Remember to Take out Your Dentures Every Night

If your tooth is significantly damaged, covering the tooth with a crown can help you save your tooth by offering it strength and stability. Crowns are often used after root canals or when a tooth is broken or fractured. They may also be used for cosmetic reasons to make the tooth more aesthetically attractive. Before you get your crown, take a few moments to learn about your new dental addition.

1. You may receive a temporary crown before getting your permanent crown.

Some dentists are able to make your new crown in a single visit using digital techniques, but many require multiple visits to create the crown. At your initial visit, your dentist will take impressions to make your new crown. He or she will then fit you with a temporary crown that you will wear while your permanent crown is being created. When it is time to install the permanent crown, your temporary crown is removed.

While you have your temporary crown, it is important to properly care for it so that it does not come off before your next appointment. Stay away from sticky foods, such as caramel and chewing gum. Chew hard foods on the other side of the mouth. When flossing, pull the floss through the space between your teeth instead of up. Pulling the floss up can accidentally remove the crown.

2. Crowns do not last forever.

Your crown is projected to last 5 to 15 years, depending on the materials used to make the crown. You can help prolong the lifespan of your crown by brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist for preventive maintenance.

If you have bad oral habits, such as crunching ice or biting your fingernails, now is the time to break yourself of the habit. Ceasing these damaging behaviors helps preserve the life of your crown.

3. Your crown is a major medical expense.

For individuals without dental insurance, a crown costs from $1,100 to $1,600 on average, depending on the materials. Even with dental insurance, the average cost is $650 to $1,000. This figure does not take into account additional procedures that you might need before you are fitted with a crown, such as a root canal.

Fortunately, you can use funds from a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) to pay for your crown. This helps reduce your income tax liability and makes it possible to contribute a little to your medical and dental expenses throughout the year.

Another option is to utilize a credit card specifically for medical or dental expenses. These cards often offer an interest free period for qualifying expenses.

Crowns are an important dental tool that helps individuals keep their natural teeth. By learning about the crown, you know what to expect, making the process as stress free as possible. For more information, contact clinics like Hurst Family Dental.