What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that completely covers a damaged, weakened, or decayed tooth. Think of it as a protective helmet for your tooth—it restores the tooth's shape, size, strength, and appearance while preventing further damage. Crowns are cemented into place and cover the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gum line.
Crowns are one of the most versatile restorative dental treatments available. They can save teeth that might otherwise need to be extracted, restore teeth after root canal therapy, replace large fillings that are failing, protect cracked teeth from breaking further, or simply improve the appearance of misshapen or severely discolored teeth.
💡 Why Choose a Crown?
Unlike fillings that repair only a portion of a tooth, crowns provide complete coverage and protection. When a tooth is too damaged for a filling but doesn't need to be extracted, a crown is often the perfect solution to preserve your natural tooth and restore full functionality.
When Do You Need a Dental Crown?
Your dentist may recommend a crown in several situations where the tooth needs protection, reinforcement, or aesthetic improvement:
- After Root Canal Treatment: Root canals remove the tooth's pulp, leaving it brittle and prone to breaking. A crown protects and strengthens the tooth.
- Large Cavities or Fillings: When decay is extensive or an old filling takes up more than half the tooth, a crown prevents the weakened tooth from fracturing.
- Cracked or Broken Teeth: Crowns hold together and protect cracked teeth, preventing the crack from worsening and potentially causing tooth loss.
- Worn Down Teeth: Severe grinding (bruxism) or acid erosion can wear teeth down significantly. Crowns restore proper height and function.
- Dental Implants: Crowns are placed on top of dental implants to replace missing teeth permanently.
- Cosmetic Enhancement: Crowns can cover severely discolored, misshapen, or poorly positioned teeth that can't be corrected with other treatments.
Types of Dental Crowns
Crowns are made from different materials, each with unique benefits. Your dentist will recommend the best option based on the tooth's location, your bite, aesthetic preferences, and budget.
💎
Porcelain/Ceramic
The most natural-looking option. All-ceramic crowns perfectly match your tooth color and are ideal for front teeth where aesthetics are paramount.
✓ Pros: Best aesthetics, biocompatible, no metal allergies
✗ Cons: May be less durable for heavy chewing forces
✨
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)
Combines strength of metal with the natural appearance of porcelain. Metal base provides durability while porcelain exterior looks natural.
✓ Pros: Strong and aesthetic, proven track record
✗ Cons: May show metal line at gumline, porcelain can chip
🔩
Gold Alloy
Extremely durable and long-lasting. Gold crowns are gentle on opposing teeth and require minimal tooth removal.
✓ Pros: Most durable (20+ years), biocompatible, preserves tooth structure
✗ Cons: Highly visible, expensive, not tooth-colored
⚡
Zirconia
Modern, super-strong ceramic material. Zirconia combines the strength of metal with natural tooth color—best of both worlds.
✓ Pros: Very strong, natural appearance, biocompatible
✗ Cons: More expensive, harder to adjust after placement
Our Recommendation
For front teeth, we typically recommend all-ceramic or zirconia crowns for superior aesthetics. For back molars that endure heavy chewing forces, zirconia or PFM crowns provide excellent durability. We'll discuss all options and help you choose the best material for your specific situation.
The Dental Crown Procedure
Getting a crown typically requires two appointments spread over 2-3 weeks. Here's what to expect:
1
First Visit: Examination & Preparation
We examine the tooth, take X-rays, and administer local anesthesia. The tooth is reshaped to make room for the crown, removing any decay and shaping it to fit the crown properly. If the tooth is severely damaged, we may need to build it up with filling material first.
2
Impressions & Temporary Crown
We take detailed impressions or digital scans of your prepared tooth and surrounding teeth. These are sent to a dental lab where your custom crown will be created. We place a temporary crown to protect your tooth while the permanent crown is being made (usually 2-3 weeks).
3
Second Visit: Final Crown Placement
The temporary crown is removed and the permanent crown is checked for fit, color, and bite. Once we're satisfied with how it looks and feels, the crown is permanently cemented into place. We make final adjustments to ensure your bite is comfortable.
4
Follow-Up Care
Some sensitivity is normal for a few days as you adjust to the crown. We may schedule a follow-up to ensure everything feels comfortable and the crown is functioning properly.
⏱️ Same-Day Crowns (CEREC)
Some dental offices offer same-day crowns using CAD/CAM technology (CEREC). The tooth is scanned digitally, the crown is designed on a computer and milled from a ceramic block in-office—all in one appointment. Ask if this option is available at our practice!
Caring for Your Dental Crown
Immediate Aftercare
- Avoid Sticky Foods: Stay away from caramel, taffy, or chewing gum that could dislodge the temporary crown
- Chew Carefully: Use the opposite side of your mouth when eating with a temporary crown
- Manage Sensitivity: Mild sensitivity to hot/cold is normal for a few days; use sensitivity toothpaste if needed
Long-Term Care
- Brush & Floss Daily: Treat crowned teeth like natural teeth with proper oral hygiene
- Avoid Hard Foods: Don't chew ice or hard candy that could crack the crown
- Wear a Nightguard: If you grind your teeth, protect your crown with a custom nightguard
- Regular Checkups: Visit every 6 months so we can monitor the crown and surrounding gum tissue
How Long Do Crowns Last?
With proper care, dental crowns typically last 10-15 years, and many last 20+ years. Good oral hygiene, avoiding hard foods, and regular dental visits all contribute to crown longevity. Gold crowns tend to last the longest, often 20-30 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does getting a crown hurt?
No. The tooth and surrounding area are numbed with local anesthesia, so you won't feel pain during the procedure. You may feel pressure or vibration, but no discomfort. After the anesthesia wears off, some sensitivity is normal for a few days but typically mild and manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
How long does a crown procedure take?
The first appointment (tooth preparation and impressions) typically takes 60-90 minutes. The second appointment (crown placement) takes about 30-45 minutes. With same-day crown technology (CEREC), the entire process can be completed in one 2-3 hour appointment.
Can I eat normally with a crown?
Yes! Once the permanent crown is placed and you've adjusted to it (usually within a few days), you can eat normally. Crowns are designed to withstand normal chewing forces. However, avoid extremely hard foods like ice, hard candy, or bones that could potentially crack any tooth or crown.
Will my crown look natural?
Absolutely. Modern ceramic and zirconia crowns are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth. We carefully match the crown's shade to your surrounding teeth, and the translucency and texture mimic natural enamel. Even up close, most people won't be able to tell you have a crown.
What happens if my crown falls off?
If a crown comes loose or falls off, save it and call your dentist immediately. Keep the area clean and avoid chewing on that side. We can often re-cement the same crown if it's undamaged and fits properly. Don't attempt to glue it yourself with household adhesives.
How much do dental crowns cost?
Crown costs vary based on material type and location, typically ranging from $800-$2,500 per crown. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are usually less expensive ($800-$1,400), while all-ceramic or zirconia crowns range from $1,000-$2,500. Most dental insurance covers 50% of crown costs. We'll provide a detailed cost estimate before beginning treatment.
What's the difference between a crown and a filling?
Fillings repair small to moderate cavities and fill the hole after decay is removed. Crowns cover the entire tooth and are needed when damage is too extensive for a filling, after root canals, or to protect weak/cracked teeth. Think of fillings as patches and crowns as full protective helmets for your teeth.
Restore Your Smile with a Custom Crown
Don't let a damaged tooth affect your confidence or oral health. Our expertly crafted crowns provide lasting protection and natural-looking results. Schedule your consultation today to learn how a crown can save and strengthen your tooth.
