointment:
- Pain might mean that the tooth beneath the crown has a problem. It may be necessary to remove the restoration. In some cases, a crown can be replaced after the underlying tooth receives treatment.
- Instability could mean that a crown is damaged and needs to be checked out by a dentist.
- Visible signs of damage, such as cracks or chips, may mean that the crown is in danger of breaking altogether.
- A worsening appearance might make you feel self-conscious about your crown. It may be best to ask your dentist if you are eligible for a more aesthetically pleasing replacement.
Do Dental Crowns Feel Natural?
At first, your crown may feel odd. Once you adapt to it, however, it should feel like a normal part of your body. You might even forget that you have a crown! Of course, that is only the case if your crown is well-made; poorly fitting crowns may cause continual discomfort.
Can Dental Crowns Be Whitened?
Crowns do not respond to teeth whitening treatments, such as gels, strips, and even in-office professional whitening services. If you have a metal crown, the only way to make it look more natural is by getting it replaced with a restoration made out of zirconia, porcelain, or ceramic. If you already have a tooth-colored crown, but you are no longer satisfied with its appearance, it might just need to be polished. However, it is also possible that it needs to be replaced.
Come See Us!
Having to deal with a severely damaged tooth is no fun, but the team at Capital Smiles can easily take care of it in just two appointments using a dental crown. If getting a crown makes you feel a bit anxious, don’t worry-- we can help take the stress away with our variety of sedation options.
To learn more about dental crowns or start getting one today, contact us for an appointment.