Best Dental Crowns in Grande Prairie, AB

At Higson Dental Group, your local trusted team of dentists and hygienists, we don’t want you to notice the work we’ve done. Our expert team is trained to provide top-notch dentistry that goes undetected. One such procedure is replacing crowns and fillings with restorations that look like and feel like your natural teeth.

In some situations when teeth are damaged and cannot be saved with a simple dental restoration, we use porcelain or zirconia crowns to make the teeth look natural and new. For those who are not concerned about having natural looking aesthetics, we will often use gold on posterior teeth for added strength.

Higson Dental Group is well-known for the high-quality work we do with crowns and dental implants. Using advanced technology, we are able to repair many dental issues and give people a long-lasting restoration with a pleasing smile and functional bite, which is the next best thing to natural teeth.

How Much Does A Dental Crown Cost in Alberta?

The cost of a dental crown in Alberta can be broken down into three parts:

Professional Fee + Dental Lab Fee + Additional Material Expenses = Dental Crown Cost

The professional fee combined with the dental lab fee and any other material expenses can therefore make the price of a dental crown range anywhere between $1000-1500 Canadian Dollars.

The Professional fee is the dentist’s charge for a crown. In Ontario, licensed dentists generally follow the suggested fee guide set out every year by the Alberta Dental Guide.

There is another fee that your dentist will charge, known as the Dental Lab fee. Whereas the Professional Fee covers the dentist’s expenses for their work in preparing the tooth for a dental crown, the Lab fee will cover the dental lab’s cost for making the actual crown.

An additional materials fee may be required to make your crown. At our Grande Prairie dental office, we will inform you of these if they occur since they will affect the price of the dental crown, but it is not typically charged with crown procedures. 

What to Expect with Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are one of the most versatile and common restorative options we offer at our Grande Prairie dental clinic. Whether you’re looking to repair a damaged tooth, improve the appearance of your smile, or protect a weakened tooth, crowns provide a reliable solution. We choose lab-made crowns over same-day options to make sure we are providing you with the best dental crown options available.

What is the Purpose of a Dental Crown?

Dental crowns serve multiple purposes, including restoring a tooth that’s broken, severely decayed, or weakened by root canal treatment. They essentially act as a protective cap, covering the entire visible part of the tooth and providing additional strength and support. Crowns can also be used to improve the appearance of a discoloured or misshapen tooth, giving it a natural look and feel.

The Process of Getting a Dental Crown

The dental crown process at our office typically involves two appointments to ensure a high-quality, long-lasting result:

• Initial Appointment – Preparing the Tooth

  • During your first visit, we carefully prepare the affected tooth by removing any decay and shaping it to fit the crown. This step is essential for creating a secure, comfortable fit.
  • We then take a digital scan of your tooth, which is sent to a trusted dental lab. Here, a team of skilled technicians will create a custom crown that precisely matches the shape, colour, and alignment of your natural teeth.
  • Why Lab-Made Crowns Are Worth the Wait – Unlike same-day crowns produced in the office, lab-made crowns are crafted with advanced technology and meticulous attention to detail. They’re created in a high-quality milling machine, often involving specialized staining and glazing for a natural, custom look. In my experience, lab-made crowns fit more precisely, are stronger, and have a more natural appearance than their same-day counterparts.

• Second Appointment – Fitting and Bonding the Crown

  • When your custom crown is ready (usually within a week), we schedule a second appointment to bond it permanently to your tooth. We check the fit and colour before cementing it in place to ensure you’re happy with the final result.
  • Once bonded, your crown should feel secure, comfortable, and blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

The durability of a dental crown depends largely on the quality of the materials used and the precision of the fit. Lab-made crowns, like those we use here at Higson Dental, generally last between 10 to 15 years and often longer with proper care. Here’s what contributes to their longevity:

• Material Quality: We use high-grade materials designed for strength and natural appearance. Ceramic and porcelain crowns, for example, are both durable and aesthetically pleasing.
• Proper Fit: A well-fitted crown reduces the risk of breakage, misalignment, or decay around the edges.
• Good Oral Hygiene: Regular brushing, flossing, and check-ups help maintain your crown and surrounding teeth. Although crowns are resistant to decay, it’s essential to keep the gum line and surrounding teeth healthy.

