Dental Crowns in Augusta
Teeth are something most of us don’t think much about until they become damaged or compromised. When that happens, you probably feel self-conscious about smiling or laughing in front of other people, and you may feel frustrated when chewing and eating becomes difficult or painful.
A dental crown or bridge can be ideal for a damaged or missing tooth. A crown completely covers a compromised tooth, restoring its integrity, form, and aesthetics. With proper care, a dental crown can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, often even longer. A dental bridge replaces one or more adjacent missing teeth with a fixed, functional oral appliance.
The Benefits of Dental Crowns in Augusta, GA
Easy Home Care
Protects Your Tooth
Improved Function
Natural Aesthetics
Stops Decay
Frequently Asked Questions
At West Augusta Dental Associates, we understand the frustration of unexpected dental costs. Dental insurance plans vary significantly in coverage, and several factors may explain why your treatment isn't fully covered.
- Coverage Limitations — Most dental plans have annual maximums (typically $1,000–$2,000) that cap what the insurance company will pay within a calendar year. Once you reach this limit, you're responsible for the remaining costs, regardless of necessity.
- Treatment Classification — Insurance companies categorize procedures into preventive (cleanings, exams), basic (fillings), and major (crowns, bridges) treatments. Major procedures often have lower coverage percentages—sometimes only 50 percent—while preventive care might be covered at 100 percent.
- Pre-existing Conditions — Some plans don't cover pre-existing conditions or have waiting periods for certain procedures, particularly for new policyholders.
- Alternate Benefit Provisions — Insurance may only cover the least expensive treatment option for a particular condition, even when your dentist recommends a different approach based on your specific needs.
- Network Restrictions — Coverage may be reduced if you see providers outside your plan's network.
We're Here to Help!
We're committed to helping you navigate these complexities. Our team can provide pre-treatment estimates, discuss payment options, and work with you to maximize your benefits while ensuring you receive optimal care.
Have more questions about your coverage? Please call your trusted Augusta dentist at (706) 738-8070; our friendly staff will gladly assist you.
On average, dental crowns in Augusta can last between 10 to 15 years, but with proper care, many patients enjoy their crowns for 20 years or more. Their longevity depends on a few key factors:
- Material of the crown
- Your oral hygiene routine
- Daily habits like what you eat and how you protect your teeth
Ceramic and porcelain resemble natural teeth, while metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are recognized for their strength and are often used on back teeth. Regardless of the material, maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups is crucial for keeping your crown and tooth healthy.
Caring for Your Dental Crown
To extend the lifespan of your crown, we recommend avoiding very hard or sticky foods that can crack or loosen the restoration. If you grind your teeth at night (a condition known as “bruxism”), wearing a night guard can also help prevent excess wear and tear. Always brush, floss, and practice good oral health habits—and your smile will last for years!
Dental Crowns in Augusta, GA
At West Augusta Dental Associates, we’ll help you choose the best type of crown for your needs and provide guidance on how to care for it. With the right maintenance, your crown can be a long-lasting investment in your smile and overall dental health.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation at our Augusta dental office.
At West Augusta Dental Associates, we recommend dental crowns in Augusta, GA, when a tooth's structure has been significantly compromised and needs protection. Understanding when a crown becomes necessary can help you make informed decisions about your oral health.
Extensive Decay or Damage
When a tooth has severe decay that's too extensive for a filling, a crown becomes the best solution. A crown completely covers the compromised tooth, restoring its integrity and preventing further damage from spreading.
After Root Canal Treatment
Following root canal therapy, teeth become more brittle and prone to breaking. A crown provides essential protection, ensuring the treated tooth can withstand normal chewing forces without fracturing.
Cracked or Fractured Teeth
When teeth develop significant cracks or fractures, crowns hold the remaining tooth structure together while restoring full function. This prevents the crack from worsening and potentially requiring extraction.
Worn Down Teeth
Teeth severely worn from grinding, clenching, or acid erosion may need crowns to restore their proper height and function. This also protects against further wear and improves your bite.
Large Existing Fillings
When a tooth has a large filling that's failing or when there's more filling material than natural tooth structure remaining, a crown provides better long-term stability and protection.
Concerned about a damaged tooth? Call our Augusta dental office at (706) 738-8070 to schedule an evaluation.
Understanding Dental Crowns and Bridges
A dental crown closely mimics your natural tooth and completely covers your decayed, fractured, or damaged tooth down to the gumline. A porcelain crown provides excellent aesthetics that blend seamlessly into your smile, while a metal crown may be more durable for a molar in the back of your mouth that takes the brunt of your chewing force.
Bridge the Gap in Your Smile
Dental bridges use crowns as anchors for prosthetic teeth, which they support in between. A crown will anchor to a healthy tooth on each end of the bridge and hold one or more artificial teeth in between, filling in the gaps left by missing teeth.
A dental bridge is also made of ceramic porcelain, customized to the shade of your smile, providing natural aesthetics and function.
Our Team
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Dr. Gregory Clepper
Dr. Greg Clepper is a native of Augusta with deep roots in the local community. After graduating from Lakeside High ...
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Dr. Robert Turner
Dr. Bobby Turner is a native of Americus, Georgia, who graduated from Georgia Southwestern State University and the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry. He began his distinguished career ...Read More -
Dr. Carson Glore
Originally from Columbus, Georgia, Dr. Carson Glore earned her Bachelor's in Biology from Columbus State University before completing ...
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Crowns and Bridges Technology
Digital Impressions
At West Augusta Dental Associates, we've replaced messy traditional putty impressions with comfortable digital scanning technology. Our advanced intraoral scanner captures precise 3-D images of your teeth and gums in just minutes, with no goopy materials or gagging.
These highly accurate digital impressions help us create perfectly fitted crowns, bridges, and other dental restorations while making your experience more comfortable. Our team can even show you a digital preview of your smile during your visit! This modern approach means better-fitting restorations and shorter appointment times.
Is It Time to Restore Your Smile?
Completing a crown or bridge is a relatively similar process and requires two to three weeks and two visits to West Augusta Dental Associates.
We’ll prepare your tooth for its new restoration during your first visit. A dental lab typically finishes a final restoration in two to three weeks, and then you’ll return to have it permanently placed.
Don’t let a compromised or missing tooth hold you back any longer! Contact your trusted dentist in Augusta at (706) 738-8070 to book an evaluation and learn more about the options for your smile.
Testimonial
West Augusta Dental Associates is the best I’ve had in many decades.
The pleasant, professional help begins at the opening of the front door, with insurance and financial help to the dental chair with quick accurate and gentle dental X-rays, cleaning, crowns and fillings. The doctors work and reviews are informative and will-done. I’m elderly and have moved across this nation many times, have experienced many dentists, but West Augusta Dental Associates is the best I’ve had in many decades. I highly recommend them.
-Kay