When you need a crown
Crowns are recommended when too much of the tooth structure is missing or compromised to be safely repaired with a filling. Common reasons include:
- A cracked tooth, particularly one that hurts when you bite
- A tooth that has had a root canal and needs to be reinforced
- A large old filling that has failed or fractured
- A worn-down molar in a bruxer or heavy chewer
- The final restoration on top of a dental implant
- A discolored, oddly shaped, or chipped tooth in your smile line, where a veneer cannot do enough
What modern crowns are made of
We use modern all-ceramic crowns for almost every case. They are strong, tooth-colored from the inside out, and bond chemically to your remaining tooth structure. You will not see a dark line at the gum a few years later, a common giveaway of older metal-based crowns.
For back teeth subject to heavy chewing forces, we may recommend a zirconia crown, extraordinarily strong and still beautifully natural-looking.
What the process looks like
A traditional crown takes two visits about two to three weeks apart. At the first visit, we gently shape the tooth, take a digital scan, and place a comfortable temporary crown. Our dental laboratory crafts your final crown to match the color, shape, and texture of your neighboring teeth. At the second visit, we try it in, make any small adjustments, and bond it into place.
You will leave the second appointment with a tooth that feels like your own, chew anything, floss normally, brush as you always have. A well-made crown should last 10 to 20 years or longer with consistent home care and regular maintenance.
Caring for your crown
The tooth under your crown can still get cavities at the gum line, and the gum tissue around it can still get inflamed. Brush twice a day, floss daily, and keep your six-month cleanings. If you grind your teeth at night, a custom night guard protects the investment.