Common Issues with Same-Day Crowns

You may have heard of dental offices offering same-day crowns using in-office CAD/CAM milling technology. While this option is convenient from a time perspective, these crowns can sometimes fall short in areas like fit, aesthetics, and durability.

• Fit and Comfort: Same-day crowns are often designed by dental assistants using standard software, which can sometimes lack the personalized adjustments a skilled lab technician can provide.
• Natural Appearance: In a lab, technicians have the tools and expertise to customize the shade and translucency of your crown for a more realistic match.
• Strength and Longevity: Lab-made crowns tend to last longer than same-day alternatives due to their higher-quality materials and precise fit, reducing the likelihood of chips or breakage.

How To Care for Your Dental Crown to Maximize Its Lifespan

Caring for your crown is similar to caring for a natural tooth. Here’s how to make sure it lasts as long as possible:

• Brush and Floss Regularly: While the crown itself won’t decay, the tooth underneath and surrounding gums still need regular care.
• Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods: Especially with porcelain crowns, avoiding foods that can crack or dislodge the crown helps maintain its condition.
• Attend Regular Check-Ups: Routine dental visits allow us to monitor the crown’s condition and address any minor issues before they become serious.

What are the Capabilities of Dental Crowns?

Crowns and bridgework will help rebuild your mouth’s functionality and appearance when teeth have been badly damaged beyond repair due to accidents, disease or natural deterioration. The most common materials used for these treatments are gold, high-grade porcelain or zirconia, which all offer long-lasting results.

Pain or discomfort in back teeth with existing dental work is often due to hairline cracks in the chewing part of the tooth. Dental crowns fitted to these teeth can help relieve pressure and pain, allowing for a full-functioning bite. Teeth with old fillings are more prone to staining or chipping, because these teeth are weakened.

To improve the look and general appearance of your smile, porcelain crowns and bridges will work when porcelain veneers are not an option. Finally, in order to prevent breakage, crowns are used to reinforce teeth that have had extensive work done, such as with root canals.

When to Replace a Dental Crown

Most dental crowns will last beyond their warranty period (typically five years), but some signs may indicate it’s time for a replacement:

• Visible Wear or Cracks: Crowns can wear down over time, particularly if you grind your teeth or chew on hard objects.
• Receding Gums: As gums recede with age, the tooth underneath may become exposed, requiring a new crown.
• Discomfort or Sensitivity: A well-fitted crown should be comfortable. If you experience persistent discomfort, it may need to be adjusted or replaced.

A dental crown is an investment in your smile. At Higon Dental we are committed to making sure every crown we place provides maximum durability, comfort, and aesthetic appeal. By choosing lab-made crowns, we aim for the best possible outcome in both appearance and functionality. With the right care and maintenance, your crown can be a lasting part of your healthy smile.

Call Higson Dental Group About Dental Crowns in Alberta Today at 780-532-4661!

Find out if dental crowns are the right choice for you. Our Grande Prairie dental team will happily answer any questions you may have.

FAQs About Dental Crowns

Will Dental Insurance Pay for a Dental Crown?

Dental crowns are considered Major Restorative, and many insurers will not cover the cost to put a crown on a tooth.  It is important to get a dental pre-determination with an experienced dentist near you to see if your insurance company will cover dental crowns. 

How Long Does it Take to Fit a Dental Crown?

Fitting a new dental crown will often take just two visits, and will leave you feeling confident with your new smile. During the first session we’ll clean out any decay, prepare the tooth and fit a temporary crown made of plastic or metal. In your follow-up visit to our Grande Prairie dental clinic, we replace the temporary crown with the new one. Once we adjust it to fit comfortably, we cement it into place. Voila! You now have a beautiful new tooth.

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