Do you ever have tooth sensitivity issues? Are your teeth chipping or cracking often? Is tooth decay starting to impair your ability to chew properly? If you answered yes to any of those questions – it’s time to see the dentist.
Your dentist will likely recommend a dental cap or a crown for your situation. But do you know the difference? Or care about it? We can help you out.
Check out our guide below to learn all about a dental cap vs Crown and how they can help save your teeth.
Table of Contents
What Is a Dental Cap?
A dental cap is referred to as a tooth shell or a dental overlay. It is a type of covering that is placed on the surface of a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. Dental caps are usually recommended when a tooth has extensive damage or decay that cannot be treated with a filling or bonding.
What Is a Crown?
A dental crown, also known as a tooth cap, is an artificial restoration that is placed over a damaged or decayed tooth. Unlike dental caps, crowns cover the whole tooth, from the gum line to the tooth’s top.
Dental crowns are often recommended for teeth that have been damaged, have undergone root canal treatment, or have large cavities. Crowns can also be used for cosmetic purposes since they can improve the appearance of misshapen or discolored teeth.
Materials for Dental Caps and Crowns
Dental caps and crowns are dental prosthetics used for restoring damaged or decayed teeth. There are several materials used to make dental caps and crowns, and they can be classified into main categories.
Porcelain
Porcelain is a popular material for dental caps and crowns because of its natural-looking appearance and durability. It is also stain-resistant, making it a great option for people who want a bright, white smile. The only drawback of porcelain is that it is not as strong as other materials, and it may chip or crack if subjected to excessive force.
Ceramic
Ceramic dental caps and crowns are a great choice for people who want a strong, durable, and natural-looking prosthetic material. Ceramic is biocompatible, which means it is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. It is also resistant to wear and tear but may be more prone to chipping than other materials.
Gold
Gold dental caps and crowns have been used for decades and remain a popular option for back teeth, molars, and premolars. Gold is an excellent choice because of its superior strength and durability, and it is unlikely to fracture or break. However, gold does have a distinctive color and may not be suitable for people who want a natural-looking smile. If you do want to have a gold dental fashion statement fitted, you can check out this collection of solid grills here.
Zirconia
Zirconia is a new material used for dental caps and crowns, but it has gained popularity because of its strength and durability. Zirconia is a type of ceramic material that is both strong and biocompatible.
It is also resistant to wear and tear and is unlikely to chip or crack. However, zirconia may not be as aesthetically pleasing as other materials.
Resin
Resin dental caps and crowns are a popular option for people who want a cost-effective, natural-looking prosthetic material. Resin is a type of plastic material that can be shaped and molded to fit any tooth.
It is also biocompatible and can be color-matched to your natural teeth. The downside of resin is that it is not as strong and durable as other materials and may need more frequent replacements.
The Process of Getting a Dental Cap vs Crown
Obtaining a dental cap or crown can be a crucial step in restoring the health and appearance of your teeth. However, many people are not aware of the process involved in understanding dental restorations. The steps involved in getting a dental cap or crown include:
Consultation and Examination
The process starts with a consultation with your dentist. During this appointment, your dentist will examine your tooth, take X-rays, and determine if a dental cap is the best solution for you. If they give the go-ahead, they may also schedule the next appointment for the cap preparation.
Tooth Preparation
The second visit involves preparing your tooth for the cap by removing any decayed or weakened tooth material. The dentist will shape your tooth to fit the cap and take impressions of it to send to a dental lab to create a custom cap.
Temporary Cap
While the permanent cap is being made, you will wear a temporary cap to protect your tooth. This cap is made of acrylic and is not as strong as the final cap.
Cap Placement
Once the permanent cap is ready, you will return to the dentist’s office for its placement. The dentist will remove the temporary cap and cement the permanent one in place, ensuring a perfect fit.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is similar to a cap, but it only covers the visible part of your tooth above the gum line. Crowns are also used to restore damaged teeth, but they are often used for cosmetic reasons as well, such as changing the shape, size, or color of a tooth. The process of getting a dental crown is very similar to getting a cap:
Consultation and Examination
Like with the dental cap, the process starts with a consultation and examination to determine if a crown is the right solution for your dental issue.
Tooth Preparation
The next step involves preparing your tooth for the crown by removing any damaged or decayed material. The dentist will then take an impression of your tooth to send to the dental lab, where the crown will be created.
Temporary Crown
While the permanent crown is being made, you will wear a temporary crown to protect your tooth.
Crown Placement
Once the permanent crown is ready, you will return to the dentist’s office for its placement. The dentist will remove the temporary crown and cement the permanent one in place, ensuring a perfect fit.
The Cost of Dental Caps and Crowns
Dental caps and crowns’ costs range from $500 to $3,000 per tooth. Your dental insurance plan may cover part of the cost, particularly if the treatment is medically necessary. Talking with your dental provider about the payment method and options could help with a more affordable price.
