Dental Crowns – Loveland, OH

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

Typically, you can expect your tooth-shaped cap to last anywhere from 5 to 15 or more years, though it depends significantly on your unique circumstances and habits. For example, crowns placed over molars may wear down and require replacement sooner than ones over front teeth because they sustain additional pressure from biting and chewing.

You can keep them in good condition by:

• Brushing and flossing twice daily to remove plaque and bacteria that erode the underlying tooth.
• Avoid darkly pigmented foods that can eventually cause stains and steer clear of hard, crunchy snacks that can chip or crack them.
• Wear a nightguard or mouthguard to protect your teeth from the pressure of constantly clenching or sustaining injuries.
• Visit our team every six months for a checkup and cleaning so we can monitor your condition to catch and treat any areas of concern before they progress.

What’s the Difference Between a Temporary Dental Crown and a Permanent One?

Our team must remove a small amount of enamel from your tooth for your prosthetic to fit correctly, which leaves it somewhat more vulnerable to additional decay, damage, or disease. Because it can take the dental laboratory a couple of weeks to finish building your dental crown, we’ll likely fit you with a temporary version to shield your smile while you wait.

This cover isn’t intended to last as long as the final version, so they’re usually made from less permanent materials, like acrylic or composite resin. Furthermore, because they’re only meant to be worn for a couple of weeks, they aren’t customized as fully as the final restoration.

We’ll also cement it in place using a slightly weaker bonding material that’s easier to dissolve, so we can remove the temporary crown to place the permanent once it’s been delivered.

Does Getting a Dental Crown Hurt?

It’s only natural to feel anxious if you’re worried that getting a dental crown might hurt, but thankfully, that’s not usually the case. First, we’ll apply a local anesthetic before preparing your tooth for this treatment so that you feel pressure while we work, but not pain.

Then, you might feel some sensitivity once we’ve thinned your enamel and again once the permanent crown is placed, due to the bonding cement. This is usually temporary and resolves itself after a few days, though taking Tylenol or ibuprofen can typically safely reduce any associated aches.

If you experience severe or persistent discomfort, please let us know. We may need to examine your mouth to ensure your dental crown fits correctly and can make adjustments as needed.

Can I Still Get Cavities When I Have a Dental Crown?

Your restoration isn’t made from the same organic materials as your enamel, so you don’t have to worry that it will develop cavities. However, the underlying tooth and your other remaining teeth and gums are still susceptible to common oral issues, like tooth decay and gum disease.

Fortunately, this can be avoided by implementing a twice-daily dental hygiene regimen of brushing for two minutes followed by flossing to remove plaque and bacteria buildup.

Will Dental Insurance Cover the Cost of My Dental Crown?

Many dental insurance policies cover anywhere from 50% to 80% of the price of repairs needed to protect and preserve your smile, like dental crowns. However, every plan is different, and there is no guarantee your treatment is included, so it’s worth verifying your information. You may also want to determine whether there are other restrictions, like an annual deductible or a waiting period, that must be met before benefits kick in.

Please let us know if you would like help finding the information or submitting claims or forms. Our friendly office staff is familiar with many insurance providers and are happy to help you maximize your available benefits.