If you’re dealing with a damaged, decayed, severely stained, or misshapen tooth, a dental crown might be the right solution. At Nest Dental, Dr. Sonia Sahi and Dr. Ming Jin, General Dentists, design custom dental crowns in Vancouver. In this guide, they’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the restorations, including what they are, why you would need one, and what to expect during the procedure.
What are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown (or cap) is a custom-made restoration that completely covers a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its shape, size, and strength. When it comes to a dental crown vs. veneer, the difference is that unlike a veneer, which only covers the front surface of a tooth, a crown encases the entire visible portion of the tooth down to the gumline.
Crowns are typically used when there isn’t enough natural tooth structure left to support a filling or veneer. This can happen when you have extensive decay, experience dental trauma, or other issues.
What are the Types of Dental Crowns?
There are different types of dental crowns. They can be crafted from materials, including porcelain, zirconia, porcelain fused to metal, composite resin, gold, and stainless steel. When you visit us for a dental crown in Vancouver, BC, we’ll help you decide on the best option for your smile goals.
All-porcelain and zirconia dental crowns tend to be the most popular with the adult and teen patients at Nest because they’re durable and look remarkably like natural teeth. When restoring baby teeth in kids, metal crowns are often preferable for teeth in the back of the mouth because they’re more economical.
Why Would I Need a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a versatile restoration that can address a variety of dental concerns. Here are some common reasons why we might recommend a crown:
- To protect a weakened tooth from breaking
- To restore a fractured or cracked tooth
- To cover a tooth with extensive decay or a large filling when there isn’t much natural tooth structure left
- Following root canal treatment to protect the treated tooth from further damage
- To cover a severely stained or misshapen tooth
- To attach to a dental implant to replace a missing tooth
- To make cosmetic changes, like closing a gap or changing the shape or size of a tooth
- To support the pontic (replacement tooth) in a dental bridge
Whether it’s for functional restoration or cosmetic improvement, a dental crown can help you chew and smile with confidence.
The Dental Crown Procedure
Getting a dental crown usually involves two appointments. Here’s what to expect:
- Crown Prep Appointment
- Prepping your tooth: Dr. Sahi or Dr. Jin will start by numbing the area around the affected tooth with a local anesthetic. If you’re feeling anxious about getting a dental crown, ask us about our sedation options. Once you’re numb, the dentist will remove any decay and shape the tooth to fit under the crown. If needed, they may build up the tooth in order to better support the crown.
- Digital impressions: A Nest Dental team member will take quick, comfy digital impressions using our intraoral scanner. The impressions will be sent to a trusted lab partner so they can fabricate a crown that matches your natural teeth.
- Temporary crown placement: Dr. Sahi or Dr. Jin will place a temporary crown to protect your tooth while your permanent crown is being made.
- Crown Placement Appointment
- When your permanent crown is ready, you’ll come by our Fraser Street office to have it placed. Dr. Sahi or Dr. Jin will remove your temporary and try on the permanent restoration. They’ll evaluate the fit and make any necessary adjustments before cementing it to your tooth. Once in place, it will look, feel, and function just like a natural tooth.
Does it Hurt to Get a Dental Crown?
No, getting a dental crown does not hurt. The tooth and surrounding area will be numb during the procedure. At Nest Dental, we pride ourselves on prioritizing patient comfort and we offer sedation options if you’re feeling anxious.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
According to the Canadian Dental Association, dental crowns can last 10 years or longer with proper care. Here are some tips to prolong the lifespan of your restoration:
- Brush your teeth, including your crown, at least twice a day for two minutes each time.
- Floss once daily, making sure to pay a little extra attention to your crowned tooth.
- Visit Nest Dental for regular dental checkups and cleanings to keep your crown and smile in excellent shape.
How Much is a Dental Crown?
The price of a dental crown in Canada has a fairly large range. It depends on factors like the material used, the complexity of the procedure, your insurance coverage, and whether additional treatments (i.e., root canal, core build-up, etc.) are necessary.
At Nest Dental, we’re transparent about our fees. We’ll provide you with a breakdown of your dental crown cost and go over our flexible payment options.
The Bottom Line
A dental crown is used to restore the appearance, function, and strength of a tooth for either health or cosmetic reasons. It’s generally reserved for a tooth that doesn’t have enough structure to support a filling or veneer because it covers the entire tooth to the gumline.
Need a Dental Crown in Vancouver, BC?
Nest Dental can help! At our clean, modern dental studio, we make getting a dental crown stress-free and surprisingly enjoyable. Cozy up in a private treatment room, put on noise-cancelling headphones, and watch your favourite TV show while our dentists restore your smile.
We combine high-quality materials and digital technology to ensure you’ll love your results. If you’re ready to get your smile back on track with dental crowns in Vancouver, book an appointment at Nest Dental today.
