Everything You Need to Know About Dental Crowns: Restoration, Replacement, and Care
You and your family do not have to travel from office to office across southwest Chicago, Illinois, and the surrounding suburbs for dental care. At Brighton Park Dental, we have everything you need right here in one well-appointed office! Our capabilities and the expertise of Drs. Aroon Pal, Nilay Patel, and Taylor Jemilo support a wide range of restorative dentistry services, including full dental crowns and conservative alternatives to them.
What is a crown at your office?
At our office, we can plan, design, and place durable and tooth-like materials that are shaped to replace lost, damaged, and cosmetically flawed tooth structures. With full crowns, the material is shaped to cover the entire visible part of the tooth, from the gumline upward. This restorative treatment strengthens a tooth that is weakened due to disease or injury and would otherwise be vulnerable to further damage. It may also be an appropriate option for big cosmetic cases, such as a very poorly shaped tooth that cannot be repaired adequately with cosmetic services like bonding or veneers. Crowns are so versatile that they may even be used to replace teeth!
How does a crown replace teeth?
For teeth that cannot be “saved” through other restorative treatments, like root canal therapy, their extraction or removal may be necessary. We want to replace these teeth quickly to avoid other complications like bone loss. Crowns play a role in both conventional and more modern forms of tooth replacement. They are used to anchor a traditional bridge, as well as to secure a dental implant that is secured in the jawbone. The implant functions as a tooth root to stabilize the new prosthetic tooth – the crown – that is visible above the gumline when you smile.
Do all decayed or broken teeth need a crown?
Absolutely not! This is where conservative alternatives come into play. Depending on your needs and the nature of the damage (such as the type of fracture or crack), we may recommend dental inlays or onlays. Inlays are actually an alternative to big fillings for larger cavities. Large fillings can weaken a tooth because there may be insufficient natural tissue left for a secure restoration, requiring more coverage. In this case, materials like composite resin or ceramic may be applied to cover the area or chewing surface between the cusps or tips of the teeth. For patients who have larger areas of damage to their teeth, a dental inlay may not be sufficient. In such cases, we may recommend a dental onlay, also known as a “partial crown.” This type of restoration covers both the tooth’s surface and at least one cusp or tip.
Do I need a crown after root canal therapy?
Usually, yes. The reason we recommend crowns following root canal therapy is to ensure your tooth is protected from further damage. Following treatment, your tooth may be more brittle and fracture-prone. This procedure helps to build up the tooth’s natural defenses. Our priority is to sustain your smile’s health, comfort, function, and beauty, so crowns align well with our values and mission here at Brighton Dental.
Will I be able to afford a crown?
Our Chicago, IL, team works closely with patients to address any concerns they may have about treatment, including financial ones. It is important to note that crowns are often medically necessary so that insurance will cover at least a portion ofthe treatment. And we accept many different insurances. Additionally, to help with out-of-pocket costs, we offer affordable financing through CareCredit® and LendingClub®. Lastly, crowns stop the effects of decay and other trauma from progressing and can be a cost-effective alternative to more extensive tooth replacement. Call (773) 801-5171 to share your concerns and discuss your options for treatment with us today.
