Dental Crowns
While teeth can stand up to a great deal of wear and tear over the course of a lifetime, they can become damaged enough to require repair. Cavities, chips, cracks, and worn enamel can all contribute to dental issues that result in your teeth needing to be repaired. Just a few decades ago, this type of damage might necessitate tooth removal, but thankfully—for our patients today—there are many other treatment methods available for damaged teeth. One of the most effective and sophisticated techniques is creating and applying a dental crown
What are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is essentially a sturdy cap, shaped and colored to resemble your natural tooth, which is placed over an existing tooth. It’s then cemented in place, usually encasing the entire existing tooth (at least, the portion of it that extends above the gum line). Crowns are used to restore the appearance of a tooth, to increase its size, to alter its shape, or to strengthen and protect it.
Types of Material Used for Crowns
There are many different types of crowns, and many different types of materials used to create them. Here are a few of those materials:
A Note on Temporary vs. Permanent Crowns
If your tooth is damaged to the point that it is unsafe for it to remain uncovered until your permanent crown is fabricated, your Anchorage dentist may affix a temporary crown. As we’ve already mentioned, stainless steel crowns are sometimes used for this purpose. There are also temporary crowns made of acrylic-based materials.
These temporary crowns are used because a permanent crown that’s customized for your specific tooth usually aren’t made at your dentist’s office. While your dentist will take casts and measurements, they send these measurements to an off-site professional lab, where the crown is constructed and then delivered back to your dentist’s office when complete.
Why You Might Need a Dental Crown
There are many different reasons that your tooth might require the additional protection and strength offered by a professionally applied dental crown. Here are just a few of those reasons:
It’s been weakened by decay
If your tooth has been weakened by decay or otherwise damaged, a crown may be required to protect it from further damage.
It’s broken
Sometimes a tooth breaks, but the root is still relatively healthy. If this is the case, a crown can be used to restore its appearance and functionality.
It’s cracked
While a cracked tooth sometimes needs to be extracted, in many cases if the tooth is otherwise healthy, it can be covered by a crown instead. If so, the crown is designed to hold the parts of the cracked tooth together.
It’s worn down
Just as a tooth might be broken but have an otherwise healthy foundation, the same can be true for worn-down teeth.
You have a dental bridge
A crown can be used to hold a dental bridge in place.
Cosmetic purposes
Extremely discolored or misshapen teeth can be a blow to one’s self esteem. A crown can improve their appearance.
Average Cost of Dental Crowns
The cost of your dental crown will vary a great deal depending on the type of material used and other factors. Generally speaking, dental crowns in Anchorage range from $1650 to $1850. If you think you might need a crown, call us today!
Testimonials
Great facility for all of your dental needs. I’ve been seeing Stacy for years and Dr Massey since Dr Darling retired.
– Barry M.
The staff was very friendly and accommodating ! Best dental experience I’ve had in town. Easy to work with! 10/10
– John H.
Dr. Massey was super attentive and cared about my comfort. His work is perfection! I highly recommend this place for all your dental, botox, and Juvederm needs!
– Rose L.
Really good, they help you with everything, excellent work and really kind staff.
– Yadhi V.