When a tooth has a crack that causes pain when you bite down, or decay that's too large for a filling, you need something stronger to protect what's left of your natural tooth. That's where a crown comes in.

At Red Rose Dentistry in Brookfield, Dr. Emily Eckdahl sees patients every day who are concerned about needing crown treatment. She understands the questions you have about the process, the cost, and whether it will really solve the problem.

A crown works like a cap that covers your entire tooth above the gum line. It protects the tooth structure that's left and restores your ability to chew normally; it also brings back the natural appearance of your smile.

What You Should Know About Crown Treatment

Here's what most patients want to understand before we start:

• Cost range: Prices for crowns in Brookfield vary, but insurance typically covers 50-80% when it's medically necessary. Reach out to our team so we can help you figure out what it costs you, specifically, based on your coverage.
• Time commitment: Two visits over 2-3 weeks; we can sometimes do it in one day depending on your situation
• How long they last: Generally, porcelain lasts 10-15 years, zirconia 15-20+ years, metal 15-25 years
• What recovery feels like: Most people have minimal discomfort and eat normally within a few days
• Common reasons: Large cavities, cracked teeth, teeth that had root canals, or severe wear from grinding

When You Actually Need a Crown

We recommend crowns when your tooth needs more protection than a filling can provide. Here are the situations where a crown becomes the best way to save your natural tooth:

• Large cavities: When decay affects more than half the tooth, a filling would actually weaken it further
• Old fillings failing: Large fillings from years ago that are causing cracks or new decay around the edges
• Cracked teeth: Fractures that go deep enough to cause pain or affect how you chew
• After root canal treatment: These teeth become brittle and need reinforcement to prevent breaking
• Severe wear: Teeth that have been ground down from clenching, grinding, or acid erosion
• Appearance concerns: Teeth that are severely discolored or misshapen

When a tooth has had root canal treatment, it loses its blood supply and becomes more fragile over time. Back teeth especially need protection because they handle the most pressure when you eat.

Crown Materials: Understanding Your Options

We have several materials to choose from, and Dr. Eckdahl will help you decide based on which tooth needs the crown, how hard you bite, and what's important to you aesthetically.

Porcelain Crowns

All-porcelain crowns look the most natural. They match your other teeth's color and translucency beautifully, and they don't stain from coffee or wine. They're perfect if you have metal allergies. The trade-off is they can chip if you're a heavy grinder or if you bite down on something very hard.

Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia is the newest option and gives you the best of both worlds. It's much stronger than porcelain but still looks natural. You can use zirconia on any tooth in your mouth; it's biocompatible and increasingly popular because it combines durability with good looks.

Metal Crowns

Gold and other metal crowns are incredibly durable. They require less tooth removal during preparation and often last 15-20 years or more. The obvious downside is the metallic appearance, so we typically use them only on back teeth where they won't show.

How We Choose What's Right for You

Dr. Eckdahl considers several things when recommending a material:

• Which tooth it is: Front teeth need to look natural; back teeth need to be strong
• How hard you bite: Heavy grinders might need stronger materials like zirconia or metal
• Your smile goals: How important is it that the crown looks exactly like your other teeth
• Your budget: Materials have different costs, and we'll discuss what fits your situation
• Any allergies: Metal sensitivities mean we'll stick with ceramic options

The Crown Process: What Actually Happens

Most crowns take two appointments, though we can do some in one day. We know it sounds like a long process, but each step ensures your crown fits perfectly and lasts for years.

First Visit: Preparing Your Tooth

1. Getting numb: We make sure you're completely comfortable throughout the procedure
2. Shaping the tooth: We carefully remove about 1.5-2mm from all surfaces to make room for the crown
3. Taking the impression: Our Trios 5 Scanner captures a precise 3D model without those messy impression materials
4. Matching the color: We select the shade that best matches your adjacent teeth
5. Temporary crown: We place a temporary crown to protect your tooth while the permanent one is made

Living with Your Temporary Crown

Your temporary crown protects the prepared tooth for 2-3 weeks while our lab makes your permanent one. A few simple precautions keep everything in place:

• Avoid sticky foods: Caramel, gum, and taffy can pull the temporary off
• Chew on the other side: Especially with hard foods like ice or nuts
• Brush gently: Clean around the temporary without tugging on it
• Call us right away: If the temporary becomes loose or falls off

Second Visit: Placing Your Permanent Crown

We remove your temporary crown and check how the permanent one fits, feels when you bite, and looks. After any needed adjustments, Dr. Eckdahl permanently cements your crown using strong bonding materials.

Recovery: What to Expect

Most people have very little discomfort after getting a crown. You might notice mild sensitivity or tenderness for a day or two as your mouth adjusts to the new restoration.

Normal Recovery

• Mild sensitivity: Temperature sensitivity that gradually goes away
• Slight tenderness: The gum around the crown might feel sore, like after a cleaning
• Getting used to it: Your crown might feel slightly different at first

When to Call Us

Contact Red Rose Dentistry if you experience:

• Severe pain: Intense discomfort that doesn't improve with over-the-counter pain relievers
• High bite: The crown feels too tall when you bite down
• Ongoing sensitivity: Temperature sensitivity that lasts more than a week
• Crown feels loose: Any movement or looseness in the restoration

Eating with Your Crown

Once your permanent crown is in place and you've adjusted to it, you can eat normally. Some simple precautions help your crown last as long as possible:

• Don't chew ice: Hard ice can crack or chip crown materials over time
• Don't use your teeth as tools: Opening packages or bottles can damage crowns and natural teeth
• Be careful with sticky candy: These can pull crowns loose, especially older ones
• Consider a night guard: If you grind your teeth, protection prevents premature wear

You can enjoy steak, apples, corn on the cob, and other favorites without worry once you're fully healed.

