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Restorative

Dental crowns

A dental crown is a custom cap that covers the visible part of a tooth above the gum line. Crowns rebuild teeth that are cracked, heavily filled, weakened after root canal therapy, or worn, and they complete single-tooth implants when connected to an abutment.

A dental crown on a shade guide being matched to a tooth on a dental model in a bright treatment room.

Crowns spread biting forces over the whole tooth instead of relying on thin walls of enamel or large old fillings. We use digital scans or impressions so the lab fabricates a crown that fits your bite and, when the tooth shows in your smile, blends with neighboring teeth.

Your dentist explains material choices (for example layered porcelain or zirconia in the smile zone, or stronger ceramics or gold in the back where chewing forces are highest) based on wear risk, grinding habits, and aesthetics. Visits typically include preparation with local anesthetic, a temporary crown while the final is made, and cementation or bonding after fit and bite are verified.

Who it's a good fit for

  • You have a large crack, deep decay, or an old filling with too little tooth left for another filling
  • You finished or are planning root canal therapy on a back tooth and need a crown to protect it
  • You have a worn or broken tooth you want rebuilt to comfortable form and function
  • You're completing a single-tooth implant and need the final dental crown on the abutment

What to expect

  1. Exam: photos or scans; confirm crown vs onlay, veneer, or filling
  2. Prep visit: local anesthetic, temporary crown, home-care until delivery
  3. Delivery: bite check, polish, and care instructions when the lab returns your crown

Common questions

How long does a crown last?
Many crowns last 10–15 years or longer with good hygiene and regular exams. Grinding, chewing ice, or new decay at the margin can shorten that. When grinding is part of the picture, we often discuss a custom night guard to protect crowns and natural teeth.
Crown or filling?
Fillings work when enough healthy tooth remains to support the material. When much of the tooth is already filling, cusps are thin, or cracks run under old metal, a crown is usually the safer long-term choice. We show you the images and explain the tradeoffs before you decide.
Does getting a crown hurt?
The tooth is numbed during preparation, similar to a larger filling appointment. Some temperature sensitivity near the gum line with a temporary is common until the final crown is seated.
How long before my permanent crown is ready?
Most lab-fabricated crowns take about two weeks. We place a temporary in the same visit as preparation so you can chew carefully and smile confidently in the meantime.
Will insurance cover a crown?
Many plans cover crowns on posterior teeth when documented as necessary for fracture or decay, subject to deductibles and major-service percentages. Purely cosmetic crowning may follow different rules. We verify benefits when we can and provide a written estimate.
Are dental crowns FSA or HSA eligible?
Yes. Crowns placed to restore damaged, decayed, or cracked teeth, including the crown on a single-tooth implant, are eligible expenses under FSA and HSA accounts.

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