Do you have a damaged or decayed tooth? You’re not alone. Even with proper oral care, your teeth can become damaged for several different reasons. No matter the condition of your teeth, we offer solutions to restore your oral health and protect your smile. At Moreno Dental, we can repair your damaged teeth with custom-made dental crowns in Bellingham and lower your risk of dental emergencies down the line. To learn more about this service, continue reading or give our office a call today!
There are many reasons why crowns may be recommended for your mouth. They can provide relief from discomfort if your tooth has a crack through it. Additionally, they encase and reinforce teeth that have been heavily restored (large cavities in the past). On teeth that have undergone root canal therapy, crowns are recommended to prevent fracture. Crowns can restore strength and beauty to teeth with large cavities around old fillings.
A dental crown in Bellingham can be made with several different materials, including gold, porcelain, or ceramic, often in combination. Our first step involves the discovery and removal of all harmful material. Once the decay is gone, we may need to build the tooth back up prior to the crown. Then your crown (or bridge) is sculpted to create an ideal fit. During the interim period between when your impressions are taken and when our dental lab returns your fabricated crowns, you will be fitted with a temporary crown or bridge.
In many cases, the process of getting a dental crown in Bellingham takes place over multiple appointments. The first step you’ll take towards a fully repaired smile is a consultation with our team at Moreno Dental. We’ll examine your mouth, review your medical history, and assess the current state of your oral health to determine whether or not this service is right for you.
During your first appointment, we’ll remove a thin layer of enamel from your teeth to ensure the restorations sit properly once in place. Then, we’ll take impressions of your smile and send them off to a trusted dental laboratory to create your dental crowns.
After about two weeks, you’ll return to the office and we’ll permanently attach your new crowns. Before you leave the office, our team will explain how to properly care for your restoration to help it last as long as possible.
The benefits of restoring teeth with dental crowns in Bellingham far outweigh the consequences of leaving damaged teeth unprotected. Just like how a filling protects a tooth from bacterial infection, crowns help maintain the structure and function of teeth, preventing the need for an extraction.
In addition to that, you can enjoy many incredible benefits like:
Have you been told that you’re in need of a dental crown? This is a very common procedure, but you may still have some unanswered questions, so we’re here to help! Here are the answers to some of the most common queries we receive about dental crowns in Bellingham. If you don’t see the information that you’re looking for below, just give us a call . We’re happy to talk to you more about the procedure so you know what to expect.
No, dental crowns are not permanent, but they are a long-term solution. On average, they can protect your tooth for anywhere between 5 and 15 years before needing to be replaced. When your dentist reshapes your tooth for a crown, this procedure is irreversible, so that tooth will always need a crown for protection moving forward. That being said, crowns protect the underlying tooth from additional damage, helping the tooth to survive for much longer than it would have otherwise.
It is impossible for a crown itself to develop cavities, but the tooth underneath still can. In fact, a crowned tooth has about the same risk of decay as an uncrowned tooth. Poor oral hygiene makes it possible for bacteria and plaque to form around the gumline where the tooth eats the crown. They can then travel beneath the crown and cause problems on the underlying tooth. You can prevent this from occurring by daily brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups.
Just like when you get a filling, your dentist will numb the tooth that they’ll be working on when you get your crown. While you should feel any discomfort during the procedure, your tooth may feel somewhat sensitive for the next few days, especially if you’ve also had a root canal. Fortunately, this is temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. If discomfort persists, give us a call.
Within a few days of receiving your permanent crown, it should start to feel increasingly natural. Crowns are made from durable materials that can stand up to everyday chewing forces just as easily as tooth enamel, so eating with your crown shouldn’t feel strange. The reason that your dentist reshaped your tooth was to ensure that the crown fits comfortably. Additionally, every crown is custom-made based on impressions made of the tooth. Ultimately, your crown shouldn’t feel awkward or even noticeable.
Dental crowns have been used for generations because they are versatile and effective. However, it's not uncommon to have concerns about the cost of dental crowns, but there's no reason to worry. We strive to keep a healthy, beautiful smile within everyone's budget. You won't have to compromise quality or aesthetics. Moreno & Young Dental has the solutions you need to rehabilitate your smile without breaking the bank.
There's no flat fee for dental crowns because every smile is as unique as fingerprints. Many factors will affect the amount you will pay, including:
After creating your treatment plan, you’ll be provided with an estimate, so you'll know exactly what you'll have to pay before committing to anything.
If your crown is medically necessary, like after a root canal or fixing a broken tooth, you can use your dental insurance to offset the cost. Your benefits may cover your consultation, any imaging, and preliminary procedures. After meeting your annual deductible, your dental insurance can pay 50% to 80% of the expense of the restoration until reaching your yearly limit. You don't have to navigate your dental insurance alone. A member of our office will work on your behalf to maximize your coverage. We will explain how your insurance is being used and if you owe a remaining balance.
Besides using your dental insurance, we offer various financial solutions to keep dental crowns affordable, like:
Don't let your financial situation stand in the way of getting the high-quality crown you need. We will work with you to rehabilitate your smile without it costing you an arm or a leg.
