Dental Crown In Aurora, IL

Dental Crown

Your smile is the very first thing that people see when they meet you. If you are not smiling or your teeth are damaged, this can cause them to get a negative impression of you. If you have concerns about your smile, the team at City of Lights Dental in Aurora, IL can help.

We offer a variety of cosmetic and restorative procedures to improve the appearance and functionality of your teeth. One of the most popular treatments is dental crowns. This dental treatment is considered cosmetic, and restorative and, in most cases, will be at least partially covered by dental insurance.

When would you need a dental crown?

There are several reasons why your dentist may recommend a dental crown, including:

The tooth requires a very large dental filling
The tooth has been treated with root canal therapy
Combination of the above
You have cosmetic concerns about the tooth (discoloration, size, shape, etc)

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed on a tooth that is significantly damaged/decayed but can still be salvaged. A crown may also be used as the prosthetic portion of a dental implant.

Dental Crown Cost

Dental crowns range in cost from around $800 to $2,500. There are several factors involved in determining the cost of a dental crown, including:

Material of the crown
Location of the tooth (front teeth typically cost less than molars due to the complexity of placement)
Location of dental clinic
Experience/expertise of the dentist
Additional procedures required to treat the affected tooth
Dental insurance coverage

A dental crown is classified as a restorative cosmetic, which means most dental insurance providers will cover a portion of the treatment. Our friendly office staff will take your insurance information and contact your provider to determine your coverage and provide you with a quote during your consultation.

If you need help paying for your dental crown, there are lots of third-party financing options available.l

Dental Crown Procedure

The procedure for getting a dental crown typically requires at least 2 visits, unless you are getting a same-day crown.

The first visit is to prepare the tooth, make impressions, and place the temporary crown.

Tooth prep involves removing some of the enamel to create space for the crown and ensure it remains in place. The primary purpose of this step is to create a strong foundation for the crown.

Once the tooth is prepared, the dentist will use a putty-like material to create a physical impression or a scanner wand to create a digital impression. These will be sent to the dental lab for the technician to fabricate your custom crown.

Crown fabrication typically takes a few weeks. Therefore, the dentist will place a temporary crown on the tooth to protect it. Typically, a temporary crown is made of acrylic or resin.

In a few weeks, the crown will be sent back to the clinic. The team will schedule your appointment to have the crown placed. We start by removing the temporary crown and cleaning the tooth. Then, we will ensure that the crown fits properly before cementing it in place.

In the case of a same-day crown, the temporary crown placement is skipped and the crown is fabricated in the office from a block of ceramic.

Benefits of Dental Crowns

The primary advantage of a dental crown is that it can extend the life expectancy of a natural tooth. Additional advantages include:

Improving chewing function
Improving appearance
Protecting teeth from wear/tear
Long-lasting, usually up to 15 years or more with proper care and maintenance

There are also a few disadvantages that you should be aware of:

May be expensive
May require some enamel removal
Can break/fracture over time
May trap bacteria if not fitted properly, which can lead to tooth decay
May cause or increase tooth sensitivity
In rare cases, may cause an allergic reaction

Schedule Your Dental Crown Consultation with City of Lights Dental Today

If you believe that you may benefit from a dental crown, schedule your consultation with the team at City of Lights Dental right away. We will start with a comprehensive exam and cleaning. This will help us determine if you need a dental crown. If we determine that you would benefit from a dental crown, we will move forward. If not, we will determine which option is best.

Dental Crown FAQs

The team at City of Lights Dental encourages you to ask questions and mention your concerns at any time. We understand the importance of understanding your dental conditions and procedures. Below are some of the questions that we get most often about dental crowns:

How long do dental crowns last?

Dental crowns are designed to last an average of 5 to 15 years. In some cases, a dental crown may last 20 years or more with proper care and maintenance.

Do dental crowns hurt?

While you may experience some minor discomfort immediately following dental crown placement, the crown is not painful. Once the crown settles, you shouldn’t notice it. If you do have significant pain/discomfort, contact the dentist right away for an evaluation. The crown may need to be adjusted or replaced.

Is the dental crown procedure painful?

In the past, the dental crown procedure could be quite painful. However, thanks to advances in dental technology and anesthesia, the procedure is no more painful than having a tooth extracted. In fact, many patients go back to their normal routine right away. If you require sedation for your dental procedures, you may require longer to recover.

How does a dental crown work?

The procedure starts with an exam and cleaning, as well as making an impression of the affected tooth. When the crown is ready, the dentist will ensure that it fits properly before cementing it in place. If necessary, adjustments can be made at this time. Once the crown is the perfect fit, it is cemented in place with a strong dental cement.