According to the latest reports on the oral health of Mission Viejo in Orange County, California, untreated tooth decay has witnessed a significant reduction. And even though dental diseases exist, its residents are thoroughly acquainted with the importance of dental health and oral hygiene.
If you are suffering from a tooth-related issue, for example, a loose crown, you should book an appointment with a dentist in Mission Viejo as soon as possible before the situation worsens. Too many people ignore or delay the first signs of throbbing pain in their gums, resulting in tooth complications.
But what are the things to know before getting a crown from your dentist and other details related to the process that you will find helpful?
Various reasons to get a crown
As any dentist will tell you, getting a crown is indispensable when you have a weak tooth because of decay or a tooth broken into several parts that other methods cannot hold together firmly. They are essential after a root canal, as not getting one makes your outer tooth likely crumble.
If your tooth has a large hole because of the onset of cavities, the chances of getting a crown are pretty high. A simple tooth filling is weak and fails to provide the essential support to the jaws while chewing and grinding.
One of the main reasons for tooth decay leading to cavities is the consumption of sugary drinks or soda. In Mission Viejo and Orange County, about 25% of adults, 58% of teenagers, and 37% of children consumed a sugary beverage daily. Sugary drinks wear away your enamel, causing them to rot and decay quickly.
Cost of getting a crown
The cost of getting a crown depends on various factors, including the number of crowns required and which type you choose from (the four main ones used by dentists in Mission Viejo are gold, porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and zirconia).
The average crown cost here ranges from 600 USD to 2,000 USD. A porcelain one might cost you between 800 USD to 3,000 USD, and choosing a gold crown will cost 600 USD to 2,500 USD. While porcelain is the first choice for people for aesthetic reasons, gold offers higher durability and is cost-effective.
When does the dentist install the crown?
Your dentist will advise you to get the crown after a root canal treatment or after a filling has worn out. The crown acts like a cap for the damaged tooth, protecting it from strain, cracking, or incurring damage in any way.
How does the appointment process work?
Most dentists in Mission Viejo will take two appointments to complete the crowning process for your tooth. In the first appointment, they will extract and remove any decay in your tooth using various tools.
Once the dentist has cleaned and disinfected the area as required, they will shape the tooth for the crown placement, followed by a dental impression to ensure the crown is of the correct size. An ill-shaped tooth cannot hold a crown in place, causing it to shake or fall off entirely after a couple of days.
Since creating a crown takes a couple of days, your dentist will provide you with a temporary one in the meantime. In your next and final appointment, the temporary crown will be replaced by a permanent one. After adjusting and cementing as required, you will have a new crown that protects your tooth and lets you perform essential functions like biting, chewing, etc.
You should contact a dentist in Mission Viejo as soon as you notice a slight pain in your tooth, for it could be a cavity requiring a root canal and a dental crown. Delaying the rot worsens it and even causes other health complications in the future.
