Dental crowns are versatile restorations designed to protect, cover, and restore the shape of your teeth when fillings aren’t sufficient. These tooth-shaped caps fully encase the visible part of a damaged or decayed tooth, providing strength, improving appearance, and restoring function. Dental crowns are a tried-and-true method for giving your smile a new lease on life, whether due to severe decay, a broken tooth, or cosmetic reasons.
In this post, you’ll learn everything you need to know about dental crowns. We’ll cover the basics of dental crowns, who might need them, and the types available. You’ll also gain insights into the procedure, what to expect in terms of comfort, and how to care for your crowns to ensure they last. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of dental crowns and how they can restore your dental health.
Have you ever felt self-conscious about a damaged or discolored tooth? Or perhaps you’ve been dealing with persistent dental issues and wondering if there’s a durable solution? The thought of dental procedures can be daunting, but we’re here to demystify the process for you. This guide will answer your questions and walk you through the steps, options, and benefits so you can feel confident and informed about your dental care decisions.
Key Takeaways
- Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that cover and protect damaged or decayed teeth, restoring their shape, strength, and appearance. They are commonly used to fix weak, broken, or discolored teeth.
- Crowns are made from various materials, including stainless steel, all metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, all-ceramic, and all-resin, each with its own pros and cons in terms of durability, appearance, and cost.
- The procedure usually takes two visits: one to prepare the tooth and make an impression and another to place the permanent crown. Local anesthesia is used, so pain is minimal, with only mild sensitivity afterward.
- Dental crowns typically last 10 to 15 years or more with good care, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups to keep the area around the crown healthy.
- Alternatives to crowns include veneers, inlays, onlays, and sometimes root canal therapy, but crowns are often the best choice for preserving natural teeth and maintaining a healthy bite.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made, tooth-shaped cap that fits over a damaged, decayed, or weakened tooth, fully encasing the visible part above the gum line. These crowns are designed to restore the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance. Whether it’s for a tooth weakened by a large filling or a root canal or simply worn down, dental crowns are a reliable way to restore your smile’s function and aesthetics.
Crowns are commonly used for a variety of reasons: protecting a weak tooth from breaking, restoring an already broken or severely worn-down tooth, covering and supporting a tooth with a large filling when there aren’t a lot of teeth left, or even holding a dental bridge in place. Additionally, they can cover misshapen or severely discolored teeth, making them a versatile option in cosmetic dentistry as well.
When a Crown Is Needed
Crowns become necessary when a tooth is damaged or weakened to the point where a simple filling isn’t enough. But why not just pull the tooth? It’s all about preserving your natural smile whenever possible. Extractions can lead to further complications like shifting teeth, bone loss, and bite problems.
This is where dental crowns come into play. They protect and reinforce the remaining structure, letting you enjoy normal chewing and speaking – often for many years. So, what are dental crowns good for? They address several common dental issues.
- Protecting a weak tooth: Teeth weakened by decay, cracks, or significant wear are prone to further damage. A crown acts as a shield, protecting the tooth from breaking and ensuring its longevity.
- Restoring a broken or worn-down tooth: If a tooth is severely broken or has been worn down over time due to grinding (bruxism), a crown can restore its original shape and function, allowing you to chew and speak comfortably.
- Supporting a tooth with a large filling: When a tooth has a cavity so large that a filling alone isn’t enough, a crown provides the additional support needed to prevent further damage or fracture.
- Covering a misshapen or discolored tooth: Dental crowns aren’t just about function—they’re also a cosmetic fix. If you have a tooth that’s misshapen or badly discolored and doesn’t respond to whitening treatments, a crown can improve the overall appearance of your smile.
- Part of a dental bridge or implant: Crowns are also used to anchor dental bridges or to top dental implants, filling gaps where teeth are missing and restoring a complete, natural-looking smile.
Different Types of Crowns
Choosing the right type of dental crown is crucial, as each material has its own set of advantages and considerations. Dental crowns can be made from a variety of materials, each offering different benefits in terms of appearance, durability, and cost.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel crowns are primarily used as a temporary solution, particularly for children. They protect the tooth while a permanent crown is being made. For primary teeth, stainless steel crowns serve as a cost-effective option that can hold up well until the tooth naturally falls out to make way for the adult tooth.
All Metal
All-metal crowns, often made from gold or other alloys, are known for their durability and strength. They withstand biting and chewing forces well and rarely chip or break, making them ideal for out-of-sight molars. However, their metallic color makes them less popular for front teeth.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal
These crowns combine the strength of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain. The porcelain is fused to the metal structure, providing a natural tooth color that blends well with your existing teeth. However, they can cause more wear to opposing teeth and the porcelain portion can sometimes chip or break.
All-Ceramic/All-Porcelain
For those seeking the most natural appearance, all-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns are the top choice. They offer the best color match to natural teeth and are a great option for those with metal allergies. While they provide excellent aesthetics, they might not be as strong as metal-based crowns and can be more prone to chipping, especially on back teeth that endure heavy chewing.
All-Resin
All-resin crowns are a more affordable option compared to other types, but they tend to wear down over time and are more susceptible to fractures. They’re often used as a temporary solution rather than a permanent fix.
| Crown Type | Pros | Cons |
| All-metal crowns (Gold, Silver, Other Alloys) |
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| Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns (PFM) |
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| All-ceramic crowns or all-porcelain crowns (including Zirconia) |
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What About the Dental Crown Procedure?
Getting a dental crown typically involves two appointments. The first one involves preparing the tooth, taking impressions, and placing a temporary crown. Your dentist will also discuss crown placement during this appointment.
