A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and appearance. Crowns are used when a tooth needs more protection than a filling can give — after a large cavity, a crack, or a root canal, for example.
When do you need a crown?
Your dentist may recommend a crown to:
- Protect a tooth weakened by a large cavity or a big old filling
- Hold together a cracked tooth or restore a broken one
- Protect a tooth after a root canal
- Cover a dental implant
- Anchor a dental bridge
- Improve the look of a badly discolored or misshapen tooth
Types of dental crowns
- Porcelain and ceramic crowns: the most natural-looking option, shade-matched to your teeth. A popular choice for front teeth.
- Zirconia crowns: a very strong ceramic that holds up well on back teeth while still looking natural.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns: a metal base for strength with a tooth-colored porcelain outer layer.
- Metal crowns: gold or other alloys. Highly durable, but their color makes them best suited to back teeth that don't show.
The right material depends on where the tooth is, how much biting force it takes, how it looks in your smile, and your budget. Your dentist will walk you through the options.
What to expect when getting a crown
- Exam and planning: your dentist checks the tooth, takes X-rays, and confirms a crown is the right fix.
- Preparing the tooth: after numbing the area, the dentist reshapes the tooth so the crown can fit over it. If a lot of the tooth is missing, it may be built up first.
- Impressions: a scan or impression of the tooth is used to make your custom crown, and the shade is matched to your neighboring teeth.
- Temporary crown: you'll usually wear a temporary crown while your permanent one is made.
- Placement: at a follow-up visit, the permanent crown is checked for fit and bite, then bonded in place.
The area is numbed for the procedure, so most people find it no more uncomfortable than a filling. Some sensitivity for a few days afterward is normal.
Crown vs. filling vs. veneer
A filling repairs a small area of decay. A crown covers the whole tooth, which makes it the better choice when a lot of the tooth is damaged. A veneer covers only the front of a tooth and is mainly cosmetic. For a closer comparison, see veneers vs. crowns.
How long do crowns last?
With good care, crowns are built to last many years. How long yours lasts depends on the material, where it is in your mouth, and habits like grinding or chewing ice. Regular checkups let your dentist keep an eye on the crown and the tooth underneath it.
Caring for a dental crown
- Brush twice a day and floss daily, paying attention to the gumline around the crown.
- Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, and other very hard foods.
- Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth.
- Keep up with regular cleanings and exams.
How much does a crown cost?
Cost depends on the material, the tooth, and whether any prep work is needed first. Crowns are often partly covered by dental insurance as a major restorative service. For details on what drives the price, see how much a dental crown costs.
Frequently asked questions
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. It covers the entire visible part of the tooth.
Why would I need a crown instead of a filling?
A filling repairs a small area of decay. When a large part of the tooth is damaged, cracked, or weakened, such as after a root canal, a crown gives it the full coverage and protection it needs.
Does getting a crown hurt?
The tooth is numbed before it's prepared, so most people find getting a crown no more uncomfortable than a filling. Mild sensitivity for a few days afterward is normal.
How long does it take to get a crown?
Most crowns take two visits: one to prepare the tooth and take impressions, and a second to place the permanent crown. You'll wear a temporary crown in between.
What are dental crowns made of?
Common materials include porcelain and ceramic, zirconia, porcelain fused to metal, and metal alloys like gold. Your dentist recommends a material based on the tooth's location, appearance, and the force it takes.
How long does a dental crown last?
With good care, crowns are built to last many years. How long yours lasts depends on the material, its location, and habits like grinding or chewing hard foods.
Find out if a crown is right for your tooth
If a tooth is cracked, sensitive, or recently had a root canal, an exam will show whether a crown is the right fix. Learn more about our restorative dentistry, or find your nearest Ideal Dental.