Dental Crowns – Green Hills, TN
Restoring Your Smile with the Aesthetics You Deserve
Dental crowns are an excellent option for restoring teeth that have been decayed or damaged beyond what a dental filling is able to repair. This restoration gives you the aesthetics you want since it blends flawlessly with your smile, and the function you had with your natural tooth. Here’s what you should know about dental crowns in Green Hills, Nashville, TN.
What is a Dental Crown?
Unlike a filling, which only fills a small hole in your tooth, a dental crown is designed to replace your entire tooth structure. It attaches to your remaining structure so that it protects and sustains your natural root. A crown is made of ceramic porcelain, which reflects light just like your natural tooth and it can be customized to match your teeth to naturally complement your smile.
When do I Need a Crown?
Dental crowns are typically recommended for these situations:
- To strengthen a tooth that has had root canal therapy
- To restore a dental implant, which replaces a missing tooth
- For repair of a cracked or fractured tooth
- To restore a large cavity or decay that has compromised more than half of a tooth
- Restoring a tooth that has excessive wear
- For cosmetic purposes – to restore a tooth that is misshapen or discolored
What is the Process for Completing a Dental Crown?
Your new crown will be handcrafted by a top dental laboratory and can typically be completed in two appointments. During the first appointment, Dr. Kirby will prepare your tooth for your new restoration and make impressions of your tooth that will be used to create your new crown. He will also create a temporary crown that you’ll be able to wear while you are waiting for your final restoration to be completed.
After a week or two, when your new crown is completed, you’ll return to Green Hills Dental Center to have it permanently placed. Dr. Kirby will make any necessary adjustments to your crown at this time to ensure that your bite is functioning properly.
Maintaining Your Crown
Your new dental crown has the potential to last for around 10 to 15 years with the right care and maintenance. You will be able to brush and floss around your crown just as you did with your natural tooth and brushing at least twice a day and flossing once will help you keep it clean and healthy.
Your routine checkups with Dr. Kirby are also critical for maintaining the health of your new tooth. He will monitor your crown and your oral health with annual x-rays, and examinations every six months to ensure that your make the most of your new restoration for many years to come.
If you have a tooth in need of repair, Dr. Kirby and your team at Green Hills Dental Center can help determine if a dental crown is the right option for your needs. Contact our office today to learn more.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are used for a variety of purposes, ranging from restorative to purely cosmetic. Depending on how urgently you need the dental crown, you may not want to spend too much time worrying about how you’re going to pay for it.
Thankfully, we’ll be sure to give you a complete estimate of the cost of treatment before we do anything, and we’ll work hard to make payment as easy as possible. If you’re trying to figure out how to fit dental crowns into your budget, here are a few things you might want to know.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Dental Crowns
As we touched on earlier, dental crowns can be used for all kinds of purposes, which means that the overall cost of getting one can vary a little bit depending on a couple of factors. For example, any procedures that you need to get before a dental crown, like a root canal, will impact the overall cost.
Dental crowns can also be made of a variety of materials, and the material you choose will be a massive part of determining what the dental crown costs as a whole. It’s important to note that what you pay for a dental crown has a direct impact on its overall quality, so you shouldn’t just default to the cheapest one you can find. We typically recommend porcelain restorations, which have an excellent balance of affordability, beauty, and durability.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Crowns?
While every dental plan is different, dental crowns typically fall well within what most insurance companies would consider to be restorative care, which they tend to cover at least a portion of. Most dental plans pay for around 50% of the cost of restorative care, and we’ll work with your insurance company to help you to maximize your benefits.
Other Options for Making Dental Crowns Affordable
Some patients who visit our office don’t have insurance or have already met their yearly maximum payout. If you’re one of them, don’t worry—we have options available to help our patients get the care that they need.
For one, we have a membership plan that can make a lot of the care you receive from us more affordable. For just $35.30/month, you can get free cleanings, exams, x-rays, and 20% off of every other treatment you may need from us.
If you’re worried about whether you can pay out-of-pocket fees all at once, we also offer financing through both Lending Club and CareCredit. We’ll help you navigate the paperwork, and if you’re approved, you can break your dental fees into low-interest payments.
Dental crowns can be vitally important in protecting the oral health of patients who need them. That’s why we try to make payment as easy as possible—so you can get the care that you need.
Dental Crown FAQs
A dental crown is the most common restorative procedure. While many people have dental crowns in Green Hills, it’s normal to have several questions before you’re ready to commit to a restoration. Dr. Kirby will take the time to explain the process and address your concerns during your visit. While you wait for your appointment, here are the answers to a few of the most common questions we hear to help ease any apprehensions.
Will My Crown Look Natural?
In the past, crowns were typically made of metal. Although they are effective, they can cause an eyesore when smiling. You don’t need to worry about a dark restoration blemishing your smile. Nowadays, crowns are routinely made of all-ceramic material. This allows them to be customized to match your exact specifications to look and feel like a real tooth. Rest assured, no one will know your crown isn’t your natural tooth.
How Should I Care for My Temporary Crown?
While the dental lab is creating your restoration, you’ll need a temporary crown to protect your tooth for a couple of weeks. It’s best to avoid chewing anything hard or sticky with your crown. In fact, chewing on the opposite side of your mouth is even better. You’ll also need to brush and floss regularly. If your temporary crown breaks or falls off, don’t worry. Contact our office to have it replaced.
Does It Hurt to Get a Dental Crown?
Our office uses the latest innovations in dentistry to make treatments less invasive; however, you’ll still need a local anesthetic to prevent any discomfort. If you still have apprehensions, our office also offers sedation dentistry. You won’t need to worry about any pain or discomfort as your dentist quickly treats your tooth while you sit back and relax.
How Much Does a Dental Crown Cost?
There isn’t a set fee for dental crowns because the cost is determined by your specific treatment plan. There are several factors that can influence the cost, such as if you need an additional procedure, like a root canal. We will provide you with an estimate during your initial consultation and discuss the costs associated with your treatment. A member of our team will take the time to explain all your payment options to help you find the solutions you need to keep your treatment within your budget.
Can I Use My Dental Insurance?
Although every policy differs, many dental insurance companies will cover a portion of the cost of the crown when used for restorative purposes, like to treat a broken tooth in Green Hills. Every policy is unique, but many plans include 50% -80% coverage. You may need to pay your annual deductible first before utilizing your yearly allowance.
A member of our team will work on your behalf with your insurance company to file the required claims to lower the amount you need to pay out-of-pocket. If there’s a remaining balance, we will explain your payment options, like using third-party financing. You can get the high-quality restoration you need without breaking the bank.