During the second appointment, the permanent crown is cemented in place. With modern technology like digital dental impressions, the process of getting a crown is much more streamlined and comfortable.
The process is straightforward, but understanding each step can help ease any anxieties you might have about the treatment. Here’s a simplified overview of what you can expect during the dental crown procedure:
- Preparing the Tooth: During your first visit, the dentist will examine and prepare the tooth needing the crown. This often involves taking X-rays to check the roots and surrounding bone. The tooth is then shaped by filing down the top and sides to make room for the crown. If a significant portion of the tooth is missing due to damage or decay, the dentist may use a filling material to build up the tooth to support the crown properly.
- Impressions for the Dental Lab: Once the tooth is reshaped, an impression is made using a putty-like material or a digital scanner. This impression is crucial as it ensures the new crown will fit perfectly with your bite and align seamlessly with your other teeth. The impression is then sent to a dental lab, where the crown is custom-made. This process usually takes a couple of weeks.
- Temporary Crown: While waiting for your permanent crown, your dentist will place a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth. This temporary crown is usually made of acrylic or stainless steel and is cemented in place with a temporary adhesive.
- Cementing the Permanent Crown: On your second visit, the dentist will remove the temporary crown and check the fit and color of the permanent crown. If everything looks good, the new crown will be permanently cemented. Your dentist will ensure that your bite feels comfortable and that the crown fits securely.
The entire procedure is generally comfortable, as the tooth and surrounding area will be numbed with a local anesthetic. While some patients might experience slight sensitivity or discomfort after the anesthesia wears off, this usually subsides within a few days.
Does Getting a Dental Crown Hurt?
The process of getting a dental crown is typically not painful due to the use of local anesthetic, which numbs the area around the tooth being treated. During the procedure, you might feel some pressure or vibrations, but pain is generally not an issue. After the anesthesia wears off, you may experience mild sensitivity or discomfort, which usually subsides within a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Wondering About Cost?
Like most healthcare services, the cost of a dental crown isn’t exactly set in stone. Factors like the material, location of the tooth, dentist’s fees, and your dental insurance coverage all play a role.
Generally, crowns can range from $500 to $3,000 per tooth. Gold crowns tend to sit at the higher end. Dental insurance may cover a portion of the cost, but it’s always best to check with your provider to be sure.
Are There Any Alternatives to Dental Crowns?
Sometimes, other restorative dentistry treatments might be options, depending on the extent of the damage:
- Dental Veneers: These are thin, tooth-colored shells that are bonded to the front of a tooth to improve its appearance. They are often used for cosmetic purposes but aren’t as durable as crowns.
- Inlays and Onlays: These are custom-made fillings that are more substantial than regular fillings but smaller than crowns. They cover damage or decay within the cusps or biting surface of the tooth. This crown type is more durable than a filling but less durable than a crown.
- Root Canal Therapy: When decay or damage reaches the inner pulp of a tooth, a root canal might be needed before a crown is placed to save the tooth. Root canal therapy is often done in conjunction with a dental crown.
Ultimately, what are dental crowns an alternative to? Extraction. Whenever possible, dentists aim to preserve natural teeth, and crowns play a key role in this. A dental crown can also be used to cover a dental implant.
Let’s Talk Durability – How Long Do Dental Crowns Really Last?
Don’t worry. We’re not talking about a temporary fling here. With good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, a crown can last for a decade or more. Your dentist will check the fit of the crown at your regular check-ups.
Studies show that zirconia crowns, for instance, can last for 10 to 15 years or even longer if you’re diligent with your dental routine. Gold crowns and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns also have a reputation for impressive longevity.
A crown might need to be replaced eventually if it becomes damaged, the cement loosens, or if the underlying tooth develops decay.
Keeping That Crown Sparkling – What You Need to Do
Even though dental crowns themselves can’t get cavities, the area around the crown can still be susceptible. The good news is that taking care of a crowned tooth isn’t all that different from taking care of your natural teeth. This is one of the reasons why crown placement is so great.
Brush twice a day, floss daily, use fluoride toothpaste, and see your dentist for regular cleanings. Consider those dental crowns an investment in your oral health. Treat them well, and they’ll return the favor.
Expert Crown Care in Rohnert Park
Ready to protect and restore your smile with a custom dental crown? At New Leaf Dental in Rohnert Park, our skilled team uses the latest techniques and materials to create durable, natural-looking crowns that blend seamlessly with your smile. From same-day options to long-lasting porcelain crowns, we’ll help you choose the perfect solution for your needs.
Request an appointment online or call us at (707) 586-1549 today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get used to a dental crown?
Most people adjust to a new crown within a few days or a week. It might feel slightly strange initially but shouldn’t cause any major discomfort or difficulty speaking or chewing. Over time, you will get used to the feeling of the crown in your mouth.
Is it painful to get a dental crown?
Nope, not if you have a good dentist. Local anesthetic is used to numb your mouth during the procedure, ensuring you don’t feel pain. Afterward, you may experience some mild sensitivity for a few days, but this usually subsides quickly with over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.
What happens if a dental crown comes off?
If your crown comes off, try not to panic. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water and schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Depending on the situation, they can re-cement the existing crown or create a new one for you. You might be given a temporary dental crown while you wait. Avoid sticky foods to help ensure it stays in place.
Can you get a dental crown in just one day?
Absolutely. Some offices offer what they call CEREC crowns, made and placed during a single office visit using computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology. This means you can have your crown made while you wait without the need for a temporary crown.
