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Dental Crowns – Lakewood, CO

Restore Your Smile, Protect Your Oral Health

A dental crown sitting in a mold.

Dental crowns are by far some of the most common dental restoration services provided. This is not only because they are easy to make, but because they are incredibly versatile. Crowns are capable of solving a wide variety of dental issues. Whether your tooth is cracked from trauma or decay, or your tooth is discolored or misshapen due to staining or from other circumstances, dental crowns can restore their appearance and function. Thanks to CEREC technology, we can even have your crown fabricated and placed all in one visit, saving you time and money overall.

Dr. Vinnie is prepared to make sure your crown fits just right and protects your teeth for many years to come. Don’t wait to get one placed if you need one; contact his office today to get started!

What are the Benefits of Dental Crowns?

A set of dental crowns.

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped restorations that fit over existing teeth that have been damaged to the point where it affects their natural function. When a tooth is damaged, it doesn’t only make it more difficult to eat the foods you want or cause significant discomfort, but it can also put your tooth at higher risk of infection. Cracked teeth expose the inner tooth where the vulnerable pulp sits. If bacteria reaches the pulp, it can easily trigger an oral infection and cause higher dental costs and more headaches later.

What Can Dental Crowns Fix?

An older woman examining her smile.

If a tooth is so damaged that a dental filling isn’t enough to repair it, dental crowns are the next option to consider. This is particularly true if the filling were to take up more than two-thirds of the remaining tooth. Other than repairing large cavities, dental crowns are ideal for:

  • Replacing portions of a broken tooth
  • Completing a dental bridge
  • Holding a tooth together
  • Restoring a dental implant
  • Improving the appearance of teeth (covering chips, cracks, discoloration or misshapen teeth)

How are Dental Crowns Made?

A pile of dental restorations resting on a table.

Dental crowns can be made from several different materials, including gold, porcelain and zirconia. The material you choose will depend on your needs, but all materials are capable of restoring the overall function of your tooth. After examining your damaged tooth and removing any decay or damaged tissue, Dr. Vinnie will remove a minimal amount of enamel in order to make room for the restoration. Then, he’ll take multiple images of your tooth and use that data and the CEREC same-day dental restoration system to design and fabricate the crown entirely in the dental office.

Once the crown is made, he’ll place the crown and confirm that your bite is even and that the crown has effectively sealed your tooth. Once complete, your crown should last you many years as long as you practice daily oral care and visit our office regularly for checkups and cleanings.

We hope you call Lakewood Complete Dentistry for your next dental crown placement. Call our office today to schedule your appointment and speak with Dr. Vinnie yourself!

Dental Crown FAQs

Frequently asked questions about dental crowns

Dental crowns offer exceptional advantages; however, it’s normal to have a few concerns before you’re ready to agree to one. Dr. Artino will explain everything during your consultation to feel confident about the decision you’re making for your smile. In the meantime, here are the answers to the top dental crown FAQs in Lakewood to ease your apprehensions.

How long do dental crowns last?

Modern restorations are made of all-ceramic material because it looks natural and is durable. While they are metal-free, the average porcelain crown will last for 5 to 15 years before needing to be replaced; however, it’s not uncommon for a restoration to last for decades with the right aftercare. You can promote the lifespan of your crown by committing to your oral hygiene at home and visiting your dentist at least twice a year. It’s also best to avoid anything that may damage your crown, like using your teeth as tools or chewing on inedible objects. Dr. Artino recommends skipping sticky or hard foods to preserve your crown.

How do I care for a crown?

Caring for a crown isn’t much different from your natural teeth. You can brush and floss it like you do your real teeth, but you’ll need to pay a little extra attention when cleaning the edge of the crown. Plaque can get trapped where the restoration meets your gum line, which can lead to decay or infection. Carefully clean around the crown daily to avoid preventable complications. You can also use an antimicrobial mouthrinse to clean any areas your toothbrush and floss can’t reach.

How much does a dental crown cost?

There’s not a set fee for dental crowns because everyone’s smile is unique. Various factors affect the amount you’ll pay, such as if you need any prep-work and the material used. After examining your mouth and creating a personalized treatment plan, we’ll provide you with an estimate and explain the fees. We’ll also discuss your payment options to find the solutions you need, even if money is tight. Besides traditional payment methods, our office also accepts third-party financing and dental insurance. Rest assured, you’ll know exactly what you’ll have to pay, so you won’t be surprised by any unexpected bills.

Can I use my dental insurance to pay for a crown?

Although every policy differs, most dental insurances cover crowns when needed for restorative purposes, such as to fix a broken tooth. If the crown is only needed for elective reasons, like to cover a severe stain, your insurance plan may not cover it. We know dental insurance can be confusing, but you don’t have to navigate your policy alone. A member of our team will work on your behalf to file the necessary paperwork, so you have one less thing to worry about. After reaching your annual deductible, your insurance can pay up to 80% of the costs until hitting your yearly limit. If there’s any remaining balance, we will discuss your payment options, like third-party financing.