Dental Crown

A Crown Fixes Everything

Or does it? Often, dental crowns are cemented over a tooth as a form of dental restoration. They encase the whole visible tooth; so in essence, the crown becomes the tooth’s new outer surface. Some reasons a dental crown may be recommended for dental restoration is to restore a tooth to its original form, strengthen a tooth, or improve the appearance of the tooth. These tend to last anywhere from 5-15 years, usually in the $500-900 price range per crown, but these are generally covered by insurance. Most often, there are not complications from crowns, but sometimes, problems could develop. Some issues that may arise include discomfort and sensitivity, chipped crown, loose crown, a crown falling off, allergic reaction, or a dark line on a crowned tooth next to the gum line.

Dental crowns are not recommended to only be used to improve the appearance of the tooth if there is another alternative. This is because the procedure requires the dentist to grind a portion of a tooth away. If there is another way to improve the tooth’s appearance that can produce equal results, then it is best to go with one of those alternatives. Some procedures that can help with tooth appearance are porcelain veneers, dental bonding, or teeth whitening. If the crown also restores a tooth’s original shape or strengthens the tooth, then a dental crown is a good choice.