How Long Crowns Last

How long your crown lasts depends on the material, which tooth it's on, and how well you take care of it:

• Porcelain crowns: 10-15 years with good care
• Zirconia crowns: 15-20 years or longer
• Metal crowns: 15-25 years, often lasting decades
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal: 10-15 years on average

Signs Your Crown Might Need Attention

• Visible damage: Chips, cracks, or fractures you can see
• Gaps around the edges: Spaces developing where the crown meets your tooth
• Crown feels loose: Movement when you chew or speak
• Persistent discomfort: Pain that doesn't go away with normal care
• Color changes: The crown or the area around it looks different

Why Crowns Sometimes Fail

Crown problems usually happen for specific reasons, and many are preventable:

• The cement breaks down: The bonding material weakens over time, especially with poor oral hygiene
• Decay underneath: Bacteria get under the crown edges when plaque isn't removed well
• Trauma: Accidents or biting very hard objects can damage even strong materials
• Poor oral hygiene: Plaque buildup weakens the seal and causes gum problems
• Grinding habits: Excessive forces can loosen crowns or cause them to wear out faster

Protecting Your Investment

Taking care of your crown starts with good daily cleaning and regular checkups:

• Excellent oral hygiene: Brush and floss around the crown edges daily to prevent bacteria buildup
• Regular checkups: We can catch small problems before they become big ones
• Night guard if needed: Protects against grinding damage if you clench or grind
• Avoid hard foods: Ice, hard candies, and nuts can cause damage over time
• Don't wait on repairs: If your crown feels loose, call us right away

Crown vs Bridge for Missing Teeth

If you're missing a tooth, you can replace it with a crown on a dental implant or with a traditional bridge. Each has advantages depending on your situation.

Crown on Implant Benefits

• Keeps healthy teeth intact: We don't have to prepare the teeth next to the missing one
• Functions independently: Doesn't depend on neighboring teeth for support
• Preserves jawbone: The implant stimulates bone like a natural tooth root
• Easier to clean: You brush and floss it like a natural tooth

Bridge Benefits

• Faster treatment: No surgery or healing time required
• Lower upfront cost: Less expensive than implant placement and restoration
• Works for more people: No bone grafting or surgical requirements
• Long track record: We've been successfully placing bridges for decades

Dr. Eckdahl evaluates your bone density, gum health, the condition of adjacent teeth, and your timeline preferences to recommend what works best for your specific situation.

Crown Emergencies

Crown problems can happen at any time. If your crown becomes loose, falls off, or breaks, contact Red Rose Dentistry immediately at (262) 860-1500.

What to Do Right Away

1. Save the crown: Keep it safe and clean; bring it with you so we can see if we can reuse it
2. Protect the tooth: Avoid very hot or cold foods and don't chew on that side
3. Temporary fix if needed: You can get dental cement at the pharmacy for temporary reattachment
4. Manage pain: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help until your appointment
5. Call us immediately: Don't wait; quick treatment prevents bigger problems

Never try to force a damaged crown back into place, as this could harm the prepared tooth or your gums.

Crown Costs and Insurance

Crown treatment is a significant investment in your oral health. In the Brookfield area, crowns typically cost $800 to $1,500 per tooth without insurance, depending on the material and how complex your case is.

What Affects the Cost

• Material choice: Porcelain and zirconia typically cost more than metal options
• Case complexity: You might need additional procedures like a buildup or root canal
• Lab fees: Custom fabrication costs for precise fit and appearance
• Location: Regional cost differences affect overall treatment fees

Insurance Coverage

Most dental insurance plans cover crowns when they're medically necessary. Coverage typically ranges from 50-80% of treatment costs, depending on your specific benefits. Delta Dental and other major carriers generally recognize crowns as essential restorative treatment.

We're in network with Delta Dental Premier and work with virtually all insurance plans. While dental insurance can be very difficult to navigate, we're here to help! Contact us with your insurance information, and we'll provide a detailed breakdown of your coverage and what you can expect to pay out of pocket.

Payment Options

We understand that dental treatment represents a significant investment in your health. Our team works with you to find payment solutions that fit your budget and timeline, because quality dental care should be accessible to Brookfield families.

Why Choose Red Rose Dentistry for Crown Treatment

Dr. Emily Eckdahl combines comprehensive training with advanced technology to deliver exceptional crown treatment rooted in love and genuine care. As a Marquette University School of Dentistry graduate and Academy of General Dentistry member, she stays current with new techniques through continuing education and professional study clubs.

Our Technology

• Trios 5 Intraoral Scanner: Precise digital impressions without messy materials or gagging
• Digital X-rays: Detailed images with much less radiation exposure
• Intraoral cameras: Better visualization so we can show you exactly what's happening
• Picasso Laser: Advanced procedures for optimal crown placement when needed

Our Approach to Your Care

At Red Rose Dentistry, love is our core value. We love what we do, we love our patients, and we love our staff. This philosophy guides every aspect of your care, from your initial consultation through your follow-up visits. As both a dentist and a mother, Dr. Eckdahl understands the concerns families have when dental treatment becomes necessary—our patients aren't just numbers on a spreadsheet.

We offer complimentary consultations to discuss your unique needs, answer your questions about crown treatment, and develop a personalized plan that aligns with your goals and timeline.

Schedule Your Crown Consultation

Don't let a damaged tooth compromise your smile or comfort any longer. Dr. Eckdahl and our experienced team are ready to restore your tooth's function and appearance with expertly crafted crown treatment that will serve you well for years to come.

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