Porcelain Crowns - Merrimack, NH
State-of-the-Art Designs
Porcelain crowns can be the restorations of choice if you have teeth that are cracked, broken, decayed, or worn. For example, patients sometimes present with a cavity that is simply too large to be repaired with a filling. Alternatively, you might already have a tooth that has a large filling that has weakened and is no longer sufficient. Then again, perhaps you’ve suffered a traumatic injury and now have a fractured tooth.
In any of these instances, Dr. Shetty and our team of dental professionals can bring back your healthy, natural-looking smile with dental crowns, also called caps. A crown can return structure, strength, and function to any tooth. Designed to fit snugly and function as a healthy tooth, a crown can protect a tooth from further damage and preserve the jaw's correct natural alignment.
Why Choose Dental Designs of New England for Porcelain Crowns?
- Custom-Made for Each Patient
- Completely Metal-Free Restorations
- Dedicated to Patient Comfort
Why would I need a porcelain crown?
Porcelain crowns can be used to correct a number of dental problems. Some of these include:
- A large filling that takes up more than half of the chewing surface of a tooth, and therefore threatens to weaken or crack the tooth
- A tooth that has undergone root canal therapy and is more brittle and must have added protection
- An existing dental crown that has loosened and no longer fits
The Porcelain Crown Process
At Dental Designs of New England, Dr. Shetty and her staff use precious metal, porcelain pressed (or fused) to metal, or all-porcelain crowns. To maintain a fully white smile, we recommend all-porcelain crowns whenever possible. Porcelain crowns are also extremely durable and long lasting, and these benefits make them popular with dentists as well as patients.
Typically, we can design, fit, and place a crown in just a couple of conveniently scheduled appointments. At the initial visit, Dr. Shetty gently administers a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding gum tissue. Then, she minimally shapes the sides and biting surface in order to make room for your new crown. She will also remove any decay if there is a cavity. The tooth must be reshaped so that your new crown fits comfortably between the adjacent teeth and is not so high that it interferes with your natural bite.
When this process is completed, we take an impression of the prepared tooth that we’ll use to create a temporary crown and the dental lab will use to fabricate your permanent one.
After you return to Dental Designs of New England and your permanent crown is placed, you can care for it as you do your natural teeth. Conscientious brushing twice a day and daily flossing will protect the base of your crown from bacterial growth. Be sure to see us at least two times each year for professional cleanings and a preventive exam, too.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Crowns
Before you commit to a dental crown, you likely want to know its price. After all, the expense will influence whether treatment fits your budget. The truth, though, is that the cost of dental crowns varies by patient. You’ll need to consult our dentists in-person to get an exact service estimate. That said, we at Dental Designs of New England will ensure your care if affordable and meets your needs. To find out how that would work, keep reading or book a visit with your office!
Factors That Affect the Cost of Dental Crowns
Once we’ve given you an oral exam, our office can assess the factors that’ll set your crown treatment’s cost. These factors include:
- Severity of Damage – Depending on how severely your tooth is damaged, you may need other procedures before crown placement. (For instance, a patient could have a root canal or get a dental implant.) In that case, the overall expense would rise.
- Crown Material – The material used for the crown will also influence its price. Some practices offer ones made of metal, though our own provides tooth-colored ones at a fair cost.
- Crown Creation Method – The method a dental lab uses to craft the crown impacts the bill too.
When considering the items above, remember that the cheapest crowns aren’t ideal. When it comes to oral prosthetics, quality is important – you want your crown to both look and feel good. Plus, it’s beneficial if the restoration lasts many years.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Crowns?
Fortunately, yes – dental crowns should be covered by dental plans. Placing these caps is considered a major procedure, so many insurance policies will cover 50% of their cost.
Of course, there are exceptions. Some plans may offer lesser coverage. Others, meanwhile, may not cover the procedure at all. Therefore, try to confirm your benefits with your insurance provider before treatment. If you need help doing so, our team would be happy to assist.
Other Options for Making Dental Crowns Affordable
Still, insurance isn’t the only way to make crowns affordable. Dental practices provide a wide variety of financial options for their patients. Dental Designs of New England, for example, has the following ones:
- Membership Program – For a light annual fee, our office will (among other things) give you a 20% discount on non-preventive services. That price reduction covers dental crowns!
- Flexible Financing – Our team works with CareCredit, a third-party financier. As such, we allow patients to cover treatment in monthly, low-interest installments. Doing so lets you pay for crowns over time instead of all at once.
In the end, Dental Designs of new England will help you manage crowns’ costs. So, go ahead and schedule an appointment – we’ll tell you more about your financial options!
Come See Us!
Call our Merrimack dental office today and reserve an appointment for yourself or a member of your family. Patients in the Merrimack, Nashua, Bedford, Hollis, Hudson, and Amherst areas rely on Dr. Shetty for comprehensive restorative care and a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Dental Crown FAQs
A single dental crown is the most common restorative procedure performed annually; however, it’s normal to have a few concerns before you’re ready to commit to one. Dr. Shetty will explain everything during your consultation for dental crowns in Merrimack. Here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions to ease your apprehensions until your appointment.
How long will my dental crown last?
Dental crowns last for about 10 years before needing to be replaced, but it’s not unusual for them to thrive for decades with the right aftercare, like brushing and flossing. With a solid oral hygiene routine at home and regular dental visits, your crown can serve you for many years. Although modern restorations aren’t made of metal, they are equally durable. However, your dentist in Merrimack will recommend skipping hard or sticky foods. It’s also best to avoid anything that may damage your restoration, like using your teeth as tools or chewing on inedible objects.
What do I do if my dental crown falls off?
Your crown can lose its bond with your tooth over the years, so don’t panic if it falls off. Don’t try to fix it on your own because bacteria can get trapped underneath the crown. Not to mention, there may be an underlying issue that caused the crown to fail, like new decay. It’s best to leave the repairs to the professionals. While you wait for your appointment, keep your tooth clean and avoid chewing with it. An over-the-counter pain reliever can manage any discomfort. You can ensure your crown stays in place by keeping your smile clean and avoiding anything that can dislodge the restoration, like sticky foods. Your dentist will also recommend limiting your alcohol consumption, which can weaken the bonding material.
How much does a dental crown cost?
The cost of your restoration is based on your personal needs. Therefore, various factors can affect the amount you’ll pay, such as if you need any preparatory procedures, the materials used, and the size of the restoration. After examining your mouth, Dr. Shetty will create a personalized treatment plan. We will provide you with an estimate and explain your payment options. We strive to keep our services affordable for everyone by offering multiple financial solutions. A member of our team will review all your choices to keep a healthy smile within your budget.
Can I use my dental insurance to pay for a crown?
Crowns offer both restorative and cosmetic benefits. Whether your dental insurance covers the treatment depends on why it’s needed. If it is for elective purposes only, your dental insurance probably won’t cover the cost. If the restoration is necessary to your dental health, you can use your coverage to offset the amount you will pay out-of-pocket. Although every policy differs, your plan can pay up to 80% of the cost after meeting your deductible. A member of our team will work on your behalf your dental insurance to maximize your annual coverage, so you have one less thing to worry about.
