Dental Crown - Northeast Lincoln Family Dentistry

Dental Crowns in Lincoln, NE

Durability and Aesthetics Combined.

Dental Crowns: Protecting and Restoring Your Smile

Dental crowns, also known as caps, are custom-made coverings that encase the entire tooth, restoring its original shape, size, and strength. Crowns are used to protect and strengthen teeth that cannot be repaired with fillings or other restorations. They’re especially helpful for preventing further damage to teeth affected by cracks, decay, or trauma.

To avoid the need for a crown, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly, at least twice a year. However, if more extensive treatment is needed beyond routine cleanings, a dental crown may be the solution.

At Northeast Lincoln Family Dentistry, we believe that quality oral care should be accessible to everyone. Your health shouldn’t be limited by your budget, which is why we offer a variety of payment plans and affordable treatment options. Keep reading to discover how we can support your oral health and how dental crowns can ultimately save you money in the long run.

Porcelain Dental Crowns: A Durable and Natural-Looking Solution

While there are various types of crowns, porcelain (tooth-colored) crowns are the most popular choice due to their natural appearance and durability. Designed to match the shape, size, and color of your teeth, porcelain crowns offer a seamless and long-lasting solution. While they are highly durable, like most dental restorations, they may eventually need to be replaced. With porcelain crowns, you can enjoy both a beautiful smile and reliable protection for many years.

Reason for Dental Crowns

Porcelain crowns are ideal for addressing several dental concerns, including:

Broken or fractured teeth
Cosmetic dental enhancements
Decayed teeth
Fractured or large fillings
Teeth that have undergone root canal therapy

Our porcelain crowns are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, ensuring no one can tell you’ve had any dental work done. In the past, crowns and bridges were more noticeable, but today’s advanced materials and techniques allow them to perfectly match the shape, color, and texture of your smile.

The Crown Procedure: What to Expect

A crown procedure typically involves two appointments. During your first visit, we’ll take impressions of your tooth to create a custom crown that fits perfectly. We’ll also make a temporary crown to protect your tooth while your permanent one is being made in a dental laboratory. This temporary crown will stay in place for about two weeks.

While your tooth is numb, our dentist will clean out any decay and shape the tooth to ensure it fits the crown properly. After preparing the tooth, we’ll place the temporary crown using temporary cement and check your bite to ensure everything aligns comfortably.

At your second appointment, we’ll remove the temporary crown, clean your tooth, and carefully place the permanent crown. We’ll check the fit and bite to make sure everything aligns perfectly. Afterward, you’ll receive care instructions and be reminded of the importance of regular dental visits to monitor the health of your new crown.

Once the procedure is complete, you’ll walk away with a brand-new, well-fitting crown! Congratulations! This crown will protect your tooth from further damage and decay, allowing you to use it comfortably. However, it’s essential to continue caring for your tooth and crown. Brush around your crown with care and floss gently to avoid any damage.

Proper oral hygiene will help your crown last for many years. Be sure to schedule bi-annual dental cleanings, where your dentist will check on the crown’s condition and ensure no decay is building up beneath or around it. Regular visits are key to maintaining both your new crown and your overall dental health.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Crowns

How to Care for Your Crown After Placement

Taking care of your crown at home is essential for ensuring its longevity. Fortunately, it’s relatively simple! Brushing and flossing every day will help keep your crown—and your surrounding teeth—healthy. When flossing around your crown, be gentle to avoid damaging it.

In addition to at-home care, it’s important to visit your dentist in Lincoln, NE, for regular cleanings every six months. This ensures your crown stays in good condition, and your overall oral health is maintained.

At Northeast Lincoln Family Dentistry, we have multiple convenient locations throughout Lincoln, NE, making it easier to find a dentist close to you.

Lastly, be cautious with hard foods, as they can sometimes cause crowns to crack or break. If you do eat hard foods, try chewing on the opposite side of your mouth to protect your crown. By following these simple steps, you’ll help your crown last longer and stay in great shape!

How Much Does a Crown Cost?

The cost of a dental crown can vary, and many insurance plans do cover part or all of the expense. However, if you don’t have insurance, you will be required to pay for the procedure out-of-pocket. For those who are concerned about affordability, options like CareCredit® may help finance your treatment. Additionally, we offer flexible payment plans to make dental care more accessible.

For a more accurate estimate, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists. During your visit, our team will examine your teeth and provide you with a personalized quote based on your specific needs.