How much is a tooth crown if I don’t have dental insurance?

I am only working part time, and I don’t have dental insurance. I have a tooth that has been filled several times, and my dentist says that the tooth is really damaged. He says that I need a crown. I am going to get a second opinion to see if I really need a crown. If I do, I want to get an idea of how much it costs, but without insurance. Can you give me an estimate of how much a crown costs without insurance? Thanks. Jared

Jared – The cost of a dental crown varies based on the type of crown you receive, where you live in the country, and the dentist you choose. You can choose an all-porcelain crown or a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown, which can be fused to base metal, noble metal, or high noble metal.

An all-porcelain crown has a porcelain foundation. A crown fused to base metal will have a foundation that is not precious metal. Noble metal contains gold. High noble metal contains a higher percentage of gold. Depending on the dentist you choose and where you live in the country, the cost of a porcelain-fused-to-base-metal crown can range from $806.00-$1,200.00. The cost of an all-porcelain crown is approximately $900.00-$1,500.00. Other fees and expenses will likely be incurred in association with receiving the crown.

If you receive a crown, you want one that will look natural and that will last. We recommend that you find one or two experienced cosmetic dentists to examine your tooth. Regardless of the type of crown you choose, an artistic cosmetic dentist will give you optimum results for the crown type. You can also ask about payment options to make the restoration of your tooth affordable.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX cosmetic dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Dentist refuses to sedate me for 3 fillings

I am a dental phobic. My dentist in Austin understood that and I had no problems getting sedation from her. Now I have a new dentist who tells me I have 3 cavities and refuses to give me sedation. He says that he is gentle and I won’t feel a thing, so no sedation is required. How can I convince him to sedate me before drilling out the cavities? Thanks Clayton

Clayton – You may not be able to convince your dentist to provide you with sedation for your cavities, but you can schedule an appointment to explain your fear to him. If you are not successful, consider seeing another dentist who will provide you the sedation needed to restore your teeth.

There are different levels of sedation, including nitrous oxide, conscious oral sedation, and IV sedation. Many patients successfully receive treatment with nitrous oxide, also called “laughing gas.” It relaxes them enough to have a productive appointment.

For patients that need a higher level of sedation, conscious oral sedation is mild anti-anxiety medication that will make you relaxed and sleepy throughout your dental appointment. It is taken an hour in advance of the appointment. You need to arrange transportation to the appointment. When you arrive, you will be relaxed and ready for treatment. IV sedation is the highest level of sedation.

When you choose a sedation dentist, ask him or her about training and experience in sedation, the levels of sedation offered, and the results you can expect.

Maintaining good oral health is made easier with sedation. You can find a dentist who will respect your anxiety and work to alleviate it to preserve and restore your teeth.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Which is more affordable? Porcelain veneers or dental bonding for peg laterals?

I know porcelain veneers are not cheap, but I also read that applying dental bonding takes a lot of time for cosmetic dentists to do and it can be expensive. I have 2 peg laterals and want to know which is more affordable and which I should really get. Thanks. Pam

Pam – Dental bonding is more affordable than porcelain veneers. But what you really need to know is what treatment is best for your case.

An examination and diagnostic studies from an experienced cosmetic dentist will help determine your options. The least expensive option may not give you the best, longest-lasting results. It may wear with time and need to be replaced.

Teeth can be widened and lengthened with cosmetic bonding. This technique requires skill, experience, and artistic talent on the part of a cosmetic dentist. It can be completed in one visit. Quality dental bonding can last ten years or more if it is properly maintained. Bonding stains and discolors faster than porcelain veneers and crowns. It will need to be polished periodically and replaced occasionally.

Porcelain crowns cover the entire tooth surface from the gumline to the biting surface. Porcelain can be mixed and manipulated to reflect the color, characteristics, and translucency of natural teeth. A cosmetic dentist along with his or her master ceramist can produce beautiful results.

Porcelain veneers are bonded to the front of teeth. Light preparation of the teeth may be required to prevent the veneers from looking bulky or too large. Veneers can last 15 to 20 years or longer. They are stain resistant.

Schedule an appointment with an experienced cosmetic to discuss your options. If you want to proceed with treatment, an exam and x-rays will be required to assess the condition of your teeth and the preferred treatment options.

Your cosmetic dentist will discuss how the treatment you choose can be made affordable for you.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.