On this page · 5 sections
01Why it matters
A tooth that is cracked, heavily filled, or badly worn can keep breaking down under the pressure of everyday chewing. A crown wraps around the tooth and holds it together, much like a thimble protects a fingertip. That can help you keep your natural tooth root instead of losing the tooth, and it lets you bite and chew normally again.
Crowns are also used to cover a tooth after a root canal, to anchor a dental bridge, or to restore a tooth that is badly misshapen or discolored. Whether you need one is something the dentist decides after an exam and, usually, X-rays.
Text version of this infographic
Diagram of a tooth. A red crown covers the whole visible part of the tooth above the gum line. Below it are the natural tooth and its roots, held in the gum.
02What happens
Getting a crown usually takes more than one step. A common sequence looks like this:
- Exam and planning. The dentist checks the tooth, reviews X-rays, and explains why a crown is the recommended option.
- Preparing the tooth. After the area is numbed, the dentist removes any decay and reshapes the outer layer of the tooth so the crown can fit over it.
- Impressions. A mold or digital scan of the tooth is taken so the crown can be made to match your bite.
- Temporary crown. A temporary cap protects the tooth while the permanent crown is being made.
- Placing the crown. The permanent crown is checked for fit and color, then cemented in place.
How many visits a crown takes at our office: [OFFICE TO CONFIRM: number of crown visits and whether crowns are made in the office or by an outside lab]. Mild sensitivity for a few days afterward is common. A bite that feels high or uneven should be checked and adjusted.
03Cost factors
What you pay for a crown depends on several things, and the office can walk you through them before treatment begins:
- Which tooth needs it, since front teeth and back teeth have different needs.
- The crown material, such as porcelain, ceramic, metal, or porcelain fused to metal.
- Whether other work is needed first, such as a buildup or a root canal.
- Your dental insurance plan and what it covers for crowns. Call the office to check your plan.
- Whether you choose to use CareCredit, a healthcare financing option the office accepts.
04How to care for it
A crown itself cannot get a cavity, but the tooth underneath can, especially where the edge of the crown meets the gumline. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth once a day with floss or another interdental cleaner, and keep up with regular checkups so the dentist can check the edges of the crown.
Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or pens, and do not use your teeth to open packages. If you grind your teeth at night, tell the dentist, because grinding can chip or loosen a crown. Call the office if your crown feels loose, cracks, or comes off, and keep it in a safe place so you can bring it with you.
Need a crown? See our dental crowns page.
05Questions people ask
How long does a dental crown last?
With good care, many crowns last for many years. How long yours lasts depends on the material, which tooth it is on, your bite, any grinding habits, and how well you brush, floss, and keep up with checkups.
Does getting a crown hurt?
The tooth is numbed before it is prepared, so most people feel pressure rather than sharp pain. Some sensitivity or gum soreness for a few days afterward is common and usually eases on its own. Tell the dentist if it does not.
What is the difference between a crown and a filling?
A filling repairs a smaller area of a tooth. A crown covers the entire visible part of the tooth. Dentists usually suggest a crown when too much of the tooth is missing or weakened for a filling to hold up.
Dr. Sadek is the family dentist at Americana Family Dental on Americana Blvd in Orlando. He reviews the health information on this site. Review date: [date pending review]