A dental crown is one of the most common and most reliable restorations in dentistry. If your dentist has recommended a crown, you probably have questions about what the procedure involves, how much it costs, and how long it will last. This guide covers everything Tulsa patients need to know before getting a dental crown.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over a damaged, weakened, or cosmetically flawed tooth. It restores the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance while protecting it from further damage. At South Tulsa Dental, Dr. Christopher Tricinella uses crowns to solve a wide range of dental problems that fillings or bonding alone cannot fix.
When Do You Need a Dental Crown?
Crowns are recommended in several situations:
- After a root canal. A tooth that has had root canal treatment becomes more brittle and needs a crown for protection.
- Severe decay. When a cavity is too large for a filling, a crown holds the remaining tooth structure together.
- Cracked or fractured teeth. A crown prevents the crack from spreading and restores normal function.
- Worn-down teeth. Grinding, clenching, or acid erosion can wear teeth down to the point where a crown is needed to restore height and function.
- Cosmetic improvement. Crowns can reshape teeth that are severely discolored, misshapen, or disproportionate. For patients considering multiple cosmetic treatments, a crown may be part of a broader smile makeover plan.
- Dental implant restoration. A crown is placed on top of an implant post to replace a missing tooth.
Types of Dental Crowns
Not all crowns are made from the same material. The best choice depends on where the crown will be placed, how much force it needs to withstand, and your cosmetic preferences.
Porcelain and Ceramic Crowns
These are the most popular choice for front teeth because they match the color and translucency of natural enamel. Modern ceramic materials are also strong enough for back teeth in many cases. If a natural-looking result is your priority, porcelain is usually the best option.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
PFM crowns have a metal core for strength with a porcelain outer layer for appearance. They are durable and offer a good balance between aesthetics and function, though the metal edge can sometimes show at the gum line over time.
Gold and Metal Alloy Crowns
Metal crowns are the strongest and most durable option. They rarely chip or break and are an excellent choice for back molars that take heavy chewing forces. The tradeoff is that they do not match the color of natural teeth.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia is a newer material that combines the strength of metal with the appearance of porcelain. It is increasingly popular for both front and back teeth because it handles biting forces well while still looking natural.
What Does the Crown Procedure Involve?
Getting a dental crown at South Tulsa Dental typically takes two visits:
Visit One: Preparation
- Dr. Tricinella numbs the area and removes any decay.
- The tooth is reshaped to make room for the crown.
- An impression is taken and sent to a dental lab where your crown is custom-made.
- A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while you wait.
Visit Two: Placement
- The temporary crown is removed.
- The permanent crown is checked for fit, color, and bite alignment.
- Once everything looks right, the crown is permanently cemented in place.
The entire process from first visit to final placement usually takes two to three weeks. If you are anxious about dental procedures, our sedation dentistry options can help you stay comfortable throughout both appointments.
How Much Do Dental Crowns Cost in Tulsa?
Crown costs in Tulsa typically range from $800 to $1,500 per tooth depending on the material, the location of the tooth, and the complexity of the case. Here is a general breakdown:
- Porcelain or ceramic: $900 to $1,400
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal: $800 to $1,200
- Gold or metal alloy: $800 to $1,500
- Zirconia: $900 to $1,500
Most dental insurance plans cover a significant portion of the cost when the crown is medically necessary. South Tulsa Dental accepts most major insurance plans and offers payment options for patients paying out of pocket.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
With proper care, a dental crown can last 10 to 15 years or longer. Some patients keep their crowns for 20 to 30 years. The key factors that affect longevity include:
- Oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing around the crown prevents decay at the gum line.
- Grinding or clenching. A night guard can protect crowns from excessive force.
- Diet. Avoiding extremely hard foods like ice or hard candy reduces the risk of chipping.
- Regular dental visits. Routine checkups allow your dentist to catch any issues early.
Dental Crowns vs. Other Restorations
Patients sometimes wonder whether they really need a crown or whether a less extensive treatment would work. Here is how crowns compare:
- Crown vs. filling: Fillings work for small to moderate cavities. When more than half the tooth is damaged, a crown provides the structural support a filling cannot.
- Crown vs. veneer: Veneers cover only the front surface of a tooth and are purely cosmetic. Crowns cover the entire tooth and restore both appearance and function.
- Crown vs. extraction: A crown saves your natural tooth, which is almost always preferable to pulling it and replacing it with an implant or bridge.
Why South Tulsa Patients Trust Us for Crowns
Dr. Tricinella has placed thousands of crowns over his career, and our team at 6134 E 61st St is equipped to handle everything from straightforward single crowns to complex cases involving multiple restorations. We work with top dental labs to ensure every crown fits precisely and looks natural.
Whether you need a crown to protect a tooth after a root canal, restore a cracked molar, or complete a cosmetic dentistry plan, we make the process simple and comfortable.
Schedule Your Crown Consultation
If you think you may need a dental crown, or if another dentist has recommended one and you want a second opinion, schedule an appointment at South Tulsa Dental. You can also call us at (918) 628-0834 to talk with our team.
