As any Florida dentist will tell you, one of the most common methods of dealing with a damaged tooth is putting a dental cap on it. Dental crowns have been in use for quite some time. How Stuff Works mentions that among the first dental crowns ever discovered came from the ancient Etruscans (a pre-Roman civilization) around 700 B.C. Today’s crowns are a lot more sophisticated than those used way back then. Modern advances in materials science have allowed us to develop better techniques for securing a crown to a damaged tooth.

However, getting a crown can be a complicated process. As Nature notes, it’s a very involved process that forces the dentist to work in tiny increments to get it just right. The state of oral health in Florida means that there is likely to be a surge in the number of dental crowns dentists will have to implement in the coming years. In this article, we’ll cover all the most critical information you need to know regarding dental crowns, their cost, types, and how to see if you need one.

Is a Dental Crown Necessary?

When you visit your dentist in Florida for an appointment, they’ll probably spend some time poking around in your mouth. This evaluation allows them to make a suggestion regarding your oral health and whether you may need a crown. Typically, there are a few reasons why your dentist might suggest getting a crown, including:

• Severe tooth decay: When the upper crown of the tooth is entirely or heavily decayed, a dentist is likely to let you know that a crown might be your best option for saving the tooth.
• Bite alignment: If your teeth are misaligned, a crown offers a relatively non-intrusive way to fix the problem. If the issue is severe, it’s likely your dentist will tell you that you should get a crown put in.
• Rear root canal: If you have a tooth at the rear of your mouth that’s undergone a root canal, you may need a crown to ensure that it recovers.
• Cracked or damaged tooth: If a healthy tooth is broken or has significant damage to its structure, your dentist will suggest you put a crown in to seal the surface.
• Covering an implant: Tooth implants also need crowns if they are to remain uninfected. Once you get a tooth implant, your dentist is likely to let you know that they’ll be installing an artificial crown along with the new tooth.
• Replacing a large filling: Large fillings can take up space within your mouth. You have the option of removing the filling and recapping the tooth with a dental crown, dealing with the problem once and for all.
• Aesthetics: You might want to improve your smile, and doing so might require replacing a chip in one of your teeth by doing a brand-new crown for it.

What Type of Dental Crowns Exist?

Visiting a dentist in Florida and asking about the different types of crowns will net you some valuable information. Several different varieties are available for commercial crowns. The materials used in each class varies, as does the cost of each type of crown. Some of the most common types of crowns you’re likely to encounter are:

1. Gold

Gold teeth have been around the longest, and show up in several records dating back to the eighteenth century. They are among the most apparent artificial crowns that you can get, and as a result, the cheapest as well. Because of how much they stand out, many dentists suggest using them in crowns for rear teeth. They tend to wear down extremely slowly, which means you don’t need to replace them often. Gold is a non-reactive metal, and gold crowns can last for quite a long time if they’re well-cared for. Unfortunately, gold may have an adverse reaction to some people who may be allergic to the alloy.

2. Porcelain

This type of crown matches the natural look and shape of a tooth quite well. A skilled dentist in Florida doing a porcelain crown can make it look just like a real tooth, with a little bit of effort. Most dentists will advise their clients to go for porcelain crowns if they can afford it. They don’t carry metal as part of their chemical makeup. This chemistry ensures that they are non-toxic. Unfortunately, porcelain isn’t nearly as durable as a metal crown. They require constant care to ensure they last for as long as possible. They do cost more than metal crowns, and this consideration may put them out of many clients’ price ranges.

3. Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM)

Trying to mesh the best of both worlds, your dentist in Florida might suggest a PFM crown. They’re durable, aesthetic and have been in common usage for about half a century now. However, there are some drawbacks to using this type of crown. The metal may be visible at the gumline as a grey line. While most people wouldn’t notice, some clients don’t like the aesthetic it gives. Additionally, if you tend to clench your teeth a lot, they may wear down pretty quickly. However, they are less costly than all-porcelain crowns and a decent trade-off if you can’t afford the more expensive option.

4. Zirconia

Zirconium is more commonly found in fake diamond jewelry, but it has its dental uses as well. It’s a very sturdy material and can be crafted into translucent crowns easily. Crowns made from this material are unusually durable and resistant to chipping or breaking. They don’t have metal in their chemistry., As a result, they are safe and non-toxic. On the downside, the shaping process can be time-consuming. Zirconium crowns are hard to adjust, so the fit must be precise from the first installation. Biting down with zirconium crowns are likely to lead to wear and tear on your other teeth.

5. E-MAX Lithium Disilicate

E-Max is a relative newcomer to the field of dental crowns. It provides the best aesthetics because of how well it blends with natural teeth. They’re far better than other options, but that improvement in quality does come at a cost. E-Max crowns can be the most expensive option for clients. Additionally, there have examples of E-Max crowns failing when used for posterior teeth. Despite these shortcomings, E-Max may likely prove to be a massive technological advance for the industry. If suppliers could bring down the cost, we could see enormous adoption for dental crowns using the material.

The Cost of a Crown

One of the most challenging things to pinpoint about crowns is how much they’re likely to cost. Crowns vary in cost based on the amount and type of material used. Some teeth require core buildup before capping the tooth with the crown, usually leading to a higher cost because the procedure uses more materials. On average, a dentist in Florida is likely to charge between $500 to $2000 for a single dental crown. Insurance may cover as much as half the cost of a crown, but only if the treatment is medical and not cosmetic. You may have to consult with your insurance provider for details of your coverage.

To Crown or Not To Crown?

At Serene Dental, we’ve dealt with clients wanting crowns for aesthetic purposes. We’ve also advised many more to get crowns because it enhances their dental health. Getting a crown is an important decision and one that your dentist should help you make. We enjoy talking to our clients and helping them figure out their course of action regarding their teeth. If you’ve like to experience this type of dental care, feel free to give us a call today!