How Long Does a Dental Crown Take?

Everything You Need to Know About Dental Crowns: Timeline, Process, Costs, and Options for a Perfect Smile

In restorative dentistry, dental crowns are one of the most popular interventions proposed to restore damaged or weakened teeth. When you require a crown to protect a tooth after a root canal, to fix a chipped or rotten tooth, or for teeth aesthetics, crowns have a significant role as restoration agents. It is therefore essential to know all aspects of the dental crown; what they are, how long does a dental crown take, how much it will cost, and your choices.

In this dental crown guide, we will explain each stage of the process and give you all the information you need to get a strong tooth-shaped cap for your smile.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a personalized cap that is placed over a particular tooth to reshape, re-size, re-strengthen, and recolour it. A crown can be used for cosmetic remediation of broken or decayed teeth, although its primary function is to restore fractured teeth and provide additional support. Crowns may also be used for purely aesthetic augmentations, for instance, when a tooth needs to be stained, fractured, or irregularly shaped. Dental crowns are commonly used to strengthen weak teeth.

When Do You Need a Dental Crown?

• Tooth decay: When a filling cannot be made and the tooth is badly decayed, a crown will restore its function and also act as a barrier to future decay.
• Root canals: For patients who have undergone a root canal treatment, a crown is usually advised to safeguard the remaining part of the tooth and ensure it functions adequately.
• Cracked or fractured teeth: Crowns can also strengthen and retain a split or cracked tooth so that it does not split further.
• Cosmetic concerns: When teeth are unsightly due to staining or malformation in shape, crowns help imbue natural homogeneity to one’s teeth.

Common Crown Materials

Crown-making involves using different materials depending on the requirements of the patient:

• Porcelain: These crowns are aesthetically pleasing and reasonably resemble the natural colour of the teeth around; therefore, they are suitable for aesthetic teeth.
• Metal: They are alloy-made crowns made from gold, silver, or other metals and are very strong. They are usually used in the posterior region when the cosmetic value of the crown is not very important.
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal: A blend of metal and porcelain offering strength and the beauty of porcelain, these are appropriate for anterior or posterior teeth.
• Resin: These can also be referred to as temporary crowns since they are not as strong as other types of crowns.

How Long Should a Dental Crown Take?

It is quite complicated to answer this question since the timeline may greatly depend on the kind of crowns to be applied and the details of the process. There are two primary options for getting a dental crown: conventional and computer-aided crowns (CEREC).

1. Traditional Crowns:

• Dental Crown Appointment Length: 60 to 90 minutes on average.
• Typical timeline: Two appointments (preparation and placement).
• The time gap between appointments: 1-2 weeks.

First Appointment: Preparation and Impressions

The first appointment involves the dentist shaping your tooth by drilling away any decay and then creating an outline of the crown that is to be fitted. Local anesthesia is also used to ensure comfort during the procedure.

Second Appointment: Dental Crown Placement

After 1-2 weeks, once the tooth is shaped to receive a crown, your dentist will take an impression or a digital scan of the prepared tooth, which will be used to fabricate the crown. The time required to complete this process varies according to the material used to create the crown and the case’s complexity – 60 to 90 minutes on average.

2. Same-Day Crowns (CEREC):

• Timeline: Single Visit.

Amazing developments in prosthodontics have now enabled dentists to build crowns in one day. CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) is one of the technologies that ensure the ultimate individual approach since the dentist – with the help of the system – can design, create, and cement a crown within a single visit.

The CAD/CAM system takes a digital image of the tooth. The dentist then plans the shape of the crown on a computer, and a ceramic block is inserted into a machine that carves it to become the final crown. The entire process can take as little as 2 to 3 hours, depending on the extent of the project.

You do not need a temporary crown when using same-day crowns, and you can leave the dental office with a fully reconstructed tooth. This means CEREC crowns will provide the best solution for patients who need a more convenient way of receiving their crowns.

Factors That Determine the Time for Implementation

While the process can be fairly straightforward, several factors can affect the overall dental crown procedure time:

• Complexity of the case: If the tooth is very weak owing to rot or any other form of decay, it may need more work to be done before a crown can be fitted.
• Type of crown: Traditional crowns produced out of specific materials like porcelain still take longer than metal crowns.
• Availability of the dentist and lab: The duration of processing in the laboratory may determine the time that your permanent crown is likely to be completed.
• Insurance approval: Sometimes you may only obtain insurance authorization for major dental work, and this may only be done after some time, making it take longer before the work is done.

The Process of Getting a Dental Crown

The difference between traditional crowns and same-day crowns is very small, but there are general procedures to follow when getting a crown done. Here is a step-by-step dental crown procedure:

Initial Consultation:

On the first visit, the dentist will assess the tooth’s condition and decide whether a crown is suitable in your case. A dental X-ray may be done to determine the state of the tooth and the condition of the bone nearby.

Tooth Preparation and Molding:

After determining that you’ve decided to go through with it, the area surrounding the tooth will have to be anaesthetised. Your dentist will drill out any decay or damaged area and craft the rest of the tooth to the proper form for the crown. Pictures or electronic images of the tooth are to be made to create an impression that will act as a mold.

