Protect Your Natural Tooth Structure with Dental Crowns
Dr. Del Kovacevic considers dental crowns one of the crowning achievements in restorative dentistry. They provide unmatched strength, durability, and aesthetics to damaged teeth.
Bring back your dazzling smile and enjoy the benefits of optimal oral health with dental crowns from Dr. Del Kovacevic at (724) 836-2433. Whether you have a chipped tooth, extensive decay, or a tooth weakened by root canal therapy, dental crowns offer a long-lasting and natural-looking solution with our top dentists in Greensburg, PA.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fits over a damaged or weakened tooth. It’s custom-made from various materials like porcelain, metal, or resin to restore the tooth’s function, shape, size, and appearance.
Think of it like a strong and beautiful cover for your tooth! Dental crowns are versatile restorations used in various dental procedures by Dr. Kovacevic to enhance your oral health and smile.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns offer a multitude of advantages:
- Strength and Durability: Crowns reinforce and protect weak or damaged teeth, preventing further cracking, chipping, or breakage. They can withstand normal chewing forces, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods without worry.
- Improved Functionality: Crowns restore the full functionality of a damaged tooth. They allow for proper chewing and biting, promoting better digestion and oral health.
- Enhanced Appearance: Dental crowns are custom-crafted to blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth. They can improve the color, shape, and size of a tooth, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing smile.
- Protection After Procedures: Crowns are often used after root canals to safeguard the treated tooth from future damage.
- Long-lasting Solution: With proper care, dental crowns can last many years, making them a cost-effective investment in oral health.
What Can Dental Crowns Correct?
Dental crowns are a versatile solution for addressing various dental problems:
- Cracked, Chipped, or Broken Teeth: Crowns effectively repair and protect teeth that have sustained structural damage due to accidents, trauma, or chewing.
- Severely Decayed Teeth: If a tooth has extensive decay that fillings cannot address, a crown offers a stronger and more durable restoration.
- Worn-Down Teeth: Over time, teeth can become worn due to grinding or other factors. Crowns restore the proper size and shape of the tooth, improving chewing function.
- Cosmetically Discolored Teeth: Crowns can mask severely discolored or stained teeth, creating a more uniform and attractive smile, making them cosmetic dental treatment options.
- Root Canal Treated Teeth: Following root canal therapy, a crown protects the weakened tooth structure and prevents future fractures.
- Dental Implant Restoration: Dental crowns are placed on top of dental implants to create a natural-looking replacement tooth.
The Dental Crown Procedure
Getting a dental crown in Greensburg, PA typically involves two comfortable appointments:
Initial Consultation
During your first visit, Dr. Kovacevic will examine your teeth, X-rays may be taken, and the need for a crown will be determined. They will discuss your treatment options and answer any questions you may have. From there, you may receive a temporary crown to protect your weak tooth from tooth decay while your permanent restoration is being created in a lab.
Crown Placement
At the second appointment, your tooth will be prepared to receive the crown. Impressions will be taken to create a custom-made crown that perfectly matches your surrounding teeth. Temporary crowns will be removed at this time. Once the permanent crown is ready, Dr. Kovacevic will ensure a comfortable and secure fit before cementing it into place over the cracked tooth.
Aftercare for Dental Crowns
Proper aftercare is crucial for ensuring dental crown longevity and success. Here are some key tips from Dr. Kovacevic’s Greensburg, PA practice:
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush twice daily and floss once daily to remove plaque and food particles around the crowned tooth and maintain oral health.
- Avoid Temporary Sensitivity: You may experience mild sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. This is usually temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Consult Dr. Kovacevic if the discomfort persists.
- Be Mindful of Chewing: For the first 24 to 48 hours, avoid hard, chewy, or sticky foods that could dislodge the crown.
- Bite with Caution: Avoid biting on the crowned tooth, especially until you adjust to its presence.
- Schedule Regular Dental Checkups: Regular dental visits allow Dr. Kovacevic to monitor the health of your crown and ensure its proper function.
Financing Dental Crown Treatment
Determining Your Payment:
During your initial consultation, Dr. Kovacevic will create a personalized treatment plan after a thorough evaluation of your oral health needs. This will also be the time to discuss our various payment options to ensure you receive the care you deserve.
We Accept Multiple Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Checks
- Dental Insurance (contact your provider beforehand to understand your coverage)
Convenient Financing Options:
- CareCredit®: This healthcare credit card offers low-interest financing options for any dental treatment. Applying online is quick and easy, and you may qualify regardless of your insurance status. Our friendly staff can assist you with the application process at (305) 945-0909.
Understanding Your Dental Insurance:
Dental insurance plans vary. We recommend contacting your provider directly to get an accurate understanding of your specific benefits and coverage for dental crowns. This will help you make informed decisions about your treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are my options if my dental crown breaks?
If your dental crown breaks, contact your dentist as soon as possible. They can assess the damage and determine the best course of action. In some cases, the crown can be repaired. In other cases, a new crown may be needed.
Can I replace a metal crown with a porcelain crown?
Yes, you can replace a metal crown with a porcelain crown. Porcelain crowns are more popular today due to their natural-looking aesthetics. Discuss the pros and cons of different crown materials with your dentist to determine the best option.
How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns can last many years, often five to 15 years or even longer, with proper care. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups are crucial for maintaining your crown and oral health.
Does receiving a dental crown hurt?
Typically, receiving a dental crown shouldn’t be painful. Local anesthesia is usually used to numb the area around the tooth. You may experience mild discomfort, but over-the-counter pain relievers can usually help.