It is pretty common for people to have dental crowns these days. Despite them being a regular part of what we do here at Friendly Dentistry in Greensboro, NC, there are still many questions that people may have regarding this dental procedure.
Some common questions that patients have are:
- Exactly how much will a dental crown cost?
- What is a dental crown?
- Why is a dental crown important to dental health?
It is great to have questions about dental procedures that you were considering, but it is more important to have the answers. By understanding the cost of a dental crown and the other details surrounding the procedure, you can make the dental decisions that are right for your oral health and your future. After all, these procedures are not just about getting the best care, they are also about making an informed decision.
Several factors come into play when determining the cost of a dental crown procedure. Because everyone's dental needs are different, we are not able to give an exact figure for a procedure without conducting a full dental exam. Once we do, we are able to provide a general idea and answer some of the most common questions you have about dental crown costs.
What Factors Determine The Cost Of Dental Crowns?
Before you get a dental crown put in, it is reasonable to want to know what the procedure will cost. There are several factors that can affect the final bill for any dental procedure. For dental crowns, here are some critical factors that can influence the final total:
- The extent of damage to your teeth
- The type of material used to make the dental crown
- The size of the dental crown that is needed
- The tooth or teeth that require a crown
- Insurance limitations, deductibles, and the insurance carrier you have
- The number of dental crowns that are needed
- The particular dentist or practice that you decide to go
How Many Dental Visits Are Required When Getting A Dental Crown?
When a tooth needs a dental crown there are a number of important steps that need to be taken. At the initial dental visit, or consultation, the dental team at Friendly Dentistry in Greensboro, NC will examine your teeth and take dental x-rays. They will discuss what your expectations are for your oral health.
If you decide on getting a dental crown, then the first step is preparing for the procedure. This process includes either filing down the tooth or, in cases of decay, building the tooth back up so that it can support the crown.
Once the reshaping is complete, we can begin with an impression or scan of your tooth. From there, we will custom-make your dental crown and provide you with a temporary crown in the meantime.
At your next dentist appointment, we will remove the temporary crown and replace it with the permanent one. After numbing the nerves in the tooth and gums, dental cement will be used to ensure that your permanent dental crown stays in place.
What Is The Average Cost Of Dental Crowns in Greensboro, NC?
There are several average price guidelines for the dental crown procedure. It is important to remember that these prices can change over time and are also based on your insurance provider.
- Initial dental exam: this exam is meant to verify your dental health status and confirm what your expectations are with your dentist. During this exam, it is common for visual examinations, x-rays, and other exploratory measures to take place to confirm what your specific needs are.
- Dental x-rays: this helps the dentist to see your teeth beyond the naked eye. An x-ray can show us the root of your teeth, which is vital for determining what type of dental procedure is necessary.
- Dental crown material/procedure: each material and procedure can impact the overall cost of the crown, so it is strongly suggested that you speak with your dentist to find the best option for you based on your needs and your budget.
Types of Dental Crowns
There are several types of materials that can be used for dental crowns. Some of the materials our Greensboro dentist like to use include:
- All-porcelain and all-ceramic: these types of crowns are often the most real looking type of crown, which makes them one of the most popular options for a dental crown. If you were placing a crown on a forward-facing tooth or one that is highly visible, this type of crown is a good option for you. An added bonus to these crowns is their long-lasting and durable nature.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal: this is another popular material to use for dental crowns, which combines the natural look of porcelain with the added durability of metal. We also offer porcelain-fused-to-zirconia to minimize the dark line that you might see with other metals.
- Metal crowns: this type of dental crown is made with gold alloy, although they can also be made with a white metal known as zirconia. This option is also very durable and requires less of the natural tooth to be removed. This material is mostly used for teeth that are in the back of the mouth since they are not as visible.
- Stainless steel: this material is durable and is sometimes used as a temporary crown. These are also usually found in the back of the mouth since they are not very cosmetic. They are similarly priced to metal crowns.
- All-resin: these crowns are made from a composite resin material, similar to what is used for fillings today. The appearance is the same color as a natural tooth, making these ones the most natural-looking of the dental crown options. This material is a little more expensive than metal or stainless-steel crowns, but less expensive than porcelain crowns. These are not very durable and are prone to fracture over time. Because of this lack of durability, many dentists (including dentists at Friendly Dentistry) do not typically offer them as an option.
At Friendly Dentistry in Greensboro, North Carolina, the dentists use top-grade porcelain so that your dental crowns will look like your natural teeth. This type of porcelain is durable and will hold up against the wear and tear of chewing and grinding your teeth.
Average Cost Of Dental Crown With Insurance
If your teeth are in good condition, it is likely that your insurance will cover a good percentage of your crown. Cosmetic dental crowns usually are not covered by dental insurance policies.
We are an unrestricted provider, which means we can work with all types of dental benefits. As a service to the patient, we are happy to file all dental insurance claims.
There are also other choices that are available to pay for your dental crowns. Some of these options include:
- The traditional dental insurance plan: this type of plan is where you pay on a schedule and receive dental benefits that help to pay a percentage of your dental bill
- Dental discount plans: this type of plan is only offered by certain dentists or practices. It is a certain percentage off of the procedure that you are having done. Most of these discounts are paid upfront or in monthly payment installments.
- Dental reimbursement plan: this is a contract between you and your employer. You will get the dental work done and then take your receipt to your employer and they will pay the set amount of money that you have agreed on.
- Financing your dental procedures: there are certain companies that provide financing options to help pay for the cost of your dental procedures. These companies will depend on the provider you choose.
At Friendly Dentistry in Greensboro, North Carolina, we offer several different financing options available, including care credit, which will help to ensure you get the dental crowns you need at a reasonable cost.
How To Choose a Greensboro Dentist For Your Dental Crowns
After choosing what type of crown you will be getting, it is also important to choose the dentist who will be implanting them. Before selecting a dentist in Greensboro, NC, it is important to consider several factors, such as:
- The dentist’s experience performing the dental crown procedure
- The reputation of the dental practice
- Reviews and satisfaction of previous patients
- The cost of the procedure
- The patient/provider relationship that you have with the dentist
- If your insurance plan covers the procedure or if other financing options are available
- Convenient scheduling options
- Emergency dental services
All of these things are very important to consider prior to choosing a dentist for your dental crowns. It is important to do thorough research as well as review all available options in order to make the right decision for you.
The dentists at Friendly Dentistry in Greensboro, NC try to be accommodating and they treat all of their patients like family. Their reputation, testimonials, and experience speak for itself.
We understand that dental health is a major part of anyone's life, and we want you to have healthy teeth and a bright smile. When the only way to achieve this goal is through a dental crown, it is important to know all of the facts before choosing the type of crown and the dentist who will be doing the procedure. When you want your crown to function properly without costing you a fortune, be sure you take the time you need to make the best decision for you. You need to be comfortable with the dental practice that you decide to entrust your oral health with. Do your research and become educated before making a final decision. Friendly Dentistry is available to answer any additional questions you may have about dental crowns and their costs. Give us a call today!