Los Lunas

3 Dental Crown FAQs

A dental crown is a natural-looking, protective cap designed to enhance the health and aesthetics of the smile. Dental crowns play a critical role in dental prosthetics and preserve the integrity of the natural tooth root after invasive dental treatments.

When your dentist suggests a dental crown, three questions may come to mind: (1) Why would I need a dental crown? (2) Which type of dental crown is best? (3) How much will this cost me? In this blog, we answer all three of these questions.

1.   Why would I need a dental crown?

During a first visit, the dentist will evaluate your particular case and suggest potential treatments. Generally, dentists recommend dental crowns if the tooth cannot be restored with a filling but can still be saved from extraction.

An experienced dentist may suggest a dental crown to:

  • Strengthen a severely decayed tooth
  • Replace a large filling
  • Restore a damaged or cracked tooth
  • Protect a tooth after root canal therapy
  • Align your bite
  • Cover a single dental implant
  • Add volume, even out, or brighten smiles

2.   Which type of dental crown is best?

With proper care, crowns can last up to 15 to 30 years. Contemporary crowns are crafted from many materials, but the main types of crowns are:

1.      Ceramic: All-porcelain crowns are the most popular type of crown used because they are durable, biocompatible, and most natural-looking. This type of restoration is strong but is not ideal for patients who suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding).

2.      Metal and gold alloys: Metal-based crowns are strong and ideal for posterior restorations. However, they are not aesthetically pleasing, and some people are allergic to some types of metal.

3.      Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM): PFM crowns have been around for over half a century and are a long-lasting solution. They are more aesthetically pleasing than metal-based restorations but may cause a gray line at the gumline.

At Los Lunas Smiles, we believe that ceramic crowns are the best option in most cases. Porcelain crowns are the most natural-looking because they refract natural light like enamel. Porcelain can be color-matched to blend in seamlessly with the smile. Also, they are an excellent choice for patients with metal allergies.

3.   How much does a dental crown cost?

If you need a crown, it’s natural to start considering the costs. The cost will vary depending on the type of material used, and the preparation required. For example, if a crown requires minimal planning and groundwork, there shouldn’t be too many additional fees. On the other hand, more extensive prep work (such as a root canal) may double the total price of the crown.

Generally, crowns range from $300 to $3,000 per tooth. Thankfully, most dental insurance plans partially cover the cost of a crown for preventative and restorative treatment, which is typically 50% to an in-network dentist. However, if your crown is for exclusively cosmetic reasons, insurance is not likely to cover it.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Whether you have a dental emergency, need preventative treatment, or want to enhance aesthetics, a dental crown may help improve your smile’s function, health, and appearance. Our wonderful doctors and dental staff offer patients a welcoming, professional environment in Albuquerque and Los Lunas, NM. Please call (505) 865-4341 or message us online to schedule an appointment for dental crowns in Los Lunas.

219 Courthouse Rd SE, Los Lunas, NM 87031
(505) 865-4341
fd@dentistloslunas.com
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