Dental Crowns Little Rock

Are dental crowns permanent?

Dental crowns are a long-term solution that can protect your teeth from infection and injury for five to fifteen years on average, but they cannot be considered permanent since they will eventually need to be replaced. However, the process of placing a dental crown is irreversible since it involves the removal of damaged enamel to make room for the restoration. Since removed enamel does not grow back, the tooth will need to be protected by a restoration from then on, and dental crowns can shelter compromised teeth from damage and infection so they can last much longer than they would otherwise. You can keep your dental crown in excellent condition for as long as possible by practicing excellent oral hygiene, visiting our office in Little Rock for regular exams and cleanings, wearing a nightguard or athletic mouthguard as needed, and limiting your sugar consumption.

How long do dental crowns last?

Dental crowns last somewhere between five and fifteen years on average, but the actual lifespan of your restoration mostly depends on the material it is made from and how well you take care of it. While metal crowns may have longer lifespans than metal-free restorations, the difference may only be negligible. You can help your crown last for as long as possible by making smart eating decisions, adhering to an excellent at-home oral hygiene regimen, seeing us regularly for routine exams and cleanings, and breaking bad habits like smoking, teeth grinding, and chewing on ice, your nails, or inedible objects like pencils. Crowns placed on the front teeth may last slightly longer than those placed on the molars since they do not endure as much pressure during chewing.

How do you know if a dental crown needs to be replaced?

While only a qualified oral health professional can make a definitive call as to whether your crown needs to be replaced, there are a few signs that can tell you that you should have one of our dentists inspect your restoration. A few of these include:

• Pain: If the tooth wearing a crown becomes decayed, the restoration must be removed so the infection can be treated. Afterward, our dentist can determine if your crown can be fixed back on the tooth or if it needs to be replaced.
• Instability: If your crown is wiggling about on its tooth, the cement holding it in place may be compromised. Let us know if your restoration is not sitting securely.
• Degraded appearance: Your crown should restore your tooth aesthetically as well as functionally, so unsightly chips or stains can be reason enough to replace it.
• Dark line around the base: If you have an old porcelain-fused-to-metal crown, it may show a dark line around the base when it gets old.

Do dental crowns get cavities?

While it is technically impossible for a dental crown to develop cavities, the tooth wearing it can still become infected. In fact, crowned teeth are just as vulnerable to oral infections as uncrowned teeth, so you’ll still need to brush, floss, and rinse with antibacterial mouthwash regularly to keep your smile in good health after receiving your restoration. Dental infections can ruin the way crowns fit, which can make replacements necessary after the decay has been treated.

Does It Hurt to Get a Dental Crown?

Before your tooth is prepared and your crown is placed, we will numb the area with a local anesthetic, so you shouldn't feel any pain at any point during the process. Once the numbness wears off, it is normal to experience some mild soreness or sensitivity in the treated tooth and surrounding gum tissue for a few days, especially when eating hot or cold foods. That said, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen are usually enough to manage this discomfort. However, if you experience severe or lingering pain, sensitivity that doesn't improve after a week, or pain when biting down, give our office a call so we can make sure everything is healing properly.

What Is the Difference Between a Dental Crown and a Filling?

Fillings and crowns both repair damaged teeth, but they are used in different situations. A filling is used to treat a smaller-sized cavity by removing the decayed portion of the tooth and filling the resulting space with a tooth-colored composite material. A dental crown, on the other hand, is recommended when a tooth is too damaged, cracked, or decayed for a filling to provide adequate support. Rather than filling in a small area, a crown covers the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gumline, essentially acting like a protective cap. Crowns are also the go-to restoration following a root canal, and they can also be used to help replace missing teeth.  

How Should I Take Care of My Dental Crown?

Caring for a dental crown isn't much different from caring for your natural teeth, but you should strive to help yours last as long as possible. Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and floss daily, paying close attention to the area where the crown meets your gumline since plaque buildup there can lead to decay in the underlying tooth. Also try to avoid chewing on excessively hard foods like ice cubes, hard candy, or popcorn kernels, as well as sticky foods that could pull at the crown. You should also plan to continue visiting our Little Rock office every six months for routine care so we can monitor your crown and catch issues early!

Will Dental Insurance Cover a Dental Crown?

Many dental insurance plans consider dental crowns as a major restorative procedure and provide partial coverage, often around 50%, once your deductible has been met and as long as the crown is deemed medically necessary. However, since coverage can vary greatly from plan to plan, it’s best not to assume anything about the cost of your crown until you’ve met with our team. We’re happy to review your benefits with you to make sure that you’re making the most of your benefits. Our office also accepts most plans and is happy to file claims on your behalf.