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(830) 626-1111 1528 Common St #9,
New Braunfels, TX 78130
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Dental Crowns – New Braunfels, TX

Making Damaged Teeth Whole Again

A tooth that was damaged due to trauma or excessive decay isn’t just painful; it can also be embarrassing. But with a personalized, expertly placed dental crown, Dr. Turnbow can restore your tooth so that you can continue to use it to speak and chew normally again without having to worry about weakening it further. Call us today to learn more about these custom restorations and the many different ways they can be used to improve your grin and your overall oral health.

Why Might You Need a Dental Crown?

You might recognize a dental crown as a tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed on top of an actual tooth in order to protect. There are many common reasons for a dental crown to be recommended, such as:

  • Severe tooth decay that cannot be repaired with a filling, an inlay, or an onlay.
  • Dental trauma that broke or fractured the tooth, especially if it weakened the enamel to the point where there’s a very real risk of further damage.
  • Root canal therapy that has left the tooth weakened or exposed.
  • Misshapen teeth that get in the way of biting and chewing.
  • Teeth with severe discoloration that doesn’t respond to whitening, or other cosmetic issues.
  • Older restorations that are unattractive next to the other teeth or no longer function properly.

The Dental Crown Procedure

First, we need to examine your tooth and decide whether a dental crown is the best restorative option. If it is, we’ll need to prepare the tooth by removing small amounts of enamel. (Placing a crown on an unprepared tooth could make the final restoration look too bulky, or it might not fit properly.) Then we can take impressions of your mouth, which will be sent to a dental lab to design your new crown.

While you’re waiting for the permanent restoration, you’ll wear a temporary crown to protect your tooth. Once the final crown is ready, we’ll call you back to our office. Before we place it, we’ll make any necessary last minute adjustments to the fit, shape, and color. We’ll then permanently attach it with a special adhesive.

Benefits of Dental Crowns

One of the biggest advantages of dental crowns is their versatility; they can be used to correct a wide variety of issues from extensive dental damage to simply cosmetic improvements. There are many other benefits as well:

  • Dental crown placement is a relatively simple procedure that can be completed in just two appointments.
  • A crown will both prevent further injury to the tooth and help relieve the pain that you might experience when you eat or drink.
  • Today’s crowns can be made out of tooth-colored materials that closely match the appearance of real tooth enamel.
  • Each crown is custom-made based on your own needs and preferences.
  • Your average dental crown can last for 15 years or more, and it can be easily maintained with daily brushing and flossing.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Crowns

If you decide you need a dental crown, you’ll want to learn its price next. That’s only natural – you should ensure your care fits your budget. Even so, the cost of dental crowns isn’t a fixed value; it varies from one patient to the next. You’ll have to consult our dentists for a precise estimate and other details. From there, our team will guide you through the relevant cost factors and payment options. Please keep reading to learn more or call us for the details.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Dental Crowns

A closeup of a dental crown being processed by a lab worker

Our dental team will give you an oral exam at your consultation. Among other things, this step will assess factors that affect your dental crown’s final price. These include:

  • Tooth Damage –  The more severely your tooth is damaged, the more your crown will likely cost. A slightly chipped area may only need the cap, while major breaks or cracks may require an initial root canal first.
  • Crown Material – A dental crown’s price is partly influenced by its material. For instance, a metal amalgam crown costs less than ceramic and tooth-colored ones.
  • Crown Processing – There are two well-known ways to process a dental crown. The first is standard milling, which doesn’t add much to treatment costs. In contrast, dental crowns processed with CEREC same-day technology are pricier.

Even as you weigh the points above, don’t forget: the cheapest dental crowns aren’t ideal! Very low prices reflect poor quality, so it’s best to aim a little higher. You want your new crown to look good, feel good, and last many years.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Crowns?

A dental insurance form on a wooden table

A dental crown treatment is a major procedure, so dental insurance will often cover it. Most plans will even cover up to 50% of a crown’s price, assuming it’s medically necessary.

Still, note that insurance coverage can often be tricky. You should confirm your plan’s benefits before you commit to anything. If you’d like, our dental team is happy to help you do so.

Other Options for Making Dental Crowns Affordable

An old male dentist holding up a mock jaw and a wallet

Even if in you lack dental insurance, you can still make a dental crown more affordable. Just look to our practice’s other payment options for assistance! Here at Gruene Family Dental, we happen to offer:

  • Dental Membership Plan – In exchange for a monthly fee, we’ll let you join Gruene Family Dental’s Membership Plan. This setup will give you a 20% discount on dental crowns.
  • Flexible Financing – By working with CareCredit, you can pay for dental crowns in easy monthly installments. This payment plan would also have little or no interest!

Our office doesn’t want your dental crowns to “break the bank.” That being the case, learn how to finance them at a consultation with us!

Dental Crown FAQs

Before getting a dental crown in New Braunfels, you may have a few questions about the process. Most patients want to know what to expect and how to properly care for their new smile. At Gruene Family Dental, we want you to be as well-informed as possible to ensure you feel confident about your restorative dental work. Below, we’ve decided to answer some of the most common questions we get from patients about dental crowns. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, feel free to contact our friendly team today!

Are Dental Crowns Permanent?

Since dental crowns have to be replaced eventually, they’re not considered a long-term solution for decayed teeth. However, they can protect your tooth for anywhere from five to 15 years depending on how well you take care of the restoration. Keep in mind that while dental crowns aren’t permanent, the procedure for getting them is irreversible. Your natural enamel cannot grow back once it’s removed, which means your tooth will always need a crown for protection moving forward.

How Do You Know When a Dental Crown Needs to Be Replaced?

The only way to know for sure your crown needs replacement is to have X-rays taken or have it visually examined by your dentist. Of course, there are warning signs that indicate your crown is approaching the end of its lifespan, such as:

  • Pain: If the underlying tooth is decayed, the crown must be removed in order to effectively treat the cavity.
  • Instability: Contact your dentist if your crown feels loose, particularly when you’re chewing something sticky or tough.
  • Noticeably worse appearance: A chipped or discolored crown could negatively affect your self-confidence, which is enough reason to replace it.
  • Dark line at crown’s base: On porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, the porcelain layer can chip away and reveal the darker metal portion. That can indicate the crown has been through significant wear and tear, meaning it may need a replacement in the future.

Do Dental Crowns Get Cavities?

While it’s impossible for the dental crown itself to get cavities, the underlying tooth is still at risk. That’s why it’s incredibly important to practice good oral hygiene! By taking proper care of your teeth and gums, you can prevent the accumulation of harmful bacteria and plaque. Make sure you’re brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing every day with an ADA-approved mouthwash to keep your smile in tip-top shape.

What Happens If You Wait Too Long to Get a Dental Crown?

Dentists only recommend dental crowns to patients who really need one. That said, you should schedule your procedure right away instead of putting it off. Otherwise, the damaged tooth can worsen and become compromised to the point where it needs a root canal or even an extraction. If you want to preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible, you should get a dental crown shortly after your dentist recommends it.