Damaged teeth can be sensitive and painful. If you are dealing with a damaged tooth, your dentist may choose to cover the damage with a dental crown. Dental crowns are often referred to as caps and are often made up of either porcelain or ceramic. They can be used to cover up damage and protect the tooth, to cover up a tooth implant, or to attach a bridge. A crown can improve the appearance and shape of a damaged tooth in addition to protecting it. If you are getting a dental crown, here are three things to keep in mind.

The Procedure

The first thing that you should be aware of is how the procedure itself works. Crowns are usually put into place during two separate appointments with your dentist. During the first appointment, your tooth is prepared for the crown by being filed or filled into the proper shape. A temporary crown is then put into place until the final crown is completed. The final crown is then placed on top of the tooth during the second appointment. While ceramic and porcelain crowns are the most common options, other materials used include resin and stainless steel. 

Cost

Cost is another thing to consider when it comes to dental crowns. Costs can vary depending on your dentist, the type of crown used, and whether or not you have dental insurance. Dental crowns can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,500 per tooth. You may also need additional procedures, such as root canals, that can add to the overall cost. Since dental crowns are used to strengthen damaged teeth, dental insurance will often cover at least part of the cost. It's important to discuss costs with your dentist before having a crown put into place.

Lifespan

The lifespan of your crown is another thing to keep in mind. The lifespan of your dental crown can vary depending on your oral hygiene and the type of crown put into place. On average, crowns last between 5 and 15 years. In order to increase your crown's lifespan, it's important to avoid chewing ice, biting your nails, and grinding or clenching your teeth. With proper care, you may find that your crown lasts longer than the average lifespan. If you do run into any problems with your crown, it's important to visit the dentist as soon as possible to have the issue fixed.

Dental crowns are a great way to repair damaged teeth. The procedure itself usually requires multiple appointments. There are also a variety of dental crown materials to choose from. Costs can vary depending on whether or not you have dental insurance and the type of crown that is being put into place. Crowns typically stay in place for anywhere from 5 to 15 years.