Landmark Dental Arts in San Diego, CA is committed to providing top-tier dental treatments while empowering patients with the knowledge of how to maintain their dental health beyond the dentist’s office. Preventative care can reduce your need for future dental work and help existing restorations last as long as possible. Among them, dental crowns require ongoing maintenance to ensure maximum performance.
Dental crown maintenance is an essential aspect of preserving both the aesthetics and functionality of your restoration. Between regular checkups with our Kearny Mesa dental team and good home care, a typical dental crown can last for several years.
What are Dental Crowns?
Sometimes referred to as dental caps, crowns are custom-designed, tooth-shaped covers that go over a damaged or worn-down tooth. Crowns offer full coverage, acting as a strong protective layer that reinforces the structural integrity of a tooth. They are also designed in such a way that the crown improves the tooth’s appearance and shape, not to mention everyday function. Crowns are typically recommended for teeth with large cracks or fractures, after root canal treatment, or when a cavity is too large to repair with a filling.
How Much Do Dental Crowns Cost?
The cost of dental crowns can vary and is mostly dependent upon the type of material we use to make the crown. In San Diego, CA, the cost can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per crown, depending on the restoration that you need. Dental insurance plans often provide at least partial coverage for dental crown procedures but typically require a deductible or copay amount. We will communicate directly with your insurance carrier to provide a cost estimate prior to scheduling your treatment. Flexible payment options are also available.
Materials Used for Dental Crowns
Dental crowns can be crafted from a variety of materials, each with its own unique characteristics. Common materials used for crowns include porcelain or ceramic, metal, and zirconia. Porcelain crowns offer a natural appearance, making them a popular choice for front teeth. Metal alloy crowns, such as gold or silver, are also used in specific circumstances. For example, gold crowns are highly resistant to pressure, so they work well on back molars, while stainless steel crowns are typically used for temporary or pediatric purposes. Modern zirconia crowns provide a balance between aesthetics and ultimate durability, making them suitable for nearly any tooth.
Do Dental Crowns Require Special Care?
Yes, dental crowns do require special care to ensure they maintain a tight seal around your tooth. Without good oral hygiene, bacteria can accumulate around the margin of your crown and cause new decay to form around it, leading to failure of the restoration. We recommend that you:
- Brush your teeth and dental work, including crowns, twice a day
- Use a fluoride toothpaste
- Floss around every tooth, every day, including those with crowns
- Wear a protective nightguard when you sleep if you’re prone to grinding your teeth
- Schedule a professional dental cleaning every six months
Unlike popular belief, proper flossing around your crown will not pull it off. But not flossing could cause your crown to fail prematurely! Simply wrap the floss around your tooth in a “C” shape and gently rub up and down the side of your crown, allowing the floss to slip just below your gums. Repeat this against the side of each tooth daily. If your floss catches for any reason, slide it out through the side, rather than pulling upward.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
The longevity of dental crowns is influenced by several factors, like excessive wear or how often you floss. On average, dental crowns can last between 5 to 15 years or even longer.
Schedule a Consultation
At Landmark Dental Arts, we’re dedicated to providing you with the highest quality restorative dental treatments, including custom crowns. If you have questions about how to properly care for or floss around your dental crown, we’re happy to help!
Call our San Diego dentists today to reserve your next checkup or treatment consultation.