Do you suffer from damaged or misshapen teeth? Shallowford Smiles has the solution.
Dental crowns are a go-to dental care option for restoring teeth’ health and appearance. Also known as “dental caps”, dental crowns are synthetic tooth caps that are custom-made to fit the exact contours of teeth and protect them from further wear or damage.
Dental crowns are suitable for a wide variety of restorative applications, including:
- Cracked Teeth
- Chipped Teeth
- Stained or Discolored Teeth
- Misshapen Teeth
- Teeth Recently Treated by a Root Canal
Flexible and relatively low-cost, crowns are also commonly used to support dental bridges and dental implants. They also may be used for certain cosmetic modifications.
The Types of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are made from all kinds of materials. While some patients prefer their crowns to mimic the look and feel of natural teeth, others opt for the more resilient metal crowns or the comfortable and convenient all-resin option. No matter what kind of dental crown you and your doctor decide on, you can rest assured that Shallowford Smiles has you covered.
The following are only a few of the dental crown options available:
All-Resin Dental Crowns
All-resin dental crowns look natural and are more affordable than other types of dental crowns. But, these dental crowns wear down faster over time. So what you gain in comfort, you may lose in longevity. However, don’t let this fact dissuade you. Because these crowns are more affordable, having them replaced more frequently may not hurt your wallet as much as you think.
Metal Dental Crowns
Metal crowns are the most resilient types of dental crowns. They are made from one of four common metals: gold, palladium, nickel, and chromium. Thanks to the strength of these materials, metal crowns rarely chip or break and don’t wear down over time. The only potential drawback is their appearance. Due to their unnatural look, we recommend these dental crowns are for less visible teeth, like molars.
All-Ceramic & All-Porcelain Dental Crowns
Most effective when used on front teeth, all-porcelain and all-ceramic dental crowns are the most natural in appearance. While not as strong as metal crowns, this type of crown is still a great alternative for those with metal allergies looking for strength and longevity in their dental crowns.
The Dental Crown Process
A standard dental crown procedure is performed in-house by a dentist. It requires two office visits: one for the fitting, and one for the actual procedure.
Here’s how we go about it:
Examining and Preparing the Tooth
Before receiving your dental crown, you’ll need to come to our Chattanooga office for an examination. During the exam, the doctor will check and clean your teeth in preparation for the crowns.
If a tooth is severely damaged or decayed, the doctor will remove the damaged area to prevent further decay once the crown is placed.
Making an Impression
Using dental putty, the doctor will take an impression of your teeth. This impression will be sent off to a lab where it will be used to mold your new crown. In the meantime, your doctor will provide you with a temporary dental cap to wear until your permanent dental crown is placed.
Placing the Crown
At your second appointment, your doctor will remove your temporary crown and replace it with a permanent crown custom-made to match your exact tooth shape and color. The crown is secured using either dental cement or a hidden screw. To complete the process, the doctor will polish your crown before making any necessary adjustments to ensure your comfort and satisfaction.
The Cost of Dental Crowns in Hamilton
The out-of-pocket cost for a dental crown can vary widely from patient to patient. With a typical insurance plan, a single crown averages out to about $200 to $600+. Without insurance, a reasonable figure for a crown is around $800 to $1200 and up.
So what goes into determining the cost of a dental crown?
- The type of crown and the material that is used.
- The location and complexity of the procedure.
- The number of crowns that may be required.
- Combining the crown with other dental appliances like bridges.
- Supplies and equipment that are required for your specific treatment.
Remember, no dental practice can provide an accurate quote over the phone. Ultimately, your needs are as unique as your smile. That’s why it’s important to schedule an appointment at our office in Chattanooga and undergo an oral exam to find out all your treatment options and to receive an accurate quote. If you have dental insurance, we would be happy to supply you with a quote to submit to them so you can find out your out-of-pocket costs before you make a decision.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ray DeJong
This is the place to go. This dentist is the best I have been to in my long life. He was able to diagnose an issue that another dentist caused. I have a sensitive mouth and I don't even feel when he gives the shot to get work done. Wonderful experience.
Carrie Ogle
This office is absolutely amazing! I had two teeth pulled today and I didn’t feel any pain during the procedure. Dr. Brian Wilkinson and his staff made me feel so comfortable and they made my experience the best that I’ve EVER had. I highly recommend this office to anyone looking for a dentist!
Charles Akin-Vorst
Great staff with the highest quality care in Chattanooga. The staff is always welcoming and happy to answer any and all questions. The only time I’ve had to wait in the waiting room was when I was early for my appointment and they were right in time. Even then, the waiting area is very comfortable with a TV, WiFi, complimentary coffee and drink station, and comfortable seating. I’ve had extensive periodontal work done there and the entire experience was top-notch. I wouldn’t recommend any other dental care facility in town over Dr. Brian.
