Dental Crowns – Bozeman, MT
Restore Compromised Pearly Whites
Dental crowns are versatile restorative appliances that can be used to rebuild dental structures compromised by injuries or infections, and they can spare a damaged tooth from extraction and allow it to remain healthy and functional for many years. Here’s a quick look at what these devices are, how they are placed, and the benefits they can provide, but please feel free to contact our team if you’d like to know more.
Why Choose Cottonwood Creek Dental for Dental Crowns?
- Customized Appliances for Superior Protection
- Skilled and Compassionate Dental Team
- Insurance Welcomed
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is an appliance designed to mimic the shape and appearance of natural dental structure, and it is used to rebuild and protect teeth that have been damaged by infection or injury. Almost anyone can be a fantastic candidate for dental crowns, but we may need to perform restorative treatments to address gum disease or dental infections before you can qualify for the treatment. A dental crown that receives excellent care may last fifteen years or more before needing replacement.
The Dental Crown Process
Dental crowns are placed through a specialized process that ensures they are comfortable enough for regular use as well as visually pleasing. The first step to receiving a dental crown is to schedule a consultation at our Bozeman office so we can make sure it is the right solution for you and schedule you for preliminary treatments like gum disease therapy, root canals, or fillings if necessary. Then, we will schedule you for the first appointment of the placement process, which involves us painlessly removing the compromised structure from the tooth being treated, measuring your bite, and placing a temporary restoration so you can get used to wearing it. At Cottonwood Creek Dental, we use digital impression technology to ensure that our crowns are precisely manufactured for a comfortable and functional fit. It usually takes about two weeks for the skilled team at a trusted dental lab to craft your permanent crown, and you’ll come back to our office to have the device placed when it is ready.
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Crown
Dental crowns can offer a range of important benefits like:
- Protecting teeth from damage and infection
- Allowing compromised teeth to function well and avoid extraction
- Addressing multiple oral health issues at once
- Customized appliances create a lifelike appearance
- Simple hygiene and maintenance requirements
- Lasting fifteen years or more with excellent care
Watch Video About Dental Crowns
Understanding the Cost of Dental Crowns
The cost of dental crowns in Bozeman is only determined after our team meets with you to discuss your treatment plan. The reason is that no two patients or cases are alike. Customization ensures you receive the care your smile needs, which is why the price is based on various factors identified during your consultation. Although you may be concerned about the total, we will find ways to maximize your dental insurance (if you plan to use it) and discuss flexible financing, should you need it to help lower out-of-pocket costs.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Dental Crowns
Determining the cost of your new dental crown is only possible after your dentist in Bozeman considers the following factors:
- The number of dental crowns required
- The material used to create your new crown (CEREC, Emax, zirconia)
- The extent of the decay or damage that warrants a dental crown
- Whether you require additional treatment, such as a root canal, before receiving your crown
It’s important to remember that choosing a dentist who offers cheaper materials is not always the best option. Often, you get what you pay for, which could be poor in quality and fit. Investing in a longer-lasting, highly durable crown from our dental office is worthwhile, given the importance of maintaining good oral health.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Crowns?
Most dental insurance companies offer partial coverage for restorative treatment. They break up how much they agree to cover based on whether the service is considered “minor” or “major.” When it comes to dental crowns, they are usually labeled as a major restorative solution, so your insurance company may be willing to pay 50% of the total cost. This depends on whether you’ve met your annual deductible and how much of your annual maximum still exists. All of these are aspects that our qualified team will handle while we identify the most effective way to maximize your benefits.
Other Options for Making Dental Crowns Affordable
Whether you are uninsured or you need help paying the out-of-pocket costs that remain after filing a claim with your insurance, you can ask about flexible financing through CareCredit. Offering a wide range of plans, each with low or no interest financing, you can choose the one that works for you. Based on your budget, you can spread your payments over several months instead of having to come up with the money on the day of your procedure.
Dental Crowns FAQs
Are Dental Crowns Permanent?
Dental crowns aren’t permanent, regardless of their type or kind. (Even well-maintained ones only last about fifteen years.) However, the process by which they’re placed is irreversible.
The truth is that dentists must “prep” teeth for dental crowns. More specifically, they remove bits of enamel to ensure the final caps fit your smile well. This enamel is permanently lost; it won’t grow back over time. To that extent, a patient will always need a crown for protection going forward.
Of course, the relevant “prep” work won’t put your tooth at risk. The placed crown will protect your pearly white from further harm, helping it survive longer than it would’ve otherwise.
Does Getting a Dental Crown Hurt?
While crown placement is invasive, it isn’t painful. Treatment should go smoothly and easily for any patient; it won’t involve any lasting discomfort.
You see, the dentist will numb your tooth before the “preparation” starts. (They’ll do so by applying a topical anesthetic.) This move keeps your treatment pain-free, even as enamel is removed by the dental team. The most you’ll feel from the procedure is pressure, which can occur as certain tools scrape your tooth.
Your crowned tooth (or teeth) will only feel sore after the treatment. That said, such achiness is short-lived and fades quickly; it only lasts a few days.
Are Dental Crowns Safe?
Modern dental crowns are incredibly safe, assuming they’re placed by qualified dentists. They won’t (or at least shouldn’t) cause any harm to you or your smile.
Note that today’s dental crowns use harmless materials. For example, our own office only provides those made of Emax and zirconia – tooth-colored substances free of toxins. Metal crowns offered by other providers also lack mercury; they won’t cause poison-related effects. Given these facts, the most treatment would do is give you a temporary (and minor) allergic reaction.
Of course, please call us if you experience worrying symptoms. Signs like gum irritation, redness, or swelling can indicate an issue that needs dental care.
Do Dental Crowns Feel Natural?
Within a few days of your crown’s placement, it should feel quite natural to you. The cap won’t cause any “odd,” unwanted, or unpleasant sensations.
For one thing, dental crowns consist of very durable materials – porcelain, zirconia, etc. They thus withstand everyday chewing forces as well as the strongest enamel can. Eating with the caps shouldn’t feel strange, as they’ll handle whatever food you throw at them.
More crucial is that each crown is tailored to the patient. Not only is your tooth reshaped to ensure a good fit, but a lab will design the cap based on dental impressions. These efforts almost guarantee that your crown won’t feel awkward or noticeable when it’s placed.
