Rebuild Your Smile with Functional and Realistic-looking Dental Crowns
Anyone with a decayed or broken tooth will tell you how painful it is, not to mention the insecurity when smiling. Don’t let a damaged tooth compromise your oral function, comfort, and confidence. Blunn Creek Family Dentistry offers high-quality dental crowns to patients in and around Austin, Texas. Schedule your consultation today with Dr. Kunjumary “Mary” Kolathu and rebuild your smile with dental crowns that look, feel, and function like real teeth.
Why do I need a dental crown?
A dental crown is a personalized, tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a tooth to improve its appearance and function. A dental crown repairs significant damage, saving your tooth from extraction.
Dental crowns wear several hats in dentistry. Your Austin dentist can use a dental crown to resolve several dental issues, including:
- Missing teeth: We can pair a dental crown with a dental implant or dental bridge to replace one or several missing teeth.
- Damaged teeth: Extraction isn’t the obvious solution for your severely decayed or damaged tooth. A dental crown encapsulates your damaged tooth, which reinforces its structure and prevents further damage.
- Weakened teeth: Your dental crown can strengthen your tooth if weakened by a root canal, wear, or trauma.
- Cosmetic modifications: The dentist can use a dental crown to improve the appearance of a misshapen or severely discolored tooth.
Beyond repairing the damage, a dental crown makes your tooth stronger and more durable. You can bite into apples and juicy steaks without pain or sensitivity. Your crowned tooth is also less prone to unexpected breakdowns and repairs.
The dental crown procedure: What can I expect?
It only takes two quick, painless visits to restore your smile with a dental crown. First, Dr. Mary will examine your tooth with dental X-rays. She’ll establish the health/stability of your tooth to determine its crown eligibility. If so, we’ll prep your tooth by contouring the enamel on all sides. This creates a sturdy surface to support the shape of your crown.
Next, we’ll take digital impressions of your prepped tooth and the surrounding structures. These scans guide our dental lab when creating your crown. This personalization is the reason your crown fits snugly and looks natural. Fabricating your crown takes a few weeks. In the meantime, we’ll protect the prepped tooth from injuries and infections with a provisional crown.
Once your crown is shipped to our dental office, we’ll notify you to reserve an appointment for placement. We’ll remove your provisional crown and check the fit and appearance of your permanent crown. After a few adjustments, we’ll use durable adhesives to secure your crown in place. You can now enjoy a beautiful, fully functional smile just like before the damage occurred!
How much is a dental crown in Austin, Texas?
The cost of a dental crown ranges between $1,000 and $2,500 per tooth. The cost varies depending on the material used and the complexity of the case. Your Austin dental office will provide a cost breakdown during your consultation. We’ll also discuss available payment options, including insurance, financing, and an in-house membership plan. The objective is to ensure you achieve your best smile without financial burden.
Dental Crowns FAQs
How do I care for a temporary crown?
The most important thing to remember with a temporary is that it’s more fragile than your permanent crown. Try to chew on the other side of your mouth whenever possible. It’s also best to avoid eating sticky, crunchy, or otherwise unforgiving foods while wearing a temporary. Take great care when brushing and flossing around the crown. If your temporary feels loose or becomes dislodged, contact us right away. We can discuss next steps. While a temporary inconvenience, this crown is important to protect the treated and prepared tooth while your permanent restoration is being made.
How should a crown feel after it is placed?
It’s normal for the area to feel a little strange and sensitive at first. Your tissues are adjusting, and the crown is a different shape from your original tooth. If you have persistent discomfort or the crowned tooth continues to feel off after you bite down, call us so Dr. Mary can evaluate your tooth. Even the slightest adjustments may help with your comfort.
Will I need a crown after root canal treatment?
Dental crowns are typically recommended. The reason for this is that treatment can weaken your tooth. Without a crown, it may be susceptible to breakage and to reinfection. To strengthen the tooth and preserve its structural integrity and health, a crown is usually placed on top. When a crown is recommended, you should return to our office promptly so it can be placed in a timely fashion. Delays in getting a crown are among the most common reasons that root canal-treated teeth fail. By following through with every step in the process, you can avoid tooth loss and treatments like bridges and implants to fill the gap in your smile.
How is a crown placed with an implant?
The implant is the part of your new tooth present in the jawbone. It functions like a tooth root to hold the crown in place. After the implant has effectively “become” a part of the jawbone (the bone and implant naturally grow together), the crown may be seated. It is attached to the implant with a connector piece or abutment.
Does it take a while to heal after the crown is seated?
No. It should not take a long time for your mouth to return to normal after the final placement of the crown. The longest healing period has already taken place – when the implant and bone fused together to provide a solid foundation for the implant and restoration. You may feel some soreness and pressure as your tissues adapt. Also, if it’s been some time since you had a tooth in the area, your bite may feel a little off. These changes should subside in the days and weeks following your appointment, as you get used to having your new tooth.
Do crowns require special care?
Crowns are your natural teeth with a protective covering over them. So, they should generally be cared for like any other tooth. Exercise good and consistent brushing and flossing habits. Visit us for cleanings and exams as recommended by Dr. Mary. Avoid/address any habits that could damage your crown, such as chewing ice, fingernails, and pens, or grinding your teeth (we have a custom-fit nightguard for that!). When used as part of a bridge or implant, crowns may require special cleaning products and techniques. We can demonstrate these techniques and make recommendations that are appropriate for your needs and situation.
Ready to rebuild your smile with Austin dental crowns?
Do you have a damaged tooth? Enjoy eating and smiling again with high-quality dental crowns in Austin, Texas. Call (512) 788-9282 and schedule your consultation with Dr. Mary and her team. We create our dental crowns with expert artisanship and premium materials to achieve the best possible outcomes.
