Dental Crowns – Albuquerque, NM
Seamlessly Repair Damaged Teeth
Every year, millions of people have to deal with damage and decay to one or more of their teeth. Often, the best way to address such a situation is with a dental crown, which can allow the tooth to regain its function, shape, and strength. Dr. Keanna and our team use top-quality materials to seamlessly repair damaged teeth with dental crowns. If you believe you could benefit from this service, get in touch with us to request a restorative consultation.
Why Choose Natural Dental Services for Dental Crowns?
- Top-Quality Crown Materials
- Treatment Based on Holistic Principles
- Skilled & Compassionate Dental Team
What Is a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns are sometimes called “caps” because they cover the entire top portion of a tooth — everything that is visible above the gumline. They can serve a number of different purposes. For example, they may be used to:
- Strengthen a cracked tooth and prevent it from splitting apart.
- Allow a decayed tooth to continue functioning normally.
- Repair the shape of a badly worn-down tooth.
- Improve the aesthetics of a patient’s smile.
- Replace missing teeth (when used as part of a bridge or along with a dental implant)
Crowns can be made of various materials. Dr. Keanna may recommend that you get a gold, porcelain, zirconia, or E-Max (a type of ceramic) restoration.
The Process of Getting a Dental Crown
The process of designing and placing a dental crown takes at least two appointments and usually includes the following steps:
- We prepare the tooth. We may have to remove some of its enamel so it will fit well beneath its new restoration.
- We take impressions. A dental lab uses the impressions to fabricate your permanent crown. While they are working on it, you should wear a temporary crown to protect your prepared tooth.
- We do a quality check. Once the crown comes to us from the dental lab, we verify that it meets our high quality standards.
- We attach the crown. Once the crown is secured onto your tooth, you can start to enjoy the benefits of a restored smile!
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Crown
As a result of getting a dental crown, you may enjoy several noteworthy benefits:
- Pain-free dental function. Crowns are sturdy and can allow you to eat virtually any food without pain or discomfort.
- No need for a tooth extraction. Often, a crown can preserve a tooth that might have otherwise needed to be removed.
- A beautiful smile. Some crowns are made out of lifelike materials that bear a strong resemblance to natural tooth enamel.
- With proper care, including thorough oral hygiene and regular dental visits, a crown may last for 10 – 15 years or longer.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Crowns
The cost of dental crowns depends on a few factors. When you visit our team for a restorative consultation, we can provide a personalized cost estimate and make sure you understand your payment options, such as financing. We are also happy to file PPO dental insurance claims on behalf of our patients.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Dental Crowns
The cost of your crown may depend on:
- Preparatory care. Some patients require extensive preparatory care before their damaged tooth can support a crown. Such services come with their own fees, which can add significantly to your total financial obligation.
- Crowns can be made of various materials. In our practice, we offer gold, porcelain, zirconia, and E-Max restorations. These options can come at different price points.
- The crown-making process. We partner with a reputable dental laboratory to provide restorations for our patients. Lab fees factor into the prices we charge.
It is important to keep in mind that if you come across a deal for a “cheap” crown, you should be extremely cautious. Remember, you usually get what you pay for. It is best to invest in high-quality care right from the start so you can avoid problems like a poorly fitting or unattractive crown.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Crowns?
In many cases, yes, dental insurance does cover dental crowns. These restorations are usually classified as a major service, so up to 50% of their cost may be covered, up to the amount of your plan’s annual maximum. Many patients are able to save hundreds of dollars by using their insurance.
Although our team is not in-network with any insurance plans, we will still be happy to file claims on your behalf so you can take full advantage of your benefits.
Other Options for Making Dental Crowns Affordable
We want our patients to be able to afford the high-quality care we provide. That is why we offer another provision, beyond insurance, that may make it easier to afford your crown: financing. We partner with third-party lenders to provide our patients with low-interest and no-interest payment plans. The application process is fast, and most patients are deemed eligible for credit. You might even be able to choose your monthly payment amount.
Would you like to learn more about dental crowns and their cost? Our team would be pleased to answer your questions. Get in touch with us today.