Dental Crowns – Lebanon, NH
Strengthen & Protect Vulnerable Teeth
Dental crowns in Lebanon are an incredibly versatile and effective treatment to address a variety of problems, like to rebuild a damaged tooth, fix severely misshapen or discolored teeth, or to offer post-treatment protection and strength for a compromised tooth. At Hanover Road Dental Health, we craft our restorations from high-quality, durable, and natural-looking materials that stand the test of time and provide teeth with valuable support and strength, so you can continue using them as you naturally would.
Why Choose Hanover Road Dental Health For Dental Crowns?
- Honest, Trustworthy Dentistry
- In-Network with Delta Dental Premier
- Natural-Looking, Customized Dental Crowns
What are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are cap-like structures that are custom-made to fit over the biting surface (the structure that lies above the gumline) of a compromised tooth. They can be made from a wide variety of materials, including metals and ceramics, but many patients choose to have theirs crafted from porcelain or other natural-looking substances that we custom-shade to be virtually indistinguishable from your surrounding teeth.
What Problems Can Dental Crowns Address?
As mentioned before, dental crowns are a surprisingly versatile treatment that we may suggest to address several different oral issues, including:
- Root Canal Therapy. After root canal therapy, we typically place a dental crown over the treated tooth to restore its strength and structure.
- Severe Dental Decay. Severe decay that has eaten away a large portion of the structure of your tooth can be treated and reinforced with a dental crown to allow you to keep your natural tooth.
- Dental Trauma. When a tooth breaks or fractures, we can place a dental crown over it to provide it with additional support, so it doesn’t break even more.
- Misshapen or Discolored Teeth: If a tooth is severely misshapen or discolored, a dental crown can make it more uniform with your surrounding teeth.
- Replace Old Restorations. If you have an old metal restoration you’d like to replace, our crowns are made from natural-looking and durable materials.
The Dental Crown Process
The process of receiving a dental crown typically takes place over the course of two appointments. During the first, we’ll prepare your tooth by removing a small portion of enamel. This will create some space in your mouth so your restoration can easily fit over the top of your tooth and seamlessly integrate with your smile. We’ll then take an impression of your tooth, which we will send to our dental laboratory so they can craft your permanent crown. As soon as we receive your restoration from the lab, we’ll call you back in to permanently cement it to your tooth. As soon as we’re done, you can use your teeth as you normally would without worrying about lingering sensitivity, discomfort, or anxiety about your current oral health.
If you believe that a dental crown from your dentist in Lebanon can help improve your oral health, don’t hesitate to call our office to schedule a consultation today!
Understanding the Cost of Dental Crowns
Did you recently find out that you need a dental crown? Don’t worry – our team at Hanover Road Dental Health will be sure to discuss the various factors that will determine how much it’ll cost. We’ll conduct a thorough oral examination and discuss your financing options for treatment. Once we have an accurate estimate, we’ll share the details with you. Then, you can decide if you want to move forward with the process. In the meantime, you can review the information below to learn more about the expected cost of dental crowns in Lebanon.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Dental Crowns
The cost of dental crowns is influenced by several key factors. These include:
- Extent of Dental Damage and Additional Procedures – The severity of dental damage and the need for preliminary procedures like root canals or placing crowns over dental implants can impact the overall cost.
- Type of Crown Material – The choice of crown material, such as amalgam, gold, porcelain, etc., plays a role in determining the cost.
- Crown Crafting Method – The method used to create the crown, whether it's the traditional approach or advanced same-day technology like CEREC, can affect the cost.
Patients should keep in mind that the most affordable option isn't necessarily the best. Quality is paramount when it comes to dental crowns. Opting for a crown that not only enhances your appearance but also ensures comfort and durability over time is a wise investment in oral health.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Crowns?
Certainly! Many dental insurance companies usually cover some of the expenses related to dental crowns. They might pay up to around 50% of the total cost since these treatments are seen as medically necessary. To confirm the exact coverage, our dental team will need to review your insurance policy. We'll check if you've reached your deductible and how much of your yearly coverage is left in your annual maximum. This way, we can give you accurate information about what your insurance will cover.
Other Options for Making Dental Crowns Affordable
For those without dental insurance, we offer payment options to make your life easier! At Hanover Road Dental Health, we provide flexible financing through CareCredit. It allows you to join a payment plan without high interest or unexpected charges. With this option, you can split up the total cost of your dental care over time instead of paying for everything all at once.
Dental Crown FAQs
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Our dental crowns in Lebanon last between five and 15 years on average. However, when taken care of properly, they can support your smile for a lifetime! Here’s how you can promote the longevity of your dental crown:
- Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Floss at least once per day.
- Clean the space underneath your bridge with a sulcus brush.
- Visit our office every six months for a checkup and cleaning.
- Avoid smoking, nail-biting, and using your teeth as tools.
- If you grind or clench your teeth at night, consider getting a customized nightguard to reduce wear and tear.
Do Dental Crowns Get Cavities?
Technically, dental crowns themselves can’t develop cavities. But since the tooth underneath and your other natural pearly whites can, it’s still important to maintain good oral hygiene habits! If a cavity causes decay in the tooth underneath your crown, the restoration could fail, and depending on the severity of the cavity, we may have to perform an extraction.
Basically, cavities may not deteriorate your dental crown, but they can still cause complications for your oral health and general wellness.
What Happens If You Wait Too Long to Get a Dental Crown?
If your dentist in Lebanon recommends a dental crown, it’s likely because you have a tooth with significant damage. Just like how a building that has a weakened structure is at risk of collapse, a weakened or damaged tooth is more likely to shatter. Continual pressure will eventually wear down your tooth, and if you wait too long to protect it with a crown, you may need a root canal or extraction.
Not all patients need a dental crown on a same-day basis, but a damaged tooth should still be treated with some urgency. Scheduling your appointment sooner than later can save you from losing your tooth altogether!
What’s the Difference Between a Temporary Crown and a Permanent Crown?
As you might guess from the name, a temporary crown isn’t designed to last for very long. Since it can take a couple of weeks for our partners at the dental lab to finish fabricating your “permanent” crown, we’ll provide you with a temporary crown so that your tooth doesn’t have to go without protection in the meantime.
Rest assured, your permanent crown will be much more durable and have a more lasting lifespan. Your temporary crown, though, could break or come loose if you eat overly hard or crunchy foods, or if you brush and floss too roughly. Be gentle with your temporary crown, and let us know as soon as possible if you experience any issues with it!
Is It a Dental Emergency If Your Crown Falls Off?
If you lose your dental crown in Lebanon, we do consider that to be a dental emergency. You may not need same-day care, but your weakened tooth will be at more risk for further damage and infection until the crown is recemented or replaced. Contact our team, and we’ll help you schedule an appointment for the earliest available time so you don’t have to worry about your tooth for long!