Reviewed by Dr. Wael Sadek, DDS·[date pending review]
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a cap that covers the whole visible part of a tooth. It restores the tooth's shape, size, and strength. Dentists use crowns for teeth that are cracked, worn down, weakened by a large filling, or treated with a root canal. A crown is made to fit your bite and blend with nearby teeth.
A crown can also hold a dental bridge in place, or cover a tooth that is badly shaped or stained when a filling would not be enough.
Signs you may need a crown
- A tooth is cracked, or hurts when you bite in a certain way.
- A large old filling is breaking down, and there is not much natural tooth left.
- A back tooth has had root canal treatment.
- A tooth is badly worn from grinding or age.
- A piece of a tooth has broken off.
What happens at the visit
- Exam and imaging. Dr. Sadek checks the tooth and uses digital imaging to look at the root and the bone around it.
- Numbing. The area is numbed so you feel pressure, not sharp pain.
- Shaping the tooth. A thin layer of the tooth is removed so the crown can fit over it. Any decay is cleaned out.
- Recording the shape. The office uses 3D scanning and digital imaging. The dentist will explain how your tooth is measured for the crown.
- Temporary crown. Many crowns take two visits. A temporary crown protects the tooth while the final crown is made.
- Fitting the final crown. The dentist checks the fit, color, and bite, then cements the crown in place.
Crown materials offered: [OFFICE TO CONFIRM: crown materials offered]. The dentist will explain which materials suit a front tooth or a back tooth.
After your crown
While you have a temporary crown, avoid sticky or hard foods, and slide floss out to the side instead of pulling it up. Call us if the temporary crown comes off.
Once the final crown is placed, some sensitivity for a few days is common. Brush twice a day and floss daily. The crown itself cannot get a cavity, but the tooth under its edge still can. Call us if your bite feels high or the crown feels loose.
Crowns can last many years with good care, but no crown lasts forever. How long yours lasts depends on your habits, your bite, and your home care. If you grind your teeth, ask us whether a night guard is an option for you.
Cost factors
The cost of a crown depends on the tooth, the material, whether other work such as a root canal or a core buildup is needed first, and your insurance plan. We accept dental insurance, so call to check whether we work with your plan. CareCredit can spread larger treatment into monthly payments. We also take cards and tap-to-pay. Ask for an estimate before treatment. More details are on our insurance and payment page.
Why families choose our office
Dr. Wael Sadek explains why a tooth needs a crown, shows you what he sees, and talks about other choices when there are any, such as a large filling. Outcomes vary, and he will explain your options after an exam. He speaks English and Arabic.
Americana Family Dental is a family practice in Americana Plaza in Orlando, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking, and restroom. We are open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM. Appointments are recommended. Call (407) 850-0133.
Questions patients ask
How long do dental crowns last?
Crowns can last many years, but no crown lasts forever. How long yours lasts depends on the material, where it is in your mouth, whether you grind your teeth, and how well you brush and floss. Regular checkups let the dentist spot wear or decay around the edge early.
Does getting a crown hurt?
The tooth is numbed before it is shaped, so most people feel pressure rather than sharp pain. The tooth and gum may feel sore or sensitive for a few days afterward. Over-the-counter pain medicine taken as directed usually helps. Call us if discomfort gets worse.
Crown or filling: how do I know which I need?
It depends on how much healthy tooth is left. A small cavity usually needs only a filling. When a tooth is cracked, very worn, or has a large old filling, a crown may protect it better. Dr. Sadek will show you what he sees and explain why he suggests one option.
What should I do if my crown comes off?
Keep the crown in a safe place and call (407) 850-0133. Do not try to glue it back with household glue. Avoid chewing on that side, and keep the area clean. The front desk will look for the soonest time open so the dentist can check the tooth and the crown.
