Dental Crowns FAQ - Richmond, TX
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. Dr. Jasmine Naderi and Dr. Sonny Naderi answer your most common dental crown questions.
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Dental crowns are one of most common and versatile restorative treatments, protecting damaged teeth while restoring their appearance and function. At Best Dental in Richmond, TX, we use advanced materials and precise techniques to create crowns that look natural, feel comfortable, and last for many years.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that completely covers a damaged, decayed, or weakened tooth. Crown encases entire visible portion of tooth above 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 underlying tooth from further damage. Modern crowns can be made from various materials including porcelain, ceramic, metal, or combination, each offering different benefits in terms of strength, aesthetics, and longevity.
When do I need a dental crown?
Several situations necessitate dental crown. Large cavities that compromise more than half 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 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.
Types of Crowns
What types of dental crowns are available?
Several crown materials are available, each with distinct advantages. Porcelain or ceramic crowns offer best aesthetics, perfectly matching 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 metal substructure for strength with porcelain outer layer for appearance, offering good balance for back teeth. All-metal crowns (gold or other alloys) are extremely durable and require minimal tooth removal, but metallic appearance makes them unsuitable for visible teeth. Zirconia crowns are made from extremely strong ceramic material that's both durable and aesthetic. Your dentist recommends best type based on tooth's location, bite forces, aesthetic concerns, and budget.
The Crown Procedure
What happens during the crown procedure?
Getting crown typically requires two appointments. During first visit (60-90 minutes), dentist numbs tooth and surrounding area, then reshapes tooth by removing damaged or decayed portions and reducing its size to make room for crown. We take detailed impressions or digital scans of prepared tooth and surrounding teeth. These are sent to dental laboratory where custom crown is fabricated. Temporary crown protects tooth for 2-3 weeks while permanent crown is made. At second appointment (30-45 minutes), we remove temporary crown, check fit and appearance of 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 dental crown should not be painful. Procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you'll feel pressure and vibration but no pain during tooth preparation. After anesthesia wears off, you may experience mild sensitivity or soreness for few days, easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Temporary crown might feel slightly different from natural tooth, but this is normal. Once permanent crown is cemented, most patients report it feels just like natural tooth within few days. Some sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures may persist for week or two as tooth adjusts. If you experience severe pain or if crown feels too high when biting, contact our office for adjustment.
Can I get a crown in one visit?
Yes, some dental offices offer same-day crowns using CEREC or similar CAD/CAM technology. During single appointment, dentist prepares tooth, takes digital impressions, designs crown using computer software, and mills it from ceramic block right in office—all in about 2-3 hours. Same-day crowns eliminate need for temporary crowns and second appointments. However, 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 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. View our pricing information.
Does dental insurance cover crowns?
Most dental insurance plans classify crowns as major procedure and cover 50% of cost after deductible, up to annual maximum (typically $1,000-$2,000). Coverage applies when crowns are medically necessary to restore function—for example, protecting tooth after root canal or restoring 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 insurance company before proceeding. Our insurance coordinators work with all major carriers to maximize benefits.
Crown Care
How do I care for my dental crown?
Care for crowns just like natural teeth. Brush twice daily with soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, paying special attention to where crown meets 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 crowned teeth to open packages or bite fingernails. If you grind teeth, wear nightguard to protect crowns from excessive force. Tooth structure under crown can still decay, so maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial for crown longevity.
Can a crowned tooth still get cavities?
Yes, natural tooth structure under crown can still develop decay, particularly around crown margins where it meets your tooth. This is one of most common reasons crowns fail. Bacteria and plaque accumulate along crown edges just like on natural teeth. If decay develops under crown, entire crown must be removed, decay treated, and 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.
Longevity
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 crown material (metal crowns last longest, porcelain may chip), location in mouth (back teeth endure more force), oral hygiene habits, whether you grind teeth, and avoiding using teeth as tools. Regular dental cleanings and checkups help identify potential problems early. Tooth under 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 cement seal rather than inherent crown problems.
Common Problems
What should I do if my crown falls off?
If crown comes off, call our office immediately for emergency appointment. Gently clean crown and your tooth. Try to slip crown back onto 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 pinch. Avoid chewing on that side until you see dentist. Save crown and bring it to appointment—it can often be re-cemented if undamaged and tooth structure is intact. If significant time passes before you can see dentist, temporary cement helps prevent tooth sensitivity and shifting. Never sleep with loose crown in 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 natural teeth before getting crowns if you want brighter smile—we'll match crown to newly whitened teeth. If you have existing crowns and want whiter teeth, you'll need to whiten natural teeth first, then potentially replace crowns with new ones matching 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.
Crowns vs Veneers
How are crowns different from veneers?
Crowns and veneers serve different purposes. Crowns cover 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 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).
📋 Key Takeaways About Dental Crowns
- Crowns protect and restore damaged, decayed, or weakened teeth 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
- Procedure 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 crown falls off; it can often be re-cemented if undamaged
Restore Your Smile with a Dental Crown
Don't let 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 latest materials and techniques to create crowns that fit perfectly and last for years. Schedule your consultation today to learn if crown is right for you. Call (281) 215-3065 or book online now!
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