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Dental Crowns – Hamden, CT

Make Damaged Teeth Look and Feel New Again

Dental crown restorations prior to placement

Do you have a cavity that constantly plagues you? How about a cracked or chipped tooth that is the source of persistent pain? If so, a dental crown may be able to make these problems a distant memory. Dental crowns in Hamden are custom-made restorations that we often use to repair and enhance damaged teeth. Thanks to our team’s skill and artistic talent, you can trust that the end result will be both beautiful and natural-looking. If you need of some top-quality dental repair, give New Haven Dental Group a call today.

Why Choose New Haven Dental Group for Dental Crowns?

What Is a Dental Crown?

Dental crowns on model smile

Dental crowns get their name from the fact that they literally sit on top of natural teeth. They are thus able to fulfill two important purposes at the same time: One, they shelter any weakened or fragile enamel, and two, they restore teeth’s original shape and appearance. Crowns often enable us to save damaged teeth rather than extract them, which is a much more conservative approach that safeguards a patient’s long-term oral health.

Uses for Dental Crowns

Animation of dental crown placement

With a dental crown, we can:

Crowns can be made from a range of materials, from all-metal to all-porcelain. The material we recommend for your crown will be based on where the tooth is located in your mouth as well as your specific situation. Generally, back teeth to be as strong as possible, so we will use a metal crown, while a front tooth needs to be both strong and pleasing to look at, in which case we are likely to provide an all-porcelain crown.

What Is the Procedure Like?

Woman in dental chair smiling

The procedure to place a crown involves three basic phases that typically unfold over the course of two appointments:

What to Expect with a Dental Crown

Closeup of repaired smile

Immediately following the procedure, your tooth may feel extra sensitive for a few days, but this should subside naturally. To take care of your crown, treat it like a natural tooth; you should brush twice a day, floss once a day, and attend regular checkups. With this approach, it is likely that your crown will last for 15 – 20 years or longer.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Crowns

Tooth model with dental instruments and money

The cost of dental crowns can vary from case to case. During your restorative consultation, our team will share some specific numbers with you. We will also make sure you are familiar with your payment options, including insurance and financing. We want it to be as easy as possible for you to afford necessary treatments.

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Factors that Affect the Cost of Dental Crowns

Dentist and patient discussing treatment plan

Some factors that can have a bearing on the cost of dental crowns include:

  • The extent of the damage to the underlying tooth. Some patients require root canal therapy or other procedures before they can move forward with receiving a crown.
  • The material used to make the crown. Dental crowns can be made out of various materials, including different types of metals, porcelain, zirconia, and more. Each material has its pros and cons, and prices can vary greatly between them.
  • The crown-making process. Laboratory fees and other aspects of the crown-making process may affect your total bill.

Keep in mind that cheap crowns are not always desirable, so you should be wary of any “bargains” you come across. It is best to invest in top-quality treatment right from the start!

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Crowns?

Dental insurance document on desk

In most cases, dental insurance does cover crowns. Usually, crowns are considered a major procedure, so around 50% of their cost is typically covered. You are more likely to receive coverage if your crown will benefit your oral health (purely cosmetic crowns are unlikely to be covered). Our team accepts many different kinds of insurance, and we are even in-network with most popular plans. We will be happy to help you maximize your benefits and file all necessary paperwork.

Other Options for Making Dental Crowns Affordable

Dental office team member giving document to patient

Beyond insurance, there are a few provisions that could make it easier to afford your crown:

  • The Essential Dental discount plan. In exchange for a reasonable fee, this arrangement provides significant discounts on most of the services available in our practice, including crowns.
  • We accept financing through CareCredit, a third-party company that offers low-interest payment plans for dental services. Applying is easy, and most patients are deemed eligible for credit.

Are you eager to learn more about dental crowns and their cost? Get in touch with us today to book your restorative consultation so we can help you understand the road ahead.

Dental Crowns FAQs

Two dental crowns on light-colored reflective surface

Our Hamden dental team provides high-quality crowns with the goal of helping patients enjoy a functional and pain-free smile. Before you contact us to book your restorative consultation, though, you may be eager to learn more about dental crowns and what you can expect from the treatment process. Below, you will find answers to some FAQs about this service. If your specific questions are not included, give us a call. We will be happy to speak with you.

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What Are Dental Crowns Made Of?

Dental crowns can be made of a range of materials. In our practice, we offer:

  • Metal crowns. These might be constructed of nickel, gold, silver, palladium, chromium, or other materials. They are extremely durable, so we often recommend them for teeth at the back of the mouth.
  • Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. These have a metal lining and a porcelain outer shell, allowing patients to enjoy the durability of metal and the beauty of porcelain.
  • All porcelain. All porcelain crowns offer the most natural appearance out of all the different crown options. They are usually the perfect choice for teeth that are toward the front of the mouth.

Are Dental Crowns Permanent?

During the crown preparation process, we must remove a portion of a tooth’s enamel. The enamel will never regrow on its own, so the tooth will always need something to protect it. In that sense, then, crowns require a permanent commitment.

However, crowns themselves are not technically permanent. They usually need to be replaced every 5 – 15 years or so. You can help your crown stand the test of time by taking good care of it. For example, you should adhere to thorough oral hygiene habits and visit us regularly for checkups and cleanings.

How Do You Know When a Dental Crown Needs to Be Replaced?

Your crown might need to be replaced if:

  • You are experiencing pain in the tooth beneath your crown.
  • Your crown feels loose or is interfering with your bite.
  • Your crown has visible signs of wear or damage. For example, a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown may develop a dark line at its base.

When you visit our practice, we will carefully examine your crown to determine for sure if it needs to be replaced with a new restoration.

Do Dental Crowns Get Cavities?

Metal and porcelain do not decay in the same manner as natural tooth enamel. Therefore, it is literally impossible for crowns to develop cavities like real teeth. However, the tooth beneath a crown remains vulnerable to cavities. If bacteria collect along your gumline, they may sneak beneath your crown and attack the underlying dentition.

You can reduce your risk of cavities by sticking to good habits. For example, you should thoroughly brush twice a day and floss once a day. You should also eat a reasonable diet, attend regular dental checkups, and drink plenty of water.

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Hamden
(203) 288-8221 Hamden Professional Ctr.
295 Washington Avenue
Hamden, CT
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