Dental crowns are one of the most common dental prosthetics that Dr. Doyle Freano provides in our Lexington, KY dental office. Tooth crowns function as a “cap” to cover and strengthen the tooth and help prevent tooth loss. If you have a cracked, broken, or otherwise damaged tooth, Dr. Freano can help.
Dental crowns can consist of a variety of materials, but Dr. Freano frequently recommends porcelain. Crowns made of dental porcelain tend to be more durable than traditional materials. We can also color-match dental porcelain so that it blends flawlessly with the rest of your teeth and smile. We can go even further with a teeth whitening procedure to fully restore your smile after our dentist places a dental crown.
Common Uses for Dental Crowns
Patients visit our dental practice for a variety of issues that we can fix using dental crowns. Dr. Freano may recommend a dental crown for any of the following dental problems or cosmetic concerns:
- A dental crown can protect a tooth after root canal therapy.
- A crown can restore a tooth that has a large cavity.
- We can repair a broken or cracked tooth without oral surgery using a crown.
- Improve the appearance of misshaped or crooked tooth using a crown.
- A crown can hide tooth stains by covering a discolored tooth.
- Close gaps between teeth for a seamless smile using a dental crown.
- It can lengthen teeth that appear very short next to other teeth.
The Dental Crown Procedure
The dental crown procedure begins with a thorough oral evaluation. We will check your teeth for signs of damage and recommend the appropriate treatment options. If Dr. Freano determines that you need a dental crown or two, he will begin to prepare the affected tooth.
After Dr. Freano prepares the tooth, he will take an impression or mold of your mouth. He will send this impression to a local dental lab so that they can use it in the fabrication process. There, they will create a perfectly fitting dental crown using your specific measurements. He can place a temporary crown while we wait for the permanent restoration from the dental lab.
Once we receive the permanent crown from the dental lab, Dr. Freano will call you back into our dental practice and place the final custom-made restoration. He will permanently bond it to your tooth and polish it for a comfortable, lasting result. The dental crown procedure can enhance your smile and help support long-term oral health for years to come.
Dental Crown FAQs
If you need a dental crown, you may have some questions about them and the crown treatment process. Here we will address some of the questions we get from patients seeking dental crowns. We’ll answer questions that often arise about the procedure, risks, and expectations for this treatment.
How fast can I get a dental crown?
Dental labs can fabricate modern-day dental crowns in as little as two hours. Some dentists offer same-day crowns for those that can afford the cost. Usually the timeframe in which you will get your new crown will depend on the amount of dental work you need. For example, our dentists can prepare your mouth, fabricate the traditional dental crowns, and place them within about two weeks.
What is the cost of a dental crown?
Dental crown cost varies depending on your specific condition and goals, as well as the material the dentist uses to create the crown. Your dental insurance coverage may cover the cost of a dental crown procedure. As a courtesy, we will submit a claim to your insurance company with a request to send the reimbursement directly to you.
How long do dental crowns last?
Dr. Freano designs dental crowns to last a lifetime. Proper care and maintenance will ensure that your dental crown will perform at its best for many years. The best way to help keep your dental crown in good condition is to brush your teeth at least twice a day, and floss once a day. This will ensure that the gums are healthy and free of food particles, which can interfere with the bond of your dental crown. Brush gently around the gum line to remove any plaque on the tooth and crown’s surface.
What should I do if a crown falls out?
If your tooth crown falls out, it is important to take action quickly in order to avoid further damage to your tooth. Don’t try to put it back on! Don’t use glue or cement to reattach it either. Call your dentist as soon as possible and keep the crown clean. Do not attempt to use any type of glue to reattach your crown.
Depending on the severity of the situation, you may need to contact us or an emergency dental clinic right away. In some cases, our dentist may be able to temporarily replace the crown the same day of your emergency visit.
Can a dentist reuse a dental crown?
When a dental crown falls out, it can be difficult to determine whether or not it is safe to reuse. There are some cases where a dentist can safely reuse a dental crown. For example, our dentist can save and put back a new crown that has recently fallen out. However, the dentist can’t reuse a tooth crown if she removes it to restore your tooth. This is because the dentist usually cuts it into pieces during the removal process.
Schedule a Tooth Crown Consultation
Dr. Freano is a trusted dentist in Lexington, Kentucky. He has decades of experience performing dental restorations for Lexington-Fayette communities and beyond. Request a dental appointment online, or give Complete Dentistry For All Ages a call at 859-251-3809 today.