WHAT IS A DENTAL CROWN?
Dental crowns are used to save a tooth and restore it back to its normal shape, strength, and appearance. A crown, unlike a filling, will cover the entirety of the visible tooth. Dental crowns are recommended in a number of situations, which include:
- Protecting a cracked or broken tooth
- Giving support to a dental bridge
- Covering a dental implant
- Cosmetic issues, like discoloration
Your dentist will be able to tell you if you are in need of a dental crown. If you do find yourself in that situation, we have listed the steps of this procedure below.
Procedure for Receiving a Dental Crown
Generally, receiving a dental crown will take two visits. The first visit is to examine and prepare the tooth. The second visit is for actually placing the crown on the tooth.
The First Visit
- X-Rays. Your dentist might take some x-rays to make sure there is no severe damage to the roots of the tooth.
- Preparing the Tooth. As long as the damage is not severe, your dentist will begin to prepare the tooth by filing down the top and sides of the tooth to make sure the crown fits. Your tooth will be numb during this time so you should not feel anything as the dentist does this.
- Necessary Adjustments. If the tooth has had decay to the point where some of that tooth is missing, your dentist will fill in the tooth to make sure it can support a crown.
Impressions of the Tooth. Once the tooth is shaped for the dental crown, the dentist will make an impression of the tooth receiving the crown as well as the teeth around it so the crown does not affect your bite. - Temporary Crowns. While the impressions are sent to the lab and used to make the final crown, you will receive a temporary crown.
The Second Visit
Once the final crown is made you will go back to the dentist’s office to have it placed.
1. Removing Temporary Crown. Your dentist will remove the temporary crown and check to make sure the permanent crown fits correctly and is the right shade to match your other teeth.
2. Permanent Crown. You will then have the permanent crown placed on the tooth with an adhesive.
It is important to remember that dental crowns may not last your whole lifetime. The better care you take of your teeth the longer the crown will last. Over time, your dentist will be able to tell you if and when your crown needs to be replaced.
Dental Crown FAQ
General / Basics
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers and protects a damaged or weakened tooth. Crowns restore the tooth’s strength, function, and appearance, making them a common solution for teeth that can’t be repaired with fillings alone.
Crowns are recommended when a tooth is cracked, worn down, weakened after a root canal, or has a cavity too large for a filling. They can also improve the appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth.
A crown fits securely over the prepared natural tooth or dental implant. Once bonded in place, it acts like the tooth’s outer shell, allowing you to chew, smile, and speak normally.
Candidacy
Most adults with damaged, decayed, or cosmetically compromised teeth are good candidates. Crowns are also used to support dental bridges or restore dental implants.
Crowns are generally placed on fully developed adult teeth. In children, stainless steel crowns are sometimes used for severely decayed baby teeth to preserve function until the permanent tooth erupts.
Patients with poor gum health, untreated cavities, or severe bone loss may need additional treatment before crowns can be placed.
Procedure / Experience
Your dentist reshapes the tooth, takes an impression (digital or physical), and places a temporary crown. A dental lab or in-office milling system then creates your permanent crown, which is cemented in place at a follow-up visit.
Traditional crowns require two visits: one for preparation and impressions, and another for placement (usually 1–2 weeks later). Same-day crowns made with CEREC® or similar technology can be completed in a single appointment.
The procedure is done under local anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel pain. Mild soreness or sensitivity is common afterward but usually subsides within a few days.
Yes, the tooth and surrounding area are numbed to keep you comfortable throughout the preparation process.
Results
With proper care, crowns typically last 10–15 years, though many last much longer. The lifespan depends on the material used and your oral habits.
Yes. Modern crowns are designed to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth. Once placed, most patients forget they even have one.
Porcelain and ceramic crowns blend seamlessly with your smile, so it’s unlikely anyone will notice.
Safety / Risks
Yes. Crowns are a widely used and safe treatment. Your dentist will select biocompatible materials suited to your needs.
Possible issues include temporary tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, or (rarely) loosening or chipping of the crown.
Dentists carefully assess your bite, tooth structure, and gum health before placement, and they ensure the crown fits precisely to avoid complications.
Cost & Insurance
Costs vary depending on the material (porcelain, zirconia, metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal) and whether additional treatments are needed. On average, crowns range from $800–$2,000 per tooth.
Most dental insurance plans cover part of the cost if the crown is needed for restoration (not purely cosmetic purposes).
Many dental practices provide financing options or payment plans to make crowns more affordable.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Alternatives may include dental fillings, inlays/onlays, or veneers—though these are only suitable if less tooth structure is compromised.
Fillings repair smaller cavities, while crowns cover and protect teeth with more extensive damage. A crown is often recommended when a filling would leave the tooth weak or prone to fracture.
Veneers only cover the front surface of teeth for cosmetic improvement, while crowns provide full coverage for both strength and aesthetics.
Lifestyle Impact
Porcelain and zirconia crowns resist staining better than natural enamel. While durable, they can chip or wear if you grind your teeth or chew on hard objects.
Yes. Once your permanent crown is in place, you can enjoy your favorite foods. Just avoid habits like chewing ice, which can damage any tooth or crown.
No special products are necessary. Standard fluoride toothpaste and floss are sufficient, although some patients prefer floss threaders or water flossers to clean around the crown’s edges.
