Porcelain crowns from a Bixby Knolls cosmetic dentist are used in cases of cracked or fractured teeth and deep dental decay. This tooth restoration option is commonly called a cap. The reason for this is that the porcelain looks like a cap that fits over a tooth.
Dental crowns are needed when a patient has:
A cracked tooth
One or more fractured cusps
Had root canal therapy
Extreme enamel wear (from bruxism or erosion)
A dental crown protects the healthy tooth structure, helping prevent further breakdown and maintain good oral health.
A cracked or fractured tooth sometimes causes pain and sensitivity to bite pressure or temperature. Other times, a damaged tooth is asymptomatic. Just because you don’t feel pain doesn’t mean we shouldn’t treat it.
A crack in a tooth is a gateway for bacteria. The enamel protects the tooth’s nerve from bacteria, which can cause the nerve to die. When the enamel is cracked, bacteria can travel through the tooth, causing decay and damage.
Additionally, a cracked tooth is more susceptible to fracture due to the pressure teeth endure from biting and chewing.
A porcelain crown protects the tooth from exposure to bacteria and supports cracks, so they don’t progress.
There are three types of crowns you can choose from when your dentist informs you that you need such a restoration.
A metal crown – Gold is typically the best option as it’s one of the most biocompatible metals
A porcelain fused to metal crown – A crown with a metal substructure and a porcelain exterior
An all-porcelain crown – These crowns are made 100% of porcelain
Porcelain crowns are ideal for most patients because they are long-lasting and durable.
They’re also beautiful. Your North Long Beach cosmetic dentist can match the porcelain to the shade of your natural teeth. Porcelain is highly resistant to stain, so porcelain crowns look great for years to come. The porcelain looks so much like a natural tooth that no one will know you’ve had any dental work.
Most patients who need dental crowns are good candidates for full-porcelain crowns. However, there are some exceptions.
The excess pressure from bruxism (clenching and grinding the teeth) can cause the porcelain to chip, crack, or fracture. In these cases, a metal crown might be optimal. Similarly, if a patient is already missing an extensive amount of tooth structure, a metal crown might suit them best for the extra support metal provides.
Full porcelain crowns cost between $800 and $3000 per tooth, depending on your dental provider.
Talk to our team to learn more about your insurance coverage, what kind of co-pay you can expect, and to work out a payment plan.
Typically, dental insurance companies don’t care what material a lab or dentist uses to fabricate a crown. The reason a patient needs a crown is to restore a damaged tooth and maintain good oral health.
What your insurance chooses to pay depends on the company and your plan. Insurance companies consider dental crowns to be major dental procedures, which are often covered at 50% (up to your annual maximum).
Our team wants to help you get a healthier smile by treating cracks, fractures, and dental decay. But they also want to help you achieve a smile you love. Dr. Omid has years of experience helping patients achieve beautiful smiles despite damaging dental conditions. Contact our team to schedule a consultation to discuss your restorative and cosmetic treatment options.
Contact our team in Bixby Knolls at (562) 287-5175 to learn more about porcelain crowns.
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