Welcome to Burkburnett Family Dental, centrally located in Burkburnett, TX. We pride ourselves on providing advanced and personalized dental solutions, including dental crowns, an important part of restorative dentistry. Crowns treat many restorative and cosmetic concerns and can be used in many circumstances.
Getting Dental Crowns in Burkburnett, TX
We schedule a consultation before each dental restoration. We practice personalized dentistry and want to ensure you get the best treatment option for your unique needs. During your consultation, we perform a thorough oral exam and discuss your dental problems, cosmetic goals, and medical history. If you have conditions like tooth decay or gum disease, we’ll need to treat them before moving forward with treatment.
When we start dental crown treatment, we shape the tooth so that the crown can fit over it. We must remove tooth structure so the crown can fit over your tooth. It completely covers it, so we want it to feel and look natural. It can’t be too bulky, or it won’t fit into your smile naturally. We take impressions of the prepared tooth to send to a dental lab to craft your permanent restoration. We’ll fit you with a temporary one while it’s being made.
It takes 2-3 weeks for the lab to make your restoration. When it’s ready, we call you back into the office so we can fit the crown. We make any small adjustments you need for it to fit comfortably. Once you’re happy with the fit, we permanently bond the crown to your teeth.
The Uses of Dental Crowns
Crowns are an important dental tool because they can treat many different things. While they’re primarily used for restorative dentistry, they can also treat various cosmetic concerns.
Cosmetic Fixes
Everyone experiences tooth discoloration. Usually, professional teeth whitening is the solution. However, it can’t treat all forms of discoloration. Deeper intrinsic stains or discoloration caused by trauma don’t respond to traditional whitening treatments. In these cases, a dental crown can be the solution. Dental ceramic can be color-matched to any shade of white you desire. Because it covers the entire tooth, none of the discoloration is visible.
Patients often come to us because they have deformed or misshapen teeth. Typically, they aren’t happy with the way they look. But these teeth can have functional issues, too. Each tooth in your mouth has a specific job regarding speaking and eating. Misshapen teeth can give you a lisp or make it hard to chew certain food. With a dental crown, we use the size and shape of your other teeth to make one that looks and functions as it should.
Strengthening Natural Teeth
Root canals are very common dental procedures. We remove infected dental pulp in the center of your teeth, cleaning it out and disinfecting it, before replacing it with biocompatible material. Sometimes, though, it doesn’t restore the tooth to full function. A dental crown provides stability and strength so you get back to functioning. It also provides an extra barrier that bacteria must overcome, preventing further infection.
A traditional dental bridge requires anchor teeth on each side of the span of missing teeth to support it. It’s a big job, shouldering the weight of the entire restoration. These teeth wear down faster than normal and are more susceptible to decay and damage. We recommend using a dental crown to stabilize these teeth. Instead of the natural tooth structure, the dental crown takes on all the stress of supporting the bridge.
Treating Decay and Damage
Crowns are the last solution before we have to extract teeth. Whenever possible, we want to keep your natural tooth structure. When you lose your natural tooth root, the jawbone in that area starts to deteriorate. This causes your face in that area to sag, teeth to shift to try and fill the hole, and other issues. A dental crown lets us avoid these side effects.
Severe decay eats away large portions of the tooth. A dental crown can restore the areas that are no longer there. The crown helps prevent further decay and damage to that tooth and eliminates any sensitivity it may have caused.
Dental crowns can hold together the shattered pieces of a broken tooth. It can also replace a portion of the tooth if it has broken away. A large break exposes sensitive pulp and nerves, causing pain when things come into contact. If there are sharp edges, they can harm the soft tissues inside your mouth. A dental crown completes the tooth again, protecting soft tissue from harm and the dental pulp inside the tooth free of decay.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to prepare a tooth for a dental crown?
Preparing a tooth for a tooth crown usually takes one to two hours. The exact time depends on the condition of your tooth and any additional work needed. During the appointment, we will numb the area, remove any decay, and reshape the tooth to fit the crown. They’ll then take impressions to create your custom crown.
How long do dental crowns last?
Tooth crowns typically last between 10 to 15 years, but with good care, they can last even longer. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups help maintain their longevity. Factors like grinding teeth or biting hard objects can shorten their lifespan. Your dentist will check the crown during routine visits to ensure it remains in good condition.
How much of a tooth needs to be left for a crown?
A crown typically needs about 2mm of tooth structure above the gum line. This provides enough surface for secure attachment. However, if there’s not enough tooth left, your dentist can often build up the area with filling material or place a post inside the root for added support. The main goal is to ensure the crown has a stable base to function properly.
Will my insurance cover a dental crown?
Most dental insurance plans cover crowns partially. Coverage typically ranges from 50% to 80%. It usually depends on the reason for the crown. You’ll need to check your specific policy for details. Our office can help verify your coverage and explain any out-of-pocket costs!
Do dental crowns stain?
Yes, dental crowns can stain over time, but they’re more resistant to staining than natural teeth. Porcelain and ceramic crowns are designed to be stain-resistant. However, habits like drinking coffee, tea, red wine, or smoking can eventually cause them to discolor. Good oral hygiene and regular cleanings help keep your crowns looking their best.
Can I whiten my crown?
Unfortunately, you can’t whiten a dental crown with traditional whitening treatments. Whitening products only work on natural teeth, not on the materials used for crowns. If your crown doesn’t match your teeth anymore, the best solution is to replace it. Speak with us about getting a new crown that matches your current tooth color.
Schedule an Appointment
A dental crown may be the solution to your dental problems. Call us or schedule an appointment online to start your treatment journey.