Dental Crowns in Moses Lake, WA
A dental crown is a full-coverage restoration that fits over a damaged tooth like a cap, restoring its shape, size, and function. When a tooth is too damaged for a filling to hold, a crown is typically the right solution. Dr. Nick Smith, DDS, has been placing dental crowns for more than 5 years at Moses Lake Family Dentistry.
Our crowns are tooth-colored and metal-free. They are designed to match the surrounding teeth in shade and shape so the restoration looks like a natural part of your smile. If you have a tooth that is broken, cracked, severely decayed, or has recently had a root canal, call 509-765-4351 to schedule an evaluation.
Do not wait for the problem to worsen. Call 509-765-4351 to schedule your crown consultation. Open from 7:00 AM. Wednesday hours until 7:00 PM.
When Is a Dental Crown Recommended?
Dr. Smith recommends a crown when a tooth cannot be adequately restored with a filling alone. Common situations include:
- A tooth with a cavity too large for a filling to support
- A cracked tooth where the crack is significant enough to risk the tooth splitting
- A tooth treated with root canal therapy, which removes the internal structure and leaves the tooth more brittle
- A tooth worn down by grinding (bruxism) to the point where its height and biting surface need rebuilding
- A broken tooth where a significant portion of the crown is missing
- A tooth with a large old filling that has failed or is at risk of failing
- A tooth being used as an anchor for a dental bridge
- An implant abutment where the crown is the visible tooth portion
What to Expect During Crown Treatment
Appointment One: Preparation and Impression
At your first appointment, Dr. Smith numbs the tooth and the surrounding tissue with local anesthesia. He then removes the damaged portions of the tooth and shapes what remains to create a stable foundation for the crown. An impression is taken of the prepared tooth and the surrounding teeth. This impression goes to a dental laboratory, where your custom crown is fabricated to match your bite and tooth color.
Before you leave, a temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth to protect it while your permanent restoration is being made. Avoid sticky or very hard foods on the temporary bridge side.
The Laboratory Phase
Your crown is fabricated at a dental laboratory from high-quality materials selected to suit the location of the tooth and the demands placed on it. The laboratory matches the shade of your surrounding teeth using the shade information recorded at your appointment. This process takes approximately two weeks for most patients.
Appointment Two: Delivery of the Permanent Crown
When your crown is ready, you return to our office. Dr. Smith removes the temporary, cleans the prepared tooth, and seats the permanent crown. He checks your bite carefully, making any adjustments needed so the crown fits properly with the opposing and neighboring teeth. Once both you and Dr. Smith are satisfied with the fit, he cements the crown permanently into place.
Crown Materials
Moses Lake Family Dentistry places metal-free crowns. The most commonly used materials are porcelain, ceramic, and zirconia, or combinations of these.
Porcelain and all-ceramic crowns provide excellent aesthetics and are used most commonly on front teeth where appearance is the priority. They match the translucency of natural tooth enamel closely.
Zirconia crowns are exceptionally strong and are often used on back molars where chewing forces are greatest. Zirconia can be made in tooth-colored shades that look natural, making it a practical choice even in visible areas.
Dr. Smith selects the material based on which tooth is being crowned, your bite, and your aesthetic goals. He explains the recommendation at your consultation so you understand what is being placed and why.
Caring for Your Crown
A crown does not need special care beyond what you should be doing for your natural teeth. Brush twice daily, floss once daily (including alongside and at the gumline around the crown), and attend your regular checkup appointments. At each visit, Dr. Smith and the hygiene team examine your crown for signs of wear, edge gaps, or changes in the surrounding gum tissue.
With consistent care, a well-fitted crown placed on a properly prepared tooth can last 10 to 20 years or longer. The crown itself does not decay, but the tooth underneath still can if bacteria get under the crown edge. Good gumline hygiene is the key factor in crown longevity.
Cost and Insurance for Dental Crowns
The cost of a dental crown at Moses Lake Family Dentistry depends on the material, which tooth is being crowned, and whether any preliminary procedures are needed. Delta Dental typically covers a portion of crown costs when the crown is placed for restorative reasons. Plans vary but commonly cover 50 to 80 percent after the deductible.
Our team verifies your benefits and provides a clear cost estimate before treatment begins. Cherry financing is available for patients who need to spread the cost over time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns
How long does the crown process take?
Most crowns at Moses Lake Family Dentistry are completed across two appointments spaced approximately two weeks apart. The first appointment is for preparation and impression. The second is for delivery of the permanent crown. Each appointment typically takes about 60 to 90 minutes.
Will a crown look natural?
Yes. Dr. Smith uses metal-free, tooth-colored crown materials that are shade-matched to your surrounding teeth. The goal is a restoration that blends in. In most cases, casual observers cannot tell which tooth has a crown and which is natural.
Is the crown procedure painful?
The tooth and surrounding area are numbed with local anesthesia for both appointments. You should not feel pain during preparation or during placement of the permanent crown. Some patients experience mild sensitivity in the tooth for a few days after the first appointment, which is normal while the temporary crown is in place.
What if I leave a cracked tooth untreated?
A crack that is not addressed tends to propagate under the stress of chewing. A small crack can grow to the point where the tooth splits vertically, which typically means extraction is the only option. A crown placed while the tooth is still restorable prevents that outcome.
Can a crown fall off?
It is uncommon but possible, particularly if the crown is old, if cement has washed out, or if the tooth underneath has developed new decay. If your crown comes off, call us at 509-765-4351 and come in as soon as you can. Keep the crown if you have it. Do not try to re-cement it yourself with household adhesive.
Call 509-765-4351 to schedule your dental crown consultation with Dr. Nick Smith. No referral needed. Same-day emergency appointments available for urgent situations.