Overview
If a single tooth is damaged or worn down, it can be protected with a dental crown. Also known as a cap, crowns are custom made to fit over your tooth and colored to match your surrounding teeth for a seamless appearance. At Stone Lake Dental in Wichita Falls, TX, a dental crown may be used to treat a large cavity, protect a weak tooth, restore a cracked tooth, or cover a discolored tooth. Our experienced team of dentists offers crowns with different materials to match your needs, including porcelain, metal, and porcelain over metal. Schedule a consultation to learn about how a dental crown can strengthen or repair a tooth while also improving the overall health and appearance of your smile.
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Best Candidates
Dental crowns may be needed or wanted in a variety of situations. They can be used to protect a tooth weakened by decay to keep it from breaking or they can hold parts of a tooth together that have already cracked. Crowns can also be used to fix a tooth that is loose or extremely worn down. They can be utilized to support a tooth with a large cavity that cannot hold a normal filling, hold a dental bridge in place, or cover misshapen or discolored teeth. Crowns can be cemented to the tooth or attached to a dental implant. The material of the crown is usually selected based on the location of the tooth. Metal or porcelain fused to metal (PFM) are generally stronger so they are better for the back teeth that are less visible. Porcelain or ceramic crowns are typically used on the front teeth and matched to the size, color, and shape of your natural teeth. During your consultation, your Stone Lake Dental dentist will go over your options and help you select the best crown for your needs and budget.
What To Expect
During your consultation, we will take impressions of your teeth so the crown can be custom made. If needed, a temporary crown can be placed over your tooth while your custom crown is being made. Once your crown is ready, the area to be treated will be numbed with a local anesthetic. Other sedation options may be available to help you feel more comfortable during the procedure if you have any fears or anxieties. Once you are ready, the tooth will be prepared by removing any areas of decay, then filed down to make room for the crown. The crown will be cemented onto the tooth or attached to the dental implant. Once set, the fit will be adjusted so your bite is correct and comfortable.
Recovery
If only local anesthesia is used, you should be able to leave once your crown is placed to continue your daily activities. Our dental team will go over the best way to care for your new crown, including foods to avoid and the best way to keep it clean. During your exams at Stone Lake Dental, we will assess your crown and adjust the fit for comfort. We will let you know when the crown needs to be replaced, but with proper care, it should last for many years. If you experience any problems with your crown (it becomes loose or falls out), contact our office for help. Do not try to fix it or put it back in yourself since this can lead to a bad fit or infection.
Insurance Coverage
Depending on your dental insurance coverage, some of the cost of your crown may be covered. After talking to your insurance company, our office can better estimate your out-of-pocket expenses. During your consultation, we can help you determine the best material for your crown that fits your budget. We will also go over payment options, including medical financing, to make your treatment more affordable.
Custom Dental Crowns
A single missing or damaged tooth can be easily treated with a custom dental crown at Stone Lake Dental. Talk to our experienced dental team about how a crown can protect your tooth from further damage and keep your whole mouth healthy. With a wide variety of materials available, a custom-made crown can be matched with your natural teeth so your smile remains beautiful. Contact our office in Wichita Falls, TX to schedule a consultation.