Dental decay is something that millions of Americans deal with each year. In fact, among Americans between the ages of 20 and 64, a startling 27 percent have untreated tooth decay. With cavities and dental decay, sometimes a filling is not enough to address the problem. If this is the case, or if you have a cracked or damaged tooth, a dental crown may be needed instead of a filling or other dental procedures. Crowns are also used to hold bridges in place, cover dental implants, and for cosmetic reasons.

Here are three things that you should know about dental crowns.

Types of Crowns

The first thing that you should be aware of is that there are different types of crowns and the one that will work best for you will depend on your particular situation. Various materials can be used for crowns including metal alloys, resin, ceramic, porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and stainless steel. Stainless steel is often used for baby teeth or as a temporary crown. Metal crowns are durable and typically used for molars. Ceramic and porcelain are often used when the crowns need to look like the surrounding teeth.

The Cost

Another thing to consider when it comes to crowns is how much they will cost. Costs can vary depending on where the crown is being put into place, the amount of damage to the tooth, and also the material used for the crown. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns typically cost between $500 and $1,500 per tooth. Metal crowns range between $600 and $2,500 per tooth while all-porcelain crowns $800 to $3,000. Typically dental insurance policies will cover around half of the cost if the crown is needed for medical reasons. If you are getting one for cosmetic reasons, you will likely be responsible for the full cost.

Longevity

If you are looking into dental crown services, it's also important to look into how long they are expected to last. On average dental crowns typically last somewhere between 5 and 15 years before replacement is needed. Good oral hygiene habits in addition to avoiding foods and habits that can cause wear and tear will help to extend your crown's lifespan. You will want to avoid grinding your teeth, chewing on ice, and other tooth-damaging habits. 

If you are thinking about getting a dental crown, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, there are a variety of reasons why a crown may work for your needs and various types of crowns to choose from. Costs will vary, but typically you will pay a few hundred to upwards of a few thousand dollars depending on the type of crown and where it is being put into place. Longevity is also key. Crowns typically last between five and 15 years before replacement is needed.