A dental crown is a custom-made cap placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are used to protect damaged teeth, cover implants, attach bridges, and prevent a cracked tooth from worsening. They can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, or composite resin.

You might need a dental crown for several reasons, including:

• To protect a weak tooth from breaking
• To restore an already broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down
• To cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn't a lot of tooth left
• To hold a dental bridge in place
• To cover misshapen or severely discolored teeth
• To cover a dental implant

With proper care, dental crowns can last between 5 to 15 years or longer. The lifespan depends on the wear and tear the crown is exposed to, how well you follow good oral hygiene practices, and your personal mouth-related habits (like grinding or clenching teeth, chewing ice, biting fingernails, and using your teeth to open packaging).

The procedure to install a dental crown typically involves minimal discomfort. Local anesthesia is used to numb the tooth and surrounding gum tissue during the procedure. After the anesthesia wears off, you may experience some sensitivity or discomfort, but this is usually mild and temporary.

Caring for a dental crown involves the same practices as caring for your natural teeth. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. Avoiding hard foods and not using your teeth as tools can also help prolong the life of your crown.

While uncommon, it is possible for a dental crown to become loose or fall out. This can happen due to decay of the underlying tooth, deterioration of the cement used to hold the crown in place, or severe impact. If your crown becomes loose or falls out, contact your dentist immediately.

The cost of a dental crown can vary widely depending on the material used, the complexity of the placement, and other factors Dental insurance may cover a portion of the cost, especially if the crown is needed for restorative reasons. We recommend contacting your insurance provider for coverage details and our office for specific pricing.

Absolutely. Dental crowns are custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your surrounding teeth. This ensures that your crown blends in seamlessly with your natural teeth, providing a cosmetic improvement as well as a functional restoration.

The process typically involves two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, the tooth is prepared by removing any decay and shaping the surface to fit the crown. An impression is then taken to create a custom crown, and a temporary crown is placed. On the second visit, the temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is adjusted, if necessary, and cemented into place.