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Dental Crowns FAQ
Your complete guide to dental crowns at Best Dental. Get expert answers about types of crowns, the procedure, costs, longevity, and caring for your new restoration.
Schedule Your Crown ConsultationUnderstanding Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are one of the most common and versatile restorative treatments, protecting damaged teeth while restoring their appearance and function. At Best Dental, we use advanced materials and precise techniques to create crowns that look natural, feel comfortable, and last for many years.
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gum line. Crowns restore teeth that are too damaged for fillings but don't require extraction. This comprehensive FAQ guide answers common questions about when you need a crown, what to expect during the procedure, and how to care for your restoration.
Crown Basics
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that completely covers a damaged, decayed, or weakened tooth. The crown encases the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gum line, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are permanently cemented onto your existing tooth structure or a dental implant. They're designed to look and function like natural teeth while protecting the underlying tooth from further damage. Modern crowns can be made from various materials including porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination, each offering different benefits in terms of strength, aesthetics, and longevity.
When do I need a dental crown?
Several situations necessitate a dental crown. Large cavities that compromise more than half the tooth structure require crowns rather than fillings. Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment need crowns for protection since they become more brittle. Severely worn, cracked, or fractured teeth need crowns to prevent further damage and restore function. Crowns cover dental implants to replace missing teeth. Cosmetically, crowns can improve the appearance of severely discolored or misshapen teeth that can't be corrected with whitening or bonding. Crowns also serve as anchors for dental bridges when replacing missing teeth.
What types of dental crowns are available?
Several crown materials are available, each with distinct advantages. Porcelain or ceramic crowns offer the best aesthetics, perfectly matching your natural tooth color—ideal for front teeth. They're strong but slightly more prone to chipping than metal. Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns combine a metal substructure for strength with a porcelain outer layer for appearance, offering a good balance for back teeth. All-metal crowns (gold or other alloys) are extremely durable and require minimal tooth removal, but their metallic appearance makes them unsuitable for visible teeth. Zirconia crowns are made from an extremely strong ceramic material that's both durable and aesthetic. Your dentist will recommend the best type based on the tooth's location, your bite forces, aesthetic concerns, and budget.
How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns typically last 10-15 years on average, though many last 20-30 years or even longer with excellent care. Longevity depends on several factors including the crown material (metal crowns last longest, porcelain may chip), location in your mouth (back teeth endure more force), your oral hygiene habits, whether you grind your teeth, and avoiding using teeth as tools. Regular dental cleanings and checkups help identify potential problems early. The tooth under the crown can still develop decay if proper hygiene isn't maintained, so brushing and flossing are essential. Most crown failures involve fractures, decay around margins, or loss of the cement seal rather than inherent crown problems.
The Crown Procedure
What happens during the crown procedure?
Getting a crown typically requires two appointments. During the first visit (60-90 minutes), your dentist numbs the tooth and surrounding area, then reshapes the tooth by removing damaged or decayed portions and reducing its size to make room for the crown. We take detailed impressions or digital scans of your prepared tooth and surrounding teeth. These are sent to a dental laboratory where your custom crown is fabricated. A temporary crown protects your tooth for 2-3 weeks while the permanent crown is made. At the second appointment (30-45 minutes), we remove the temporary crown, check the fit and appearance of your permanent crown, make any necessary adjustments, and permanently cement it in place. Some offices offer same-day crowns using CAD/CAM technology.
Is getting a crown painful?
Getting a dental crown should not be painful. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you'll feel pressure and vibration but no pain during tooth preparation. After the anesthesia wears off, you may experience mild sensitivity or soreness for a few days, easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication. The temporary crown might feel slightly different from your natural tooth, but this is normal. Once your permanent crown is cemented, most patients report it feels just like a natural tooth within a few days. Some sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures may persist for a week or two as your tooth adjusts. If you experience severe pain or if the crown feels too high when biting, contact our office for an adjustment.
How are crowns different from veneers?
Crowns and veneers serve different purposes. Crowns cover the entire tooth—all surfaces including front, back, top, and sides—providing complete protection and restoration. They're used when teeth are significantly damaged, decayed, or weakened. Veneers are thin shells bonded only to the front surface of teeth, primarily for cosmetic improvement of healthy or minimally damaged front teeth. Crowns require more tooth reduction (1.5-2mm all around) while veneers require minimal removal (0.5mm from front surface only). Crowns are stronger and better for teeth that endure heavy chewing forces. Veneers look more natural for front teeth since they're thinner. Crowns cost slightly more ($1,000-$2,000) compared to veneers ($800-$2,500 per tooth).
Can I get a crown in one visit?
Yes, some dental offices offer same-day crowns using CEREC or similar CAD/CAM technology. During a single appointment, your dentist prepares the tooth, takes digital impressions, designs the crown using computer software, and mills it from a ceramic block right in the office—all in about 2-3 hours. Same-day crowns eliminate the need for temporary crowns and second appointments. However, the materials available for same-day crowns may be more limited than lab-fabricated crowns, and very complex cases might still require traditional two-visit crowns for optimal results. Not all dental offices have same-day crown technology, so ask if this option is available and appropriate for your situation.
