A dental crown is a cover or cap which is put on top of your damaged teeth. The crown restores the tooth to its normal shape, size, and function.

Most commonly, you may need crowns if you have a cavity that is too large for a filling, after a root canal treatment or if you have a cracked or worn down tooth.

Your Dental Crown Procedure:

• Tooth Preparation: The original tooth is trimmed down and prepared so that it can fit inside the new covering.
• Impressions: Then the impressions of the tooth are taken and sent to the lab for making the permanent crown.
• Crown Preparation: CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design/Manufacturing) technology is used to give a precise fit and unmatched look to every crown.
• Installation: Then the dentist permanently cements the artificial crown to the tooth.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Dental Crowns

• The biggest advantage of crowns is the natural looking results. With recent advances in dentistry, it is now possible to completely match the color of natural teeth and crowns. So, until and unless you tell someone yourself, the crown won’t be noticeable.
• Crowns also provide protection and support for your damaged teeth.
• Since crowns are custom fit, they feel natural inside your mouth. Initially, the crown may feel a little foreign. However, this will only last for a few days.
• The main disadvantage of crowns is that they can chip, become loose or even fall out.
• Just like natural teeth, crowns are susceptible to fractures and gum disease.

Types of Dental Crowns

Crowns are made from several types of materials. To decide which material to use for your crown, your dentist will consider many factors, such as:

• The tooth’s location and function.
• Your preference.
• The amount of tooth that shows when you smile.

The three types of crowns are all porcelain, all metal, and porcelain fused to metal (PFM).

Comparing Different Types of Crowns

Usually, for your molars, your dentist might recommend a PFM crown, but for front teeth, natural-colored ceramic crowns are much more popular.

Dental Crowns Cost Abroad

In the United States, a crown costs $800-3,000 depending on the material. In dental tourism destinations like Costa Rica, Thailand, and Mexico, these crowns cost $300-650.

A zirconium crown will cost around $1000 in the U.S. and $800 in Canada.

It will cost you $400-567 in Costa Rica and around $450 in Mexico, which is half of the price in the U.S. and Canada.

Dental Crowns FAQ

1. How long does a dental crown last?

The longevity of a dental crown depends on the material used and how you maintain your oral hygiene.

Generally, dentists suggest 5-15 years as an average lifespan for well-maintained crowns. Metal crowns may last for even longer.

2. Do crowns stain over the years?

Yes, crowns can discolor with time. However, their level of staining is usually less significant in comparison to your natural teeth.

3. How do I care for my crowns?

Some of the most common dental crown problems are dental decay, chipping, and fractures. To maintain your crowns:

• Brush your teeth and crown gently twice a day.
• Consume teeth-staining substances like coffee, tobacco, and red wine in moderation.
• Wear a mouth guard if you bite or clench your teeth often.
• Avoid sticky and hard foods, as they can stick to your crowns and pull them free.

4. How long does the treatment take?

The treatment requires two trips to the dental clinic. During the first visit, your dental team will prepare the tooth, take the impressions, note the shade of your tooth, and fit the temporary crown.

In the second visit, your dentist will fit the permanent crown. There is usually about 1 to 2 weeks between appointments.

5. Does it hurt to have a tooth prepared for a crown?

No. You will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area for the procedure.

6. How will I eat between dental visits?

A temporary crown will be given to you so that you can use the tooth while you wait for the permanent crown to be made.

7. What is the replacement cost for crowns?

Typically, the cost of replacing a crown is the same as a new one. This is because your dentist’s expenses will be about the same and the time taken as well.

8. Should I visit a general dentist or a prosthodontist?

Your crowns can be put by both a general dentist or prosthodontists. However, please note that prosthodontists are the only dental professional recognized as tooth replacement specialists.

9. Is a root canal needed for a crown?

Most teeth that have root canals should have crowns, but root canal is not a prerequisite for getting crowns.

10. Does a crown protect the underlying tooth from decay and gum disease?

No, it does not. Hence, it is essential to clean and brush the crowned tooth just as you would any normal tooth.