Factors That Impact the Cost of Caps and Crowns
The cost of dental crowns and caps is determined by various factors that can increase or decrease the cost. Let’s aim to help you understand these factors that affect the cost of caps and crowns.
Material
The type of material used to make caps and crowns will affect their cost. Metal crowns are more affordable than porcelain and ceramic crowns are more aesthetically pleasing and mimic natural teeth. Besides, zirconia crowns are the most expensive type of crown material due to the high-quality materials used.
Location
The location of the dental practice can also have a significant effect on the cost of crown and cap procedures. Dental practices in areas where the cost of living is high attract higher operating expenses, which can lead to higher prices for dental procedures.
Extent of Damage
The extent of damage to the tooth affects the final cost of dental crowns and caps. The more damage there is to a tooth, the more extensive the procedure may be, leading to an increase in the cost. In case the tooth damage requires extra procedures such as root canal treatment, then the cost of the treatment may be even higher.
Insurance Coverage
Insurance coverage varies widely, and dental insurance policies do not cover the full cost of dental procedures. The amount of coverage depends on the insurer, the level of policy, and in-network or out-of-network providers. In some cases, patients can reduce the cost of dental caps and crowns through insurance coverage.
Dentist’s Skill and Experience
The skill and experience of the dentist who performs the dental procedure affect the cost of dental caps and crowns. Experienced and skilled dentists may charge a higher fee, while less experienced practitioners may charge a lower amount.
What to Expect After Getting a Dental Cap or Crown
After getting a dental cap or crown, you need to know what to expect during the recovery period. We’ll look at the things to expect after getting a dental cap or crown.
Sensitivity
After getting a dental cap or crown, it is normal to experience a certain level of sensitivity in the treated tooth. This is because the tooth has undergone trauma during the preparation process for the crown, and the nerve endings in the tooth are now exposed.
This sensitivity can last for a few days to a few weeks, depending on the level of damage to the tooth, the type of crown used, and the extent of the preparation process. You might feel a sharp, shooting pain when you eat or drink cold or hot food, or when you chew on hard or crunchy food. You might also feel a general achiness in the treated tooth.
Discomfort
Similar to sensitivity, discomfort is another common thing to expect after getting a dental cap or crown. Some discomfort is normal, and it usually goes away within a few days. However, if the discomfort persists or becomes more severe, it could be a sign of an underlying problem.
You might experience discomfort when biting or chewing, or when touching the treated tooth or gums. You might also experience swelling or inflammation in the treated area. It is important to follow your dentist’s instructions for aftercare, such as avoiding hard or sticky foods, brushing and flossing gently, and keeping the area clean.
Changes in Bite
This is often reported by patients who have just gotten their dental crown or cap. It’s important to note that the dental crown or cap will change the size and shape of the tooth, which in turn will impact the way your upper and lower teeth meet.
Changes in your bite may feel uncomfortable at first, but it is usually a temporary situation that can be resolved. In most cases, your dentist can make some adjustments to the dental cap or crown to ensure your bite feels more natural and comfortable.
Gum Inflammation
This occurs because a dental cap or crown edge can trap plaque and bacteria which inflames your gum tissue. In some cases, it could also cause an infection around the area. You may notice some swelling, tenderness, or bleeding while brushing or flossing around the affected area.
Any level of gum inflammation should be taken seriously, as it may lead to more severe issues like gum disease or even tooth loss. It’s important to maintain proper oral hygiene by brushing and flossing and to follow the special instructions given by your dentist. If you notice your gum inflammation getting worse over time, or your symptoms persist after following the instructions given, it’s important to contact your dentist immediately.
Oral Hygiene
Having a crown or cap does not imply that you can stop taking care of your teeth. Instead, it means that you should take care of your teeth more vigorously. For instance, brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash is vital to maintaining good oral hygiene.
You should also avoid chewy, sticky, and hard foods for the first few days after the crown is placed. This is to prevent dislodging or damaging the crown. Excellent oral hygiene will help to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, which can lead to complications down the line.
Follow-up Appointments
These appointments can help track the progress of the crown, ensure that it is fitting correctly, and ensure that there is no damage. If the dental crown is not fitted correctly, it can affect the way you bite, causing pain or discomfort, which can impact your oral health. Choose the best family dentist to help you stay on top of your dental crown’s health and prevent any unnecessary discomfort or complications down the line.
Key Differences Between Dental Cap vs Crown for Your Oral Health
Understanding the key differences between a dental cap vs Crown is crucial in making an informed decision for your oral health. While both provide protection and restoration for damaged teeth, it is important to consult with a dental professional to determine the best option for your specific needs.
Schedule a consultation today to learn more about which treatment is right for you and achieve a healthier, brighter smile!
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