Cost & Insurance
How much do dental crowns cost?
Dental crown costs range from $800 to $3,000 per tooth depending on the material and complexity. Porcelain or ceramic crowns typically cost $1,000-$2,000. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns run $900-$1,500. All-metal (gold) crowns cost $1,000-$2,500 due to material expenses. Zirconia crowns range from $1,000-$2,500. Same-day CEREC crowns cost $1,000-$1,800. These prices include both dental appointments, impressions, temporary crown, and permanent crown placement. Additional costs may include root canal treatment if needed ($700-$1,500), buildup material if extensive tooth structure is missing ($150-$300), and posts or cores for added support ($200-$400). We provide detailed cost estimates before beginning treatment and offer flexible payment plans.
Does dental insurance cover crowns?
Most dental insurance plans classify crowns as a major procedure and cover 50% of the cost after your deductible, up to your annual maximum (typically $1,000-$2,000). Coverage applies when crowns are medically necessary to restore function—for example, protecting a tooth after a root canal or restoring a severely damaged tooth. Insurance may not cover crowns placed purely for cosmetic reasons. Some plans have waiting periods (6-12 months) for major services. Pre-authorization is often required, which we handle by submitting X-rays and treatment justification to your insurance company before proceeding. Our insurance coordinators work with all major carriers including Delta Dental, Cigna, and Aetna to maximize your benefits.
Crown Care & Maintenance
How do I care for my dental crown?
Care for crowns just like natural teeth. Brush twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, paying special attention to where the crown meets your gum line. Floss daily around crowned teeth to prevent decay and gum disease. Attend regular dental cleanings every six months. Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or other very hard objects that could crack porcelain. Don't use your crowned teeth to open packages or bite fingernails. If you grind your teeth, wear a nightguard to protect your crowns from excessive force. The tooth structure under the crown can still decay, so maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial for crown longevity.
Can a crowned tooth still get cavities?
Yes, the natural tooth structure under the crown can still develop decay, particularly around the crown margins where it meets your tooth. This is one of the most common reasons crowns fail. Bacteria and plaque accumulate along the crown edges just like on natural teeth. If decay develops under the crown, the entire crown must be removed, the decay treated, and a new crown fabricated. This is why proper oral hygiene is essential—brush and floss daily, especially around crowned teeth, and maintain regular dental checkups. Your dentist can detect early signs of decay around crown margins with X-rays and visual examination before major problems develop.
What should I do if my crown falls off?
If your crown comes off, call our office immediately for an emergency appointment. Gently clean the crown and your tooth. Try to slip the crown back onto your tooth to check if it fits—don't force it. If it fits reasonably well, you can temporarily re-cement it using dental cement (available at pharmacies) or even denture adhesive or toothpaste in a pinch. Avoid chewing on that side until you see your dentist. Save the crown and bring it to your appointment—it can often be re-cemented if undamaged and the tooth structure is intact. If significant time passes before you can see a dentist, temporary cement helps prevent tooth sensitivity and shifting. Never sleep with a loose crown in your mouth as you could swallow or aspirate it.
Can crowns be whitened?
No, dental crowns cannot be whitened with traditional teeth whitening treatments. Crown materials like porcelain, ceramic, or metal are colorfast and don't respond to bleaching agents. This is why it's important to whiten your natural teeth before getting crowns if you want a brighter smile—we'll match the crown to your newly whitened teeth. If you have existing crowns and want whiter teeth, you'll need to whiten your natural teeth first, then potentially replace the crowns with new ones matching your brighter shade. Crowns can be professionally cleaned to remove surface stains during regular dental cleanings, but their base color won't change. When planning cosmetic treatments, coordinate whitening and crown placement for optimal aesthetic results.
📋 Key Takeaways About Dental Crowns
- Crowns protect and restore damaged, decayed, or weakened teeth that are too compromised for fillings
- Multiple crown materials available including porcelain, ceramic, metal, and combinations
- Traditional crown placement requires two appointments over 2-3 weeks; same-day options available at some offices
- Crowns typically cost $800-$3,000 depending on material, with insurance covering approximately 50%
- Average lifespan of 10-15 years, though many last 20-30 years with proper care
- The procedure is performed under anesthesia and should not be painful
- Care for crowns like natural teeth with regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups
- Crowned teeth can still develop decay around margins, making hygiene crucial
- Crowns cannot be whitened once placed—whiten natural teeth first if desired
- Call immediately if a crown falls off; it can often be re-cemented if undamaged
Restore Your Smile with a Dental Crown
Don't let a damaged or weakened tooth compromise your oral health. Dental crowns at Best Dental provide strong, natural-looking protection that restores both function and appearance. Our experienced dentists use the latest materials and techniques to create crowns that fit perfectly and last for years. Schedule your consultation today to learn if a crown is right for you. Call us at (281) 215-3065 or book online now!
Schedule Your Crown Consultation