Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers your entire tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Think of it as a protective helmet for a damaged tooth. Crowns are used when a tooth is too damaged for a filling but can still be saved. They’re made from materials like porcelain, ceramic, or metal to match your natural teeth and can last many years with proper care.

You might need a crown if you have a large cavity, cracked tooth, worn-down tooth, or after root canal treatment. Crowns also protect weak teeth from breaking and can improve the appearance of severely discolored or misshapen teeth. Dr. Fenton will recommend a crown when there isn’t enough healthy tooth structure left to support a filling, or when a tooth needs extra protection.

The crown procedure is comfortable because we use local anesthesia to numb the area completely. You might feel pressure during tooth preparation, but no sharp pain. Dr. Fenton also offers sedation options if you feel anxious. After the procedure, you might have mild sensitivity for a few days while your mouth adjusts to the new crown, but this is normal and manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.

With our CEREC same-day technology, you can get a crown in just one visit, usually taking 2-3 hours. For traditional crowns, the process takes 2-3 weeks with two appointments. At the first visit, we prepare your tooth and take impressions. You’ll wear a temporary crown while your permanent one is made. At the second visit, we remove the temporary and cement your new crown in place.

Dental crowns typically last 10-20 years, and many last even longer with good care. The lifespan depends on the material used, your oral hygiene, and habits like teeth grinding. Porcelain and ceramic crowns are very durable and resist staining. Regular checkups help us monitor your crown and catch any issues early to maximize its lifespan.

Caring for a crown is simple – just brush and floss like you would with natural teeth. Use fluoride toothpaste and floss daily, paying special attention to the gum line around the crown. Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or using your teeth as tools. If you grind your teeth at night, wear a nightguard to protect both your crown and natural teeth.

Dental crowns typically cost $1,000-$2,000 depending on the material and complexity. CEREC same-day crowns might cost slightly more but save you time and eliminate the need for temporary crowns. While this represents a significant investment, crowns can last decades and often prevent the need for tooth extraction and more expensive replacement options.

Most dental insurance plans cover crowns at 50% when they’re medically necessary to save a tooth. Coverage is typically good because crowns are considered essential treatment rather than cosmetic. Some plans require documentation showing why a crown is needed rather than a filling. We’ll verify your benefits and help you understand your coverage before starting treatment.