Dental Crowns

The dental crown procedure requires a local anesthetic to numb the area. Once the anesthesia has worn off after the procedure, you may feel some sensitivity around the crown or soreness in the gums. This pain should subside quickly.

The life of a dental crown will depend on material, but in general the average lifespan of dental crowns are between five and fifteen years. With proper dental care, this life has been known to be extended as long as 20 or 30 years.

Dental crowns are usually made out of one of four materials – ceramic, porcelain fused to metal, gold alloys or base metal alloys. Porcelain crowns are one of the most common and durable. Ceramic crowns are commonly used for restoring front teeth because they are best able to blend with your natural tooth color.

The cost of a dental crown can vary greatly depending on materials used, how broken the tooth is and what other procedures are necessary. The average cost of a dental crown is usually $500-$2,500 per tooth cap. Ask your doctor for help determining the best option for your budget and for help working with insurance to cover a portion or all of the procedure.

After a root canal, a dental crown may provide your tooth the strength and protection necessary. A temporary crown may be applied after your root canal surgery with the expectation of replacing it with a more permanent dental crown later.

A tooth cap is another common term for a dental crown.

For the most part, your dental crown can be cared for in the same way you care for your other teeth. Regular brushing and teeth cleaning will help keep your crown clean. You will also need to keep an eye on any signs of degradation, which will happen eventually over time.