1) What are dental caps?
Dental caps are coverings applied over teeth with large amounts of surface damage or decay, and are often used in conjunction with root canal procedures. They may be made of metal, porcelain, or resin composites.
2) Who is a candidate for dental caps?
Anyone with structural defects in their teeth, including decay, chipping, and cracking, can benefit from dental caps. Additionally, dental caps can prevent future cracks and chips in areas worn down by a bite problem or excessive tooth grinding.
3) What are dental caps useful for?
In addition to improving the overall appearance of teeth, dental caps can cover cracked and chipped areas which might otherwise be prone to decay and eventual loss. Because they cover the entire tooth, dental caps also improve the stability and structural integrity of the tooth
4) How is the procedure performed?
Your dentist will make an impression, or mold, of the area to be capped and send it to the laboratory where the dental caps will be manufactured to your tooth’s precise shape. Then the tooth may be filled or otherwise restored so it is ready to receive the cap. Usually, a temporary cap will be put in palce until the permanent cap is ready. In the second visit, dental caps are affixed with cement.
5) What is the recovery like?
Dental caps usually involve little to no discomfort, but any discomfort which is felt is managed by over-the-counter painkillers.
6) Results
Porcelain caps and new resin composite materials make caps virtually indistinguishable from surrounding teeth, vastly improving the appearance of your mouth. By closely examining tooth surface and chewing habits, your dentist can apply dental caps to problem areas before cracks, chips, or decay set in.
7) Are dental caps approved for use in the USA?
Yes, dental caps are approved for use in the U.S.
8) Are dental caps covered by insurance companies?
Most dental plans usually cover at least a portion of the cost of dental caps.
9) Cost
The cost of dental caps varies widely based on the type of material used. Porcelain dental caps, which are popular, generally cost between $500 to $2,500. Metal caps, with the exception of gold, are usually less expensive.
