Dental Crowns – Vero Beach, FL

What Can I Eat with a Temporary Crown?

As you likely guessed from the name, a temporary crown is not designed to last. So, it’s important that you take certain precautions while you have one, including avoiding crunchy and sticky foods. It’s also a good idea to exercise caution with very hot and cold foods, like soup and ice cream, to avoid sensitivity. Basically, it’s best to stick to cottage cheese, oatmeal, mashed potatoes, and other extremely soft foods since they don’t require much chewing power.

Are Dental Crowns Permanent?

Even your final restoration will not be permanent. The good news is that yours can last for well over a decade if you take good care of it. That starts with daily habits, like brushing your teeth twice a day, and extends to coming to our office every six months for a checkup and cleaning.

Important reminder: If you start to notice anything unusual, like your dental crown has a noticeably worse appearance, don’t wait – contact us ASAP to schedule an appointment.

Is It a Dental Emergency If Your Crown Falls Off?

Losing a crown isn’t as urgent as some other dental injuries, like a knocked-out tooth. With that said, we do recommend calling our Vero Beach dental team right away. Over the phone, we can learn more about what happened, schedule an appointment at our office before the end of the week, and walk you through how to protect your tooth and your restoration in the meantime.

Do Dental Crowns Feel Natural?

We can say with complete confidence that dental crowns in Vero Beach look and feel extremely natural. There are a few reasons for this, starting with the fact that they are crafted from only the best dental materials. The size, shape, and shade of each one are also custom-made for you, which ensures that it won’t feel bulky or unnatural in any way.

Can Dental Crowns Be Whitened?

No, dental crowns cannot be whitened like your natural teeth. Fortunately, they also don’t discolor as easily as your natural teeth either. So, if you brush consistently, use a straw when drinking coffee, and schedule a dental cleaning every six months, it should stay in pristine condition year after year.

Does It Hurt to Get a Dental Crown?

This list of FAQs wouldn’t be complete without answering this question. Rest assured, we will numb your mouth thoroughly while addressing decay or any other damage. As for the second visit, which is when we will secure the final dental crown in place, it’s not usually necessary to use a local anesthetic. With that said, we are here to help you have the calm, comfortable experience that you deserve. So, if you would feel better if we numbed your mouth for the placement, don’t hesitate to let us know!

Are Dental Crowns Covered by Insurance?

When choosing to use your dental insurance to cover the cost of dental crowns in Vero Beach, you can expect your insurer to pay a portion of the total cost, not all of it. Also, if you have one or more crowns placed for cosmetic purposes, it’s unlikely they’ll be covered at all.

Dental insurance companies only pay a portion of treatment when it is medically necessary, so if you have damaged or decayed teeth that need repair, you can expect anywhere from 50-80% of the total to be picked up by your insurance company.

Do Dental Crowns Get Cavities?

No, a dental crown cannot develop a cavity; however, the tooth that resides underneath the restoration can still be vulnerable to decay and damage. This is why it’s important to take proper care of your dental crown so that bacteria, food particles, and other debris do not access the tooth underneath.

While it is true that dental crowns cannot last forever, requiring replacement after 15+ years, you can be sure to practice good oral hygiene, see your dentist every six months for a dental checkup and cleaning, and avoid harmful habits to keep your smile healthy day after day.

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

Waiting longer than necessary to receive a dental crown can put the remainder of your smile at risk. Not only can decay spread to nearby teeth and other areas of the mouth, but you might require a more invasive method of treatment to fix it, such as a root canal or tooth extraction.

The best step you can take is to seek professional treatment as soon as possible if you notice that your tooth needs added protection. Also, if you have an existing crown and believe it needs work, don’t wait to come in and see us.

How Can You Tell When a Dental Crown Needs to be Replaced?

In most cases, your dentist in Vero Beach will be able to tell you if you need to have your dental crown replaced. However, if you notice any of the following before arriving for your appointment, you can expect to be recommended for treatment.

Some of the most common signs associated with dental crown replacement include:

• Pain that resides underneath the crown
• A dark line that forms along the base (this will usually only occur when using amalgam materials)
• A loose crown that could fall out when trying to eat
• Your crown is damaged (i.e., chipped, cracked, or discolored)

The best thing you can do is call and schedule an appointment with your restorative dentist right away. This will give you the greatest chance to save your smile and avoid further problems in the future.