Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps placed over damaged, decayed, or weakened teeth to restore their shape, size, strength, and appearance. Occasionally, dental crowns are used for cosmetic dentistry purposes or in smile makeovers. As part of our whole-health approach to dentistry, crowns protect vulnerable teeth while blending seamlessly with your natural smile. According to the American Dental Association, crowns can strengthen teeth with large cavities when there isn’t enough of the healthy tooth to hold the filling. They can also be used to attach dental bridges or protect weakened or broken teeth.
When properly placed and with good oral hygiene habits including regular preventive care, dental crowns can last up to 15 years.
Your comfort is our priority. Before beginning the crown procedure, your dentist administers local anesthesia to ensure you remain comfortable throughout treatment. If available and appropriate for your procedure, your dentist may also provide you with sedation. For urgent cases, we also offer emergency dentistry services.
After your mouth is completely numb and has been thoroughly cleaned, your dentist uses a dental drill to remove decayed enamel and reshape your tooth in preparation for your crown placement.
Once your tooth has been trimmed and prepared for a crown, your dentist will use dental putty and trays or a 3D scanner to take impressions or scans of your teeth, which will be used to build your permanent crown.
In addition to impressions or scans, your dentist will take pictures of your teeth to ensure that your crown matches your existing teeth perfectly. Thanks to color matching, your porcelain crown will look just like a natural tooth.
After the impressions, scans, and images of your teeth are taken, your dentist will send this information to a dental lab where your crown will be built from durable porcelain ceramic. This process takes a few weeks, but lab-made crowns typically are the most long-lasting and comfortable type of dental crown.
Because your crown won’t be ready for a few weeks, your dentist will attach a temporary resin crown to protect your newly-trimmed tooth until your permanent crown can be placed.
After your crown arrives at your dentist’s office, you’ll come back for your fitting and placement appointment. Your dentist will examine the crown to make sure it fits comfortably. Minor adjustments can be made at this time.
After final adjustments, your dentist will use a powerful dental cement to bond your crown into place permanently, restoring your smile and your bite.
Lab-made crowns are manufactured by experienced technicians at dental labs specializing in building dental prostheses. Your dentist takes impressions, scans, and photos of your teeth, which are sent directly to the lab. Using an advanced manufacturing process, your crowns are built out of durable ceramic and metal materials, and sent back to your dentist for the final fitting and placement. Lab-made crowns look and feel very natural, and are usually the most long-lasting and durable type of crown.
Using an advanced manufacturing process, your crowns will be built out of durable ceramic and metal materials, and sent back to your dentist for the final fitting and placement. Lab-made crowns look and feel very natural, and are usually the most long-lasting and durable type of crown.
Stainless steel crowns are typically used to restore baby orprimary teeth in children.
Dental crowns treat a variety of issues including cracked or broken teeth, teeth weakened by large fillings, severely decayed teeth, teeth following root canal therapy, and misshapen or discolored teeth requiring cosmetic improvement.
Signs you may need a dental crown include tooth pain when chewing, visible cracks or chips in your teeth, sensitivity to hot or cold, or a tooth with a large filling showing signs of wear. Your dentist can evaluate your teeth during a routine checkup to determine if a crown is right for you.
With proper care, dental crowns can last 10 to 15 years or even longer. Maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding hard foods, and attending regular dental visits can help extend the life of your crown.
Care for your dental crown just like your natural teeth. Brush twice daily, floss once per day, and visit your dentist every six months for professional cleanings and exams. Avoid chewing ice or hard candies, and wear a night guard if you grind your teeth.
Dental insurance often covers a portion of dental crown costs when the procedure is deemed medically necessary. We offer flexible financing options and in-house payment plans to make treatment accessible. Contact our practice to discuss your options.
When properly placed and with good oral hygiene habits, dental crowns can last up to15 years.
