Dental Crowns – Pea Ridge, AR
Natural-Looking Results, Lasting Dental Protection
Whether you’ve broken a tooth, experienced worsening decay, or have a severe toothache that needs to be treated, countless issues can arise that leave teeth compromised, sensitive, and vulnerable. In these situations, a dental crown in Pea Ridge may be the best treatment option to preserve and protect your natural smile. Call our office today to learn more about this treatment or schedule an appointment.
Why Choose Peak Dental Care for Dental Crowns?
- Durable Materials That Look Natural
- Same-Day Dental Emergency Visits
- Locally Owned & Operated Dental Practice
What is a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns are small, custom-crafted caps that are designed to fit over the visible biting surface of a tooth, or the part that rests above the gumline. They can be crafted from a variety of materials, but at Peak Dental Care, we opt for durable, natural-looking ones like Emax, zirconia, and porcelain fused to metal.
We typically recommend dental crowns in Pea Ridge in the following situations:
- A tooth is decayed or damaged beyond repair.
- A tooth has received root canal treatment.
- A tooth is severely misshapen.
The Dental Crown Process
The process of getting a dental crown typically takes place over the course of two appointments at our office. First, Dr. Baioni will prepare the affected tooth by removing a small outer layer of it. This will allow the restoration to lay flush with the surrounding teeth when it’s cemented in place. Our team will capture impressions of your tooth that our off-site dental laboratory will then use to craft the restoration. Before you leave, we’ll secure a temporary crown over your prepared tooth.
As soon as we receive your permanent crown, we’ll have you come back in to remove the temporary and make sure the fit and shade of the final restoration is perfect. Dr. Baioni will then cement the permanent crown atop your tooth.
Benefits of Getting a Dental Crown
When you invest in a high-quality dental restoration like a crown, you’ll be able to reap several different advantages, including the following:
- Protection for your natural tooth to prevent unwanted additional concerns like tooth sensitivity and further damage and decay.
- Natural-looking results thanks to the custom-shaded materials we use.
- Improved chewing and speaking abilities.
- Long lifespan of 10+ years with good at-home oral hygiene and professional maintenance.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Crowns
The cost of dental crowns varies from person to person. The reason is that there are multiple factors our team must consider before establishing a predictable estimate. We want you to have the most reliable information about the cost of restorative care. This is why we will carefully craft your treatment plan and discuss the available payment options to help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. Whether you choose to use your dental insurance or seek flexible financing, we’re here to help.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Dental Crowns
Before your dentist in Pea Ridge provides you with a cost estimate for your dental crown(s), he will consider the following factors:
- How many dental crowns do you need?
- What material will be used to create your crown(s)?
- How severe is the existing damage or decay?
- Do you require additional procedures, such as a root canal or dental implant?
It’s tempting to call around to find a dentist who offers cheaper dental crowns, but this isn't necessarily the best idea. Using lower-quality materials can lead to short-term results. You may find yourself needing to have your crown replaced more frequently or suffer reinfection because of poor attachment.
At Peak Dental Care, we use only the best materials, including Emax, zirconia, and porcelain-fused-to-metal.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Crowns?
Most dental insurance companies offer partial coverage for dental crowns. This is because they are considered restorative services designed to improve your oral health. You will want to review your current plan to ensure you are covered before agreeing to treatment, however, as not all plans are the same. If you need help accessing this information or are unsure where to look, don’t hesitate to contact a member of our team.
Options for Making Dental Crowns Affordable
Peak Dental Care knows that not everyone has dental insurance, and even if you do, it won’t cover the full cost of a dental crown. Fortunately, an alternative exists that makes it possible to pay for your restored smile. With CareCredit Financing, you can apply for one of their available payment plans, many of which come with little or no interest. You choose which one matches your budget and repayment timeline, and instead of paying the full amount up front, you will make monthly installments until your bill is paid.
Dental Crowns FAQs
What Are Dental Crowns Made Of?
Our team uses durable, tooth-colored materials to craft dental crowns, including Emax, zirconia, and porcelain-fused-to-metal. Each option offers a strong, natural-looking result, but the best choice for you depends on the location of the tooth and your specific needs.
Emax and zirconia are popular for their lifelike translucency, while porcelain-fused-to-metal offers extra durability for teeth that regularly take greater bite force. During your visit, Dr. Baioni will help determine which material is right for your smile.
Are Dental Crowns Permanent?
Dental crowns are called a "permanent" restoration once cemented in place, but the term doesn't mean "everlasting"—it means "fixed in place." With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, most crowns last 10 years or longer before they may need to be replaced. However, factors like teeth grinding, poor hygiene, or trauma to the tooth can shorten your crown's lifespan, so it's a good idea to always take precautions.
Our team offers mouthguards and nightguards that can help shield your restoration and extend its life. If any of your dental crowns ever feel loose or damaged, contact our Pea Ridge office right away so we can take a look and restore your smile.
Do Dental Crowns Get Cavities?
The material used to make a dental crown can't develop decay like natural tooth enamel can. However, that doesn't mean the tooth underneath is also immune. The crown's margin (the place where the restoration meets your natural tooth) and the gum tissue around it are still vulnerable to plaque and bacteria.
This is why brushing, flossing, and regular checkups are still essential even after getting a crown. These habits will continue to protect the health of your teeth and gums for as long as you stay consistent.
Can Dental Crowns Be Whitened?
Unfortunately, for the same reasons dental crowns resist staining and can't develop cavities, they also can't be whitened. The ceramic materials used, like Emax and zirconia, don't respond to the hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide found in whitening treatments the way natural enamel does.
If you're planning to whiten your smile, it's best to do so before getting a dental crown so Dr. Baioni can match the restoration to your newly brightened shade. If your existing crown no longer matches your smile, replacing it may be the better long-term option.