

Did you know that your tooth enamel is harder than your bones? Unfortunately, there are still plenty of ways you could end up damaging it. Also unlike your bones, your teeth can’t naturally repair themselves when they become weakened or cracked. If you have injured teeth, Spillman Family Dental of Rockwall can help you regain a strong, healthy, and beautiful smile with custom-made dental crowns! This reliable type of restoration can improve the appearance and function of teeth while preventing long-term issues. Give us a call today to schedule your next appointment and ensure your smile is protected!
Your natural teeth are made up of two distinct parts: the crown that you see above the gumline, and the roots hidden beneath it. Since teeth can’t repair themselves, leaving an injured or decayed crown untreated will only allow the problem to get worse. Thankfully, with a custom-made dental crown, we can protect the tooth. This restoration is a tooth-shaped cap that encapsulates the entire visible surface of a tooth, which strengthens the compromised structure, enhances its appearance, and prevents further damage. Dental crowns are often needed when:
Getting a dental crown typically takes about two appointments. First, we’ll make room for the new crown by removing a thin layer of enamel. We’ll roughen the surface of your tooth and take impressions, then we’ll fit you with a temporary crown. You’ll wear this temporary restoration for about two weeks while your permanent crown is being fabricated. Then, you’ll return to our office to have your temporary removed and your new, custom-made crown cemented into place. We’ll make sure that you’re satisfied with your results and that your bite is comfortable, and then you’ll be ready to go out and enjoy your newly repaired smile!
Dental crowns are easily one of the most sought-after restorative dental treatments, and it’s easy to see why! They offer numerous impressive benefits, including:
The cost of dental crowns can depend on a few factors. When you come in for your restorative consultation, our team can discuss specific numbers with you and help you understand your payment options. We welcome PPO dental insurance, and we accept financing through both CareCredit and Cherry.
The cost of your dental crown may be affected by the following factors:
Dental crowns are a long-term investment in oral health and function. While cheaper options may seem appealing, it is crucial to prioritize quality. Well-made crowns enhance durability, comfort, and appearance, leading to better overall outcomes. Choosing higher-quality crowns can ultimately help you save time and money!
Very often, yes, dental insurance does cover dental crowns. They are usually classified as a major procedure, so around 50% of their cost may be covered, up to the amount of your plan’s annual maximum.
Our team welcomes PPO insurance, and we are in-network with Delta Dental Premier. We will be happy to help you understand how your benefits apply and file claims on your behalf.
Outside of insurance, other provisions that might make it easier to afford your crown include:
Are you interested in learning more about dental crowns and their cost? Our team would be pleased to assist you. Get in touch with us today to request a consultation.
If you’re aiming to restore a severely damaged or decayed tooth, a dental crown might be your best bet! However, you might understandably have some questions about the procedure that you’d like answered before you feel comfortable about committing to it. Our team has gathered some of the most frequently asked questions about dental crowns and their answers so that you can feel informed and confident about getting your tooth the help it needs! Of course, if you have any additional questions about dental crowns in Rockwall, don’t hesitate to give us a call ; we’re happy to help!
Our team will numb your mouth prior to the beginning of the procedure, so you don’t have to worry about any pain or discomfort at all while you’re seated in the chair. That said, you might experience some minor soreness or sensitivity in the days following your visit, especially if you also underwent root canal therapy before receiving your crown. However, this discomfort is often fleeting and can usually be managed with the use of over-the-counter pain medications. If your pain persists, don’t hesitate to let us know so we can help!
Even though dental crowns are durable, they sadly won’t last forever. With proper oral care, you’ll be able to keep them for as long as 5 to 15 years before they need to be replaced. However, it’s worth noting that the procedure for receiving a crown is irreversible. A tooth that has been reshaped in preparation for a crown will not regrow the enamel that was removed, so a crown will always be necessary to protect it moving forward!
The good news here is that it’s impossible for a dental crown to develop cavities; however, the tooth underneath the crown is still quite vulnerable! In fact, a tooth with a crown has the exact same risk of decay as a tooth without a crown. Poor oral hygiene enables bacteria and plaque to collect around the gumline where the tooth meets the crown. These infiltrative bacteria can also slip underneath the crown itself and wreak havoc on the underlying tooth. This means that brushing, flossing and regularly visiting us for preventive care is just as important as it was before you received your crown!
The only way to know for sure whether a crown needs replacement is to come in and have us take a look; we can take X-rays to determine if there are any warning signs that indicate your crown’s approaching the end of its lifespan. Some things we’ll look for and ask about include:
Noticeable worse appearance – If the crown is chipped or discolored, it can negatively affect your self-esteem, which is reason enough to replace it! A dark line around the base of the crown might also indicate that it’s sustained a great deal of wear and tear and might soon need replacement.
Dental crowns can be made of many materials, like hardened ceramics, metal, and even a combination of the two. At our Rockwall practice, we use high-quality, tooth-colored mediums to craft dental crowns that blend naturally with your smile.
Most commonly, these crowns are made from porcelain due to its lifelike appearance and durability. Porcelain has a natural translucence and “wet” texture to it once polished, making it easy to mimic the color, texture, and light-reflecting properties of natural teeth.
In some cases, other materials may be recommended based on your specific needs, such as added strength or placement in the back of your mouth. However, no matter what your new crown is made of, it will be crafted with care to restore both the function and appearance of your smile.
Yes! When properly fitted, dental crowns should feel just like your natural teeth. During the process of designing your prosthetic, we take detailed impressions and partner with local dental labs to ensure your crown fits comfortably and securely.
Once placed, it will function like a natural tooth, allowing you to chew, speak, and smile with confidence. After a short adjustment period, most patients don’t even notice the crown is there. If you ever do start to feel discomfort or something doesn’t feel right, our team is always here to make any necessary adjustments for a perfect fit.
Unfortunately, dental crowns cannot be whitened like natural teeth. The same materials that let them stay relatively stain-free and strong also don’t react to whitening agents like hydrogen peroxide.
If you have a desire to brighten your smile, we recommend whitening your natural teeth before placing a crown for the best long-term match. However, if you’re unhappy with the color of an existing crown, the most effective solution is to replace it with a new one that matches your current shade.