Imagine this: you have a scheduled appointment with a Burke dental clinic. You arrive at your appointed time, say hi to the receptionist and your dentist, and take your seat in the dental chair.
And as soon as you show your mouth to your dentist, you hear the following sentence:
“Well, you’re going to need dental crowns.”
Would you start to wonder what dental crowns are for and why you need them?
Your heart begins to beat fast. Questions start pouring into your head as you start panicking.
“What the heck are dental crowns? Why do I need them?”
“Can I afford them? Do dental crowns hurt?”
Well, not to worry. That’s what this article is for. We’ll tackle everything you need to know about dental crowns in Burke, VA, from what to expect, how long the procedure takes, and so on.
We promise that you’ll be less apprehensive when you’re done with this article. You might actually have a smile on your face as you get ready to get a dental crown procedure!
Sounds good, doesn’t it?
Dental crowns are one of the most versatile tools in any dentist’s arsenal. It is a kind of tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed over your tooth, made from a choice of different materials. This is to restore your tooth’s shape, size, and strength.
A cosmetic dentist can even use a dental crown to improve your tooth’s appearance, if for example it already looks damaged, misshapen, or discolored, whether it’s because of decay or injury.
They can be used for natural teeth or for dental implants.
Dental crowns can be made from the following materials:
How does the dentist select the material for your dental crown? Well, the dentist will consider the following:
Dental crowns are made in a dental lab based on impressions of your teeth. The most common material used for crowns is still porcelain fused to metal. The reason for this is that this type of crown is strong, durable, and can be matched to the color of your natural teeth.
Of course, when you visit a Burke dental center, it would be better to talk to your dentist and discuss these options before ultimately deciding on the material of your dental crown. This is especially if you have personal preferences.
A dental crown procedure will normally take two visits to any Burke dental center in Burke, VA. The first visit involves tooth preparation. The dentist will numb your mouth using an anesthetic, then clean any decay and shave down your tooth to ensure the crown will fit.
Remember the impression or mold we discussed above? This is when that happens. The dentist will get the impression of your tooth and then send it to the dental lab where your crown will be made. In the meantime, you’ll go home with a temporary dental crown.
On your next visit – which is normally two weeks later – your dentist will remove the temporary crown and place the custom-made one. The dentist will check if the crown fits properly, has the right color, and if you’re comfortable wearing it.
If everything checks out, the dentist will cement the crown on your tooth. They will then check your bite to ensure the crown fits securely and is in line with your bite. If not, the dentist can still make adjustments before the cement really sets.
After that, you’re good to go!
You might be thinking that getting a dental crown will hurt, especially since an anesthetic is involved, right?
Well, not to worry. A dental crown procedure is something that shouldn’t cause you any notable pain or discomfort. There might be some immediately after the crown has been placed, but it should be gone after two weeks.
If it still hurts after a while, you might have infections, cavities, fractured teeth, or a bunch of other issues that the dentist didn’t spot the first time. Go see a dentist, someone who you’re sure can provide the best dental care you need, not just the first result when you Google “dentist near me”, okay?
You might be thinking about how much do dental crowns cost especially if they’re made from expensive materials.
Well, we’re not going to lie to you: dental crowns can be very expensive. The lowest price is around $500, while the highest is $3000. And of course, you’re correct in thinking that the more expensive the material, the higher the cost.
One thing that can make you breathe easier, though, is that if your dental crowns are medically required, insurance will cover it.
But if you talk to any dentist you consider to be the best Burke dentist and we bet that they’ll tell you the same thing: dental crowns are worth it.
Dental crowns are definitely for the budgeted person but do take heart that they will last for a long time, at least a minimum of 5 years.
The general rule here is that gold crowns and porcelain fused to metal crowns are the ones that last the longest. All-ceramic and all-porcelain crowns do look more natural with their color, but they’re not as durable as the first two mentioned. Resin crowns tend to have a shorter lifespan as well.
If you take care of your dental crown, it will last. In no particular order, here are some tips to take note of:
If you’re looking for a dental clinic in Burke, VA for a consultation for dental crowns, why not check us out at Shield Dental? We’re led by Dr. Ghorbani, a dentist who is Burke’s #1 family dentist!
Not only does Dr. Ghorani have extensive dental experience, but he also focuses on making sure every patient that walks in through our doors is catered to with care. You’ll feel the same way once you contact us – that’s a guarantee.
Request an appointment today with Shield Dental in Burke! Fill out this form or contact us at
703.250.5072. We look forward to hearing from you!