Temporary Crown Placement:

Should the need arise, your dentist will fit a temporary crown over your tooth to protect it as the permanent crown is being made. In case of needing a permanent crown, this kind of crown can be worn for about 1-2 weeks before the actual crown is prepared.

Permanent Crown Placement:

At your second session, the temporary crown will be taken off, and the permanent one will be cemented in place. The crown will be repositioned to achieve comfort while biting, and any misalignment will be corrected. Once some conditions are met, the crown will be cemented to the tooth.

Final Adjustments:

However, if needed, your dentist will use some techniques to refit it and balance it to conform with the feel of a normal tooth. It may involve cosmetics such as slightly altering the fit or the bite.

Cost and Insurance Coverage

The Average Cost of Dental Crowns in Different Regions

The cost of dental crowns varies based on factors such as the material used, the tooth’s location, and the dental practice’s pricing. In the Melbourne area, including Cranbourne and nearby regions, dental crowns typically range from $1,000 to $2,500 per tooth. For instance, porcelain and ceramic crowns cost between $1,000 and $2,500, while gold crowns can range from $2,500 to $3,500.

Cost Comparison Between Traditional and Same-Day Crowns

Traditional crowns typically cost between $800 and $2,000 per tooth, depending on factors like the material used (e.g., metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or all-ceramic) and the complexity of the procedure. This process usually requires multiple visits, as the crown is custom-made in a dental lab, which can increase the overall time and effort involved.

Same-day crowns, created using advanced CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) technology, generally range from $1,000 to $2,500. Although they are slightly more expensive, they offer the advantage of being completed in a single visit, saving patients time and eliminating the need for temporary crowns. Additionally, same-day crowns are often as durable and aesthetic as traditional options, making them a convenient choice for those looking to minimize treatment time while maintaining quality.

The choice between traditional and same-day crowns ultimately depends on factors like budget, time availability, and personal preference. Consulting with your dentist can help you weigh the pros and cons and choose the best option for your needs.

Factors Affecting the Cost

The cost of dental crowns can vary widely depending on several factors, including:

• Material: Porcelain crowns are usually costlier than metal ones.
• Complexity: Complicated or time-consuming procedures, such as extensive tooth shaping, can increase costs.
• Location: Crown costs may also differ according to the city you belong to because some places have higher dental charges compared to others.

Role of Dental Insurance: What’s Covered and What’s Not

Dental insurance plans will contribute approximately up to $500 toward the cost of a dental crown, with them usually paying approximately 50%. However, coverage might differ depending on the need for a crown (that is, whether it is dental or aesthetic).

Covered:

Dental insurance usually covers crowns if they are medically necessary due to decay, fractures, or damage, and often includes basic materials like metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal. Coverage is typically limited by an annual maximum benefit set by your plan.

Not Covered:

Cosmetic crowns, upgraded materials like gold or zirconia, and replacements within a short timeframe are often not covered. Plans may also exclude crowns for pre-existing conditions identified before the policy started.

As always, it is recommended to go through your provider’s details to find out all the covered benefits as well as additional costs.

Financing Options and Payment Plans

Dental clinics offer ways of paying for the crowns, such as through insurance or installments set by financers. Many clinics are associated with financers, and you can get an easy payment plan for your dental crowns. Options include interest-free installments, third-party financing providers like Afterpay or Zip, and in-house payment arrangements. Some clinics also work with healthcare credit cards or accept flexible spending accounts (FSAs) to make treatments more affordable.

Benefits of Getting a Dental Crown

Dental crowns offer many benefits for patients, including:

• Protecting and restoring damaged teeth: Crowns are useful in that they can protect a decayed tooth that has become brittle and can help it perform a function that it is unable to perform due to the decay.
• Aesthetic improvements: Dental crowns may be used to fix discoloured, chipped, or misshapen teeth to enhance the appearance of your teeth.
• Long-lasting durability: If cared for correctly, crowns can provide a long-term solution to tooth restoration and should last between ten to fifteen years.
• Improved bite function: It corrects the ability to chew and speak like a normal person as crowns add the natural shape of a tooth.

Why Choose Eve Dental Centre, Cranbourne North?

• Modern technology: At Eve Dental Centre, we make sure that we use all modern facilities such as the CEREC, which enables same-day crown treatment.
• Experienced dentists: Our highly trained dentists know modern and traditional dental crown procedures. They specialise in crown placement.
• Affordable pricing and insurance support: We ensure the best cost, payment, and insurance support for you.
• Positive patient testimonials: Many of the proofs we received from our patients indicate that our specialists are attentive and highly qualified.

Conclusion

A dental crown is a simple procedure that can be used to restore not only the functionality of your teeth but also its appearance. If you are considering a full crown or a CEREC crown, you should know that either way, your tooth will be returned to its strongest and most beautiful state. If you are thinking about getting a crown, please call us right now to set an appointment with our dentist and find out how we can help you achieve your dream smile with a long-lasting dental crown